Flight Tracks is a periodical publication of Van Nuys Airport (VNY) that connects our airport users, operators and community with news about the airport and airport-related events. Check below for some of our more recent news, and be sure to subscribe to Flight Tracks to stay connected. Thank you for supporting VNY as we celebrate 90 years of aviation in 2018!
Flora Margheritis, C.M.
Van Nuys Airport Manager
As summer progresses, I am pleased to report that VNY continues to set the gold standard for safety, security, sustainability and service thanks to the ongoing efforts of the entire airport community.
Thirty-Three Operators Awarded Friendly Flier Award - 7/2019
In June, 33 aviation companies were awarded Friendly Flier Awards at a luncheon held at their honor. Airtel Plaza Hotel today, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) honored 36 general aviation companies with Friendly Flyer Awards. The awards honor the companies’ outstanding compliance with established noise abatement regulations and achieving 99 percent or greater compliance with all voluntary noise abatement programs at VNY during the 2018 calendar year.
Airport Manager Receives Award from NATA - 7/2019
Van Nuys Airport Manager, Flora Margheritis, received the 2018 National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Airport Executive Partnership Award given annually to recognize an airport manager for his or her outstanding efforts in fostering relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.
Van Nuys Airport Trains for Emergencies - 7/2019
VNY continues to build awareness and preparedness through it ongoing emergency management training and exercise programs.
Clay Lacy Aviation Opens New Maintenance Facility - 7/2019
In February, Clay Lacy Aviation opened a new 24/7 aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for its FAA Part 145 repair station at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles.
Van Nuys Airport Manager Flora Margheritis shares aviation experience with middle-school girls - 7/2019
HNTB Corporation and the Los Angeles Board of Public Works recently completed an aviation experience module with the Los Angeles Unified School District’s first all-girls secondary school – the Girls Academic Leadership Academy.
6th Annual Pancake Fundraiser Raises $2,000 for the Mid Valley Y - 7/2019
Van Nuys Airport’s Team LAWA hosted their 6th annual pancake breakfast to raise funds for the Mid Valley Family YMCA’s youth programs.
14th Annual Aviation Career Day - 7/2019
On May 2, VNY hosted over 1,200 students from 24 L.A. area schools at the 14th annual Aviation Career Day held at The Park VNY.
A Message from the Airport Manager - 1/2019
Greetings and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! In the months ahead, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) looks forward to working in collaboration with our business and community stakeholders to advance airport safety, security, service and sustainability.
Sustainable Jet Fuel Trial Begins at VNY - 1/2019
As the first general aviation airport in the U.S. to offer sustainable alternative jet fuels (SAJF) on a trial basis, VNY helped show off the potential of the product when it hosted Business Jets Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability” in mid-January.
Clay Lacy Aviation Marks 50th Anniversary - 1/2019
The year 2018 was a golden one for Clay Lacy Aviation as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Gault Pupils Get Surprise Visit from Santa - 1/2019
Nearly 400 pupils from Gault Street Elementary School received a surprise visit from Santa Claus in mid-December as VNY held its Adopt-A-School program and holiday celebration.
Purwin Honored at Dedication Event - 1/2019
The late Alan Purwin of Helinet Aviation was honored during the dedication of a helicopter themed play structure at the VNY’s observation area in mid-November at an event that also marked the airport’s 90th anniversary.
Prop Park Fly-In Draws Aviation Fans - 1/2019
Several hundred aviation aficionados were able to get an up-close look at dozens of planes, including Clay Lacy’s DC-3, a World War II P-52 Mustang, a Stearman biplane, and a variety of Cessna 172s and 182s during the first Prop Park Fly-In in mid-September.
Taxiway B Work Gets Underway - 1/2019
Work is starting on a $26.3 million, 14-month project to rehabilitate Taxiway B at Van Nuys Airport.
Marlow Promoted at Castle & Cooke Aviation - 1/2019
Tony Marlow, who has nearly 40 year of experience in aviation, including more than a decade with Castle & Cooke, was promoted to president of the company’s aviation division in October.
Tenants Commit to Solar Power - 1/2019
Seven of VNY's tenant businesses committed to produce sustainable, renewable energy from the sun during an unveiling of Aeroplex/Aerolease Group's solar panel installation in late October.
A Message from the Airport Manager - 9/2018
As fall approaches, I would like to recognize the efforts of Van Nuys Airport’s (VNY) tenants and employees who worked to ensure the safety and security of passengers during the busy summer travel season.
Prop Park Fly-In - 9/2018
The Park VNY, and the Van Nuys Propeller Association has something special planned for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 -16.
