Whiteman Airport

Marvin Whiteman Sr.’s dream took flight in 1946. He transformed his Pacoima farm into Whiteman Air Park. Whiteman Airport, as it’s now known, wasn’t always a county-owned facility. It began as a pilot’s haven, a non-tower controlled private airfield. Later, Whiteman Manufacturing Co. sprung up on the airport’s west side, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder. The Los Angeles County took ownership of Whiteman Airport in 1970. A name change in the 1980s officially christened it “Whiteman Airport”. However, many local pilots, steeped in the airport’s history, still fondly refer to it as “Whiteman Airpark”. Today, Whiteman Airport buzzes with activity 24/7. Over 600 aircraft call this airport home. Numerous aviation-related businesses thrive here. Whiteman Airport welcomes a diverse range of aircraft. From small aircraft to medium turboprops and jets, it handles them all. The runway is narrow. Jet traffic is a rare sight. Serco, not the FAA, manages the control tower. It operates daily, guiding pilots safely. The single runway boasts runway end identifier lights (REILs). Pilot-controlled medium-intensity runway lights (MIRLs) illuminate the path. A precision approach path indicator (PAPI) aids landings. Fueling is easy. Both full and self-service options are available around the clock. Pilots can also access continuous weather updates thanks to the automated weather observing system (AWOS), available by radio and telephone. Whiteman Airport isn’t just about planes. It also houses the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations unit at the adjacent Barton Heliport (KPAI). The airport also plays host to several flying clubs and groups. Civil Air Patrol Squadrons 35 and 137, along with Los Angeles County Group 1, all operate from here. EAA Chapter 40 also calls this airport home, offering the Young Eagles program. This program provides free introductory flights to young people, inspiring the next generation of aviators. However, Whiteman Airport’s story isn’t without its challenges. Safety and noise pollution concerns have led some residents and politicians to call for its closure. The use of leaded avgas is a particular concern. Accidents, though not involving bystanders, have added fuel to this debate. A Cessna crash in 2020 tragically killed the pilot. In 2022, a Cessna 172 collided with a train, the pilot narrowly escaping before impact. Later that year, another fatal Cessna crash occurred shortly after takeoff. Despite these challenges, the airport also enjoys strong support. Groups like the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council highlight its positive impact, including job creation, youth programs, and emergency services. The debate continues, but one thing is clear: Whiteman Airport, born from a pilot’s dream, continues to be a significant part of the San Fernando Valley’s landscape.