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The Noise Abatement office aims to reduce aircraft noise and improve the Airport's compatibility with the surrounding community through a balanced approach of the Airport's requirements as well as the community's needs. The ultimate goal is to create a livable environment for all. In pursuit of this objective, the City of Torrance is continuously seeking ways to enable pilots to use the airport while minimizing noise pollution in the community.
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Check out the new Torrance Municipal Airport (Zamperini Field) Noise Abatement Guide. This guide contains information on noise limits, departure curfews, enforcement, and suggested fly routes.
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WHAT IS BEING DONE?
TOPIC |
STATUS AS OF 8/22/24 |
Removal of Article 15 of the City Charter |
The November Election ballot will have the Council supported Charter Amendment that includes removing the Airport Fund from the City Charter to keep it consistent with all other funds, which are not listed in the City Charter. The Airport Fund is not being eliminated from the City’s budget. If approved by voters, the Finance Department will administer the Airport Fund as it does with all other funds in the budget such as the General Fund, Capital Improvement, Transit, Sewer, Water and other Enterprise funds. There will be no changes to the budget, budget process, or airport operations as a result of this proposed Charter Amendment. |
Land Use Study |
On January 23, 2024, the City Council reviewed Item 9B, examining the feasibility of conducting a Land Use Study to evaluate the Torrance Municipal Airport – Zamperini Field for its 'highest and best' use. Following extensive discussions and public input, the City Council made the decision to formally accept and file the report, opting against initiating a land use study at this time. The Council acknowledged the ongoing significance of the Torrance Municipal Airport – Zamperini Field as a valuable asset to the City. Their current focus is directed towards enhancing the equilibrium of airport operations, by working towards ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the local residents and airport users. |
Landing Fees |
Effective February 1, 2024, A landing fee shall be charged to any individual or entity landing an aircraft at Torrance Airport.
For further information, contact Airport Administration at [email protected] or call 310-784-7900. |
Noise Study |
The City’s noise study commenced in September 2023 and was completed within December 2023. The goal of the noise study was to conduct a detailed analysis to determine if and where additional noise monitors would be of benefit to the community. The results of the noise study along with recommendations to the noise monitoring program was presented to the City Council on February 6, 2024. The City Council voted to remain status quo, with no changes to be made to the existing noise monitoring system. For additional details related to the Noise Study, please see the Noise Study section further below. |
Touch and Go’s, Reduced Days/ Hours for Taxi Back, Low Approach |
Effective March 8, 2024, touch (and stop) and go landing are prohibited. Additionally, taxi backs and low approaches are limited to 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Taxi backs and low approaches are prohibited on City observed holidays and all other hours, unless in the event of an emergency or directed by the FAA- Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). Violation of these regulations will result in the issuance of a Notice to Appear before the City’s Administrative Hearing Board. For further information on training operations, please contact Noise Abatement staff at [email protected] or by phone at (310) 784-7950. |
Phase out of Lead Gas |
Staff is preparing an item to update the City Council on the status of unleaded gas that may be used at the Airport, approvals by the FAA, and realistic timelines that it may become readily available. Anticipated date is September 10, 2024. |
Letter of Agreement - Torrance Based Flight Schools and City of Torrance |
Airport staff are engaging the Torrance based flight schools to discuss signatories of the approved voluntary Letter of Agreement between them and the City of Torrance. |
Engagement with FAA |
The community webinar once anticipated in early 2024 has been cancelled at the request of the FAA. |
Airport Taxiway Lighting |
Scope of work 8/22/24 - Staff is developing a design/build Request for Proposals (RFP) for the complete replacement of all runway and taxiway lights and signage. This will include removal of all existing lights and signs, which will be replaced by new LED lighting fixtures, signage, and underground wiring. The Airport remains open for overnight operations. The RFP is projected to be released in Q3 of FY 2024-25. |
Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) |
Design did not pass plan check as further specifications of the equipment are needed. Design vendor Lean Corp. unable to specify one manufacturer over another due to potential conflict of interest. General Services has solicited construction management services to identify an authorized contractor/ installer so that the equipment specification details can be provided to complete plans and be approved through plan check. Project will be awarded after approval. |
Upcoming Airport Projects |
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As shown below, the City Council approved a number of motions at their July 25th City Council meeting to help alleviate noise around the airport. Most of these actions will require studies to be conducted as well as the creation of new ordinances and contract documents. As such, staff does not currently have a timeline for when each item will go into effect. However, staff is working diligently on each of the motions to ensure they are handled as quickly as possible.
