Sherman Urges FAA to Approve Lease for LAUSD's Aircraft Mechanics Program at Van Nuys Airport
SHERMAN OAKS, CA – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) wrote to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urging the agency to approve the lease proposal from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to continue to operate the North Valley Occupational Center-Aviation Center at Van Nuys Airport.
“The Aviation Center’s Aircraft Mechanics Program is one of the top ranked programs in the nation for high school and adult students seeking much sought after skills to gain high-paying jobs in the aviation and aerospace industry for aircraft operators at Van Nuys Airport and across the country,” said Congressman Sherman.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is working with LAUSD to draft a new long-term lease at the rate of $1.00 per year. The FAA is required to review and approve the lease to ensure the terms meet current federal guidelines and policies. Congressman Sherman is urging the FAA to expedite the review and approval process so that LAUSD and LAWA can negotiate a new lease before the current lease term expires on June 30, 2013. Under the financial terms of a new lease, LAUSD is committed to continuing to operate the program at Van Nuys Airport.
The full letter to the Federal Aviation Administration is below.
February 8, 2013
Mr. David Soumi
Acting Regional Administrator
Western-Pacific Region
Federal Aviation Administration
P.O. Box 92007
Los Angeles, CA 90009
Re: LAUSD Aviation Center at Van Nuys Airport
Dear Mr. Soumi:
I am writing to strongly urge the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review and offer its consent to the proposal from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to remain a tenant at Van Nuys Airport and continue to operate the North Valley Occupational Center-Aviation Center under the terms of a new lease agreement.
The Aviation Center’s Aircraft Mechanics Program offers invaluable skills and training to dozens of students each year who ultimately receive FAA certification and get placed in high-paying jobs in the aviation and aerospace industries, including businesses at Van Nuys Airport.
On February 1, 2013, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) submitted an inquiry to the FAA regarding the specific request by LAUSD to occupy the same property for a $1.00 per year rent for a 15 year term under a new lease with LAWA. This request is consistent with existing FAA policy and other similar arrangements that have been made for educational institutions at LAWA-owned facilities. LAWA wants to retain the LAUSD and it needs guidance and consent from the FAA before the agency can negotiate and approve a new lease.
I am confident the FAA can address the issues brought to your attention in LAWA’s letter and allow the agency to immediately draft a new lease before the existing LAUSD lease expires on June 30, 2013. Thank you for your urgent assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
BRAD SHERMAN
Member of Congress
-30-