Top Aviation Industry Official Visits VNY - 9/2018
Todd Hauptli, president and CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), made his first official visit to Van Nuys Airport on June 25 to witness firsthand the activities and operations at one of the nation’s leading general aviation airports.
Friendly Flyers Honored - 9/2018
Forty jet operators were honored by Van Nuys Airport during its sixth annual Friendly Flyer noise-abatement awards ceremony and luncheon in June.
Clay Lacy Welcomes New Managers to Van Nuys FBO - 9/2018
Clay Lacy Aviation recently welcomed two new managers to the FBO team at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles.
Casey Pullman Joins Castle and Cooke Aviation as GM at Van Nuys - 9/2018
The new general manager for Castle and Cooke Aviation at Van Nuys Airport, has strong local roots in the industry, going back to his nine years of service in the U.S. Navy, which included a stint at Naval Base Ventura County-Point Mugu working with the C130 squadron.
Robert Murphy Joins Signature as Assistant GM - 9/2018
A native of central New York who lived in the Daytona Beach, Fla., area for the past 15 years, is splitting time between the east and west offices as he helps on day-to-day matters and trains for moving into a general manager role.
New Faces of PR - 9/2018
You may have noticed two new faces in the Van Nuys Airport Public and Community Relations Office. Sandra Peterson joined the VNY PR team in July and Alyssa Malette joined in August.
VNY Volunteer Spotlight - 9/2018
Since November 2017, Matthew has been a tremendous asset to Van Nuys Airport’s (VNY) Public and Community Relations department.
ACE Academy a Success - 9/2018
Over 40 students participated in this year’s Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy hosted by Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Students were given an inside look at VNY’s rich history and daily airport operations and learned first-hand from aviation professionals including airport operations, air traffic control and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
New NBAA Official Stresses Opportunities - 9/2018
The National Business Aviation Association’s new Western regional representative says developing the next generation of aviation employees is something he has a keen interest in.
1,500 Area Students Explore Aviation Opportunities at Van Nuys Airport - 6/2018
With a shortage projected for aviation career professionals, now is a crucial time to introduce our future aviation professionals to careers and opportunities that are available in the industry.
Clay Lacy Certified as Green Business by City of Los Angeles - 6/2018
In May, Clay Lacy Aviation announced that the company’s Van Nuys Airport headquarters and maintenance facility is now officially certified by the City of Los Angeles as a Green Business and member of the California Green Business Network.
Local Students, Aviation Professionals Chart Course to Success at Annual VNY Job Shadow Day - 6/2018
On February 22nd, more than 70 students from Van Nuys High School and the North Valley Occupational Center (NVOC) Aviation Campus, which is located at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), were greeted by mentors from aviation-related airport businesses for an insightful and interactive program during VNY's Job Shadow Day.
Spotlight on Anahit Orbelyan, Airport Superintendent of Operations II - 6/2018
Help us welcome Anahit Orbelyan to the Van Nuys Airport Team. Anahit joined LAWA in 2016 as Airport Superintendent of Operations and is responsible for a wide variety of airport tasks ensuring safety and compliance in all operations at both LAX and VNY.
VNY Control Tower Reopens - 6/2018
Amid steady operational growth at VNY, the air traffic control tower renovation and refurbishment project that began in 2016 was completed earlier this year and will move operations from the airport’s smaller temporary facility back into the newly-upgraded tower.
Diana Sanchez honored as “Woman of the Year” at the California State Senate - 6/2018
Diana Sanchez, VNY Public & Community Relations Director, was honored in March at the California State Capitol as a 2018 Woman of the Year by Senator Robert M. Hertzberg of Senate District 18.
Free Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy Applications Now Being Accepted - 6/2018
Once again, Van Nuys Airport is hosting its annual Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy for interested middle and high school students. The summer educational program is open to all middle school and high school students with priority given to students in the neighboring areas of VNY.
Businesses are Going Green at VNY - 1/23/2018
The Aeroplex/Aerolease Group recently became the first VNY tenant to be certified in the City of Los Angeles Green Business Program, with a similar project in the works at Western Jet Aviation. The program provides free assistance to help and encourage L.A. businesses to become more efficient and sustainable.
Airport Superintendent Bud Carson Receives ATSI Digicast Award - 1/23/2018
Van Nuys Airport’s Lowell “Bud” Carson, Superintendent of Airport Operations, was recently awarded the Airport Training & Safety Institute’s (ATSI) Level 1 Digicast Certificate for completing at least 50 test units from combined ATSI category exams.
In Memory of Lynda Levitan - 1/23/2018
Lynda Levitan, former Area Director for L.A. Council District 6, passed away on Friday, January 19th. Lynda was an avid supporter of Van Nuys Airport and aviation, and dedicated her life to public service.
