There are a number of activities occurring at the airport.
The cities "official" site where they post occasional updates for projects is called Trending Torrance. Airport staff has been told to redirect all queries about airport status to this site. https://www.trendingintorrance.com/airport-matters.html
The current list of "ongoing long-term projects" includes the following:
• Removal of Article 15 of the City Charter - This measure was passed on the November 2024 election, the charter no longer mandates the use of airport generated revenue and airport financial control is managed via the cities general fund, all airport revenue now goes into the same general fund used to finance other city operations.
• Land Use Study - At the January 2024 city council meeting it was proposed to initiate a study (using airport funds) to determine the "highest and best" use of the airport property. The city council vote opted "against initiating a land use study at this time." [editors note: the use of "at this time" is disconcerting because it implies the council may attempt to conduct a land re-use study sometime in the future]
• Landing Fee - Reference the landing fees page https://yourtaa.org/Landing-Fees.html
• Noise Study - Between Sept and Dec 2023 the city council examined noise complaints and determined to continue with the set of noise monitors currently deployed. Additional details related to the noise study can be found on the Trending Torrance - Airport page.
• Touch and Go’s, Reduced Days/ Hours for Taxi Back, Low Approach - Reference the Touch and Goes page https://yourtaa.org/touch-and-goes.html
• Phase out of leaded aviation fuel - Sept 2024 City Council filed a staff report about the use of unleaded fuel and stated their public support of an unleaded fuel solution.
• Letter of Agreement - Torrance Based Flight Schools and City of Torrance - Airport staff tried to get a voluntary letter of agreement about flight training restrictions, the staff constraints were not viable to pilots actually flying airplanes. The schools proposed a solution which addressed a lot of the concerns and was an implementable solution, the city rejected it.
• Engagement with FAA - City council requested a meeting between FAA, flight schools, airport pilot organization, and residents. Unfortunately, the FAA declined with a suggestion the city, residents, and pilots first work together on a solution to bring to the FAA. The city declined to engage in discussion which brought pilots and residents together with city staff where all could be heard equally.
• Airport Taxiway Lighting - an RFP is expected to be released soon for the replacement of "all the runway and taxiway lights and signage". This work will, if past performance indicates anything, take years.
• Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Installation - City says cost is budgeted, a provider has been identified, and plans should be completed by end of Dec 2024.
• Runway 29R/11L Restriping - Scheduled between 2-Dec and 16-Dec 2024
• East T Hanger repainting - power wash, prime, and repaint (as needed) underway to complete 22-Nov 2024
• Airport Security Camera replacement - The addition of surveillance and replacement of non-working camera. Contract being reviewed and approved, no timeline yet.
• General Aviation Center Parking Lot - has been sealed and repainted and restriped.