South Bay : Pilots, Lawmakers on Common Ground

Pilots and lawmakers found common ground this week when the council scaled back new rules for airport hangars at Torrance Airport.

“I think the city is changing its attitudes toward the airport,” said Jim Gates, president of the Torrance Airport Assn. “There’s a willingness here to look at the airport as an important business asset to the community.”

City officials had proposed limiting individual hangars to one aircraft, prohibiting construction of kit airplanes or major repairs in the hangars and starting unannounced inspections.

Dozens of airplane owners turned out for the council meeting to complain about the restrictions and the council decided to send the rules back to the city staff for revisions.

“I think the changes reflect the desires of the aviation enthusiasts,” said airport manager Tad Dougherty. “There is a large group of Torrance-based pilots who let the council know that being a part of this airport is important to them.”