Overview
- The county aviation commission held a public meeting on safety concerns after a small plane hit power lines and crashed near Whiteman Airport, injuring the pilot.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause, and the airport’s manager says the field is operating safely and meets required inspections.
- A coalition of aviation voices is urging upgrades and alleges county leaders blocked access to federal grants, citing about $18 million in paving, signage, and runway and taxiway work over six years.
- The Department of Public Works says the availability of federal grants does not affect safe operations at the county’s airports.
- Results of a 2024 county study are due this year for FAA review, and the agency has told the county the airport must stay open as long as it remains viable, while residents weigh housing plans against the airfield’s firefighting role and local jobs.