- Implement landing fees for all transient aircraft and flight schools with fleets of 3 or more. Robinson Helicopter exempt.
- Request a voluntary Letter of Agreement be signed by the Torrance-based flight schools for training at the airport.
- Conduct a noise study with the potential of expanding the current noise abatement monitoring system around the airport.
- Modify the hours of touch and go’s, taxi back, and low approaches to only be allowed Monday – Friday ,10:00 am-6:00 pm. No training allowed on holidays.
- Enforce Resolution 77-215, which allows a maximum of 6 flight schools.
- Enforce the early left turn requirement.
- Provide a report on phasing out of leaded gas within 12 months.
- Send the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a letter of cooperation regarding the concerns surrounding the operations of Torrance Airport.
Noise Study
The City’s noise study commenced on September 18, 2023. The overall noise study consists of four phases, as described below. The first three phases have been completed. The results of the noise study along with recommendations to the noise monitoring program were presented to the City Council on February 6, 2024. At the conclusion of the discussion, the City Council voted to remain status quo with no changes to the existing noise monitoring system.
Phase 1 - Background (Complete)
Phase 2 – Site Testing (Complete)
Phase 3 – Recommendations (Complete)
Possible Phase 4 – Installation (Not Recommended by the City Council)
The City’s noise study commenced on September 18, 2023. The overall noise study consists of four phases, as described below. The first three phases have been completed. The results of the noise study along with recommendations to the noise monitoring program were presented to the City Council on February 6, 2024. At the conclusion of the discussion, the City Council voted to remain status quo with no changes to the existing noise monitoring system.
Phase 1 - Background (Complete)
- Analysis of flight patterns
- Analysis of complaint trends
- Analysis of land use
- Collaboration to predict future flight pattern changes
Phase 2 – Site Testing (Complete)
- Portable noise monitoring at each potential site
- Expected to monitor noise for 1-week at each site
Phase 3 – Recommendations (Complete)
- Casper to present findings
- Following feedback additional research may be required
- Final decision on number and placement of new Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMTs) to be made by City Council
Possible Phase 4 – Installation (Not Recommended by the City Council)
- Installation would begin following approval of recommended sites by City Council
- Timeframe for installation is variable, as would need to include time for permitting, pouring concrete, and construction of NMT equipment
Check out the Noise Lab for public education, Noise Abatement and Airport news, investigating flights and submitting complaints.
The noise monitors around the airport change colors as the noise level rises (i.e., light blue to blue green to light green to yellow to orange to red). Red does not indicate it is a violation, just a higher noise level.
A potential violation would be:
When we receive the report from our noise monitoring system that shows a noise reading higher than allowed, staff will investigate to determine if it was a plane or some other contributor (e.g., emergency vehicles, loud motor vehicles, barking dog, etc.). In addition, staff will investigate complaints from the public. Learn more about Noise Abatement.
Complaints related to noise and/or curfew can be made within the City's noise system (Noise Lab) or via telephone/voicemail at (310) 784-7950.
A potential violation would be:
- if a plane went above 82 dB during the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and;
- above 76 dB during the hours of 10:01 pm and 6:59 am.
When we receive the report from our noise monitoring system that shows a noise reading higher than allowed, staff will investigate to determine if it was a plane or some other contributor (e.g., emergency vehicles, loud motor vehicles, barking dog, etc.). In addition, staff will investigate complaints from the public. Learn more about Noise Abatement.
Complaints related to noise and/or curfew can be made within the City's noise system (Noise Lab) or via telephone/voicemail at (310) 784-7950.