VNY Hurricane Relief Efforts Took Flight - 1/23/2018
n September, Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Pegasus Elite Aviation, Van Nuys Airport Association and Operation Gratitude held an airport-wide relief drive to benefit victims of hurricane-affected areas in Florida, which saw a generous outpouring of donations from the community.
Santa Arrives in Classic Style during the Gault Holiday Celebration - 1/23/2018
On December 14th, Santa and his jolly crew surprised nearly 400 students at Gault Street Elementary School as part of VNY’s Adopt-A-School program and holiday celebration.
“Vinny” Debuts during Season of Street Fairs - 11/27/2017
Amid the bustle of families and festival-goers, VNY’s own mascot Vinny made his debut with stylish enthusiasm.
VNY Hosts AAAE 2017 General Aviation Conference - 8/31/2017 10:55:13 AM
Amid an atmosphere of increased safety, security and preparedness in aviation, Van Nuys Airport was excited to host the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) 2017 General Aviation (GA) Issues and Security Conference from August 20-22, 2017. As one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, served as an appropriate backdrop to address topics related to the GA community.
VNY Achieves Airport Carbon Accreditation - 8/31/2017 10:53:48 AM
Van Nuys Airport is moving full-speed ahead on its journey to becoming a cleaner and more efficient community for airport users, operators, neighbors and the environment. On July 21, 2017 it was confirmed that VNY has achieved the necessary requirements to enter at Level 2 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, which bolsters airport efforts to continue to reduce, manage and ultimately neutralize their carbon footprint.
Super Scoopers Return to VNY - 8/31/2017 10:52:30 AM
In a press event on August 18th, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department formally announced the return of the beloved CL-415 Bombardier “Super Scoopers” and Erickson Air Crane Helitankers to Van Nuys Airport to assist the region during fire season, which has been declared earlier than usual this year.
Over 1,200 Students Explore Aviation Careers at VNY - 8/31/2017 10:51:08 AM
On May 19, Van Nuys Airport welcomed more than 1,200 LAUSD students and 40 aviation-related organizations for the 12th Annual “The Sky’s the Limit: Aviation Career Day” event, which helps introduce youth to the broad career opportunities in the aviation industry.
CD6 Keeps Sherman Way Tunnel in Shape - 8/31/2017 10:49:42 AM
The underground of the Sherman Way tunnel has, in the past, been met with attempts at defacing and served as an open space for passersby to litter. Maintaining its cleanliness has been point of concern for our community. With debris along the curbs and graffiti blemishing the walls, it was a poor representation of our greater community and was not conducive to supporting the community’s overall image goals.
Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Cooks Up Family Fun - 8/31/2017 10:48:10 AM
The 4th Annual YMCA Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser in June was a huge success! The Van Nuys Airport volunteer group Team LAWA, in collaboration with the Mid Valley Family YMCA and LAFD Station 114, served pancakes and a side of family fun inside the Station 114 hangar to more than 200 guests at this year’s fundraiser breakfast. After a serving of pancakes and sausage, attendees were also invited to participate in family-friendly activities including a toss game, a balsa wood and candy airplane station, a Legacy of Van Nuys Airport historical film viewing area, tours of the LAFD Air Operations facility and chances to win some great raffle prizes.
VNY's ACE Academy is Flying High - 8/31/2017 10:45:52 AM
Students were a soaring success at Van Nuys Airport's annual Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy, a free week-long summer program that introduces interested students to the spectrum of career opportunities within the aviation and aerospace industries. Familiar locations and new program hosts alike provided exciting and informative visions of the possible career futures available to our academy participants.
VNY Opens Hangar Doors to Local Students - 4/17/2017 09:45:22 AM
Do you know a young person who dreams about working in, on or around aircraft? On May 19, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) will welcome approximately 1,400 local high school students interested in exploring what careers the aviation and aerospace industries have to offer.
Safety: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility - 4/17/2017 09:43:36 AM
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and the Aeroplex/Aerolease Group will co-host a “Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Event” on Tuesday, April 25 to facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration among airport tenants, community representatives and emergency response personnel.
Remembering Neil Looy – Friend and Aviation Advocate - 4/17/2017 09:42:44 AM
On February 3rd, 2017, the Van Nuys Airport community lost a valued friend and advocate in the passing of Neil Looy at CAPS Aviation (formerly Corporate Air Parts, Inc.)
Progress on Tower Renovation Soars - 4/17/2017 09:41:43 AM
Renovation of the VNY air traffic control, which commenced last November, is approximately 38