March 4, 2024

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, announced an important step to a healthier Northeast San Fernando Valley. Beginning June 1, 2024, unleaded aviation fuel will be commercially available at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. This transition from leaded to unleaded aviation fuel is the result of Chair Horvath’s November 7, 2023 motion to reimagine Whiteman Airport.

“Los Angeles County is taking action to safeguard the health of our Pacoima and Northeast San Fernando Valley neighbors surrounding Whiteman Airport by transitioning to unleaded aviation fuel,” said Chair Horvath. “I wholeheartedly support Senator Menjivar’s legislation to ban leaded fuel outright. Until we have that directive Los Angeles County will do everything within our authority to prioritize unleaded options countywide.”

Moreover, Chair Horvath emphasized, the County will not seek future funding from the FAA that would further lengthen aviation operations at Whiteman Airport, a measure that is also in alignment with her November 7 motion on the future of the 78-year-old airport.

Beginning June 1, LA County Public Works will provide Swift Fuels UL94, unleaded aviation gasoline at all five LA County-operated airports. This gasoline is usable by approximately 60-70 percent of the piston aircraft fleet. The unleaded aviation fuel industry is quickly developing. The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet approved an unleaded fuel for all piston aircraft. Given this, a low lead fuel option will still be available for sale. Public Works will encourage and prioritize the use of the new unleaded option.

A voluntary airport curfew is also in place at Whiteman Airport, limiting departures and arrivals between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. A process is underway to move toward a mandatory curfew.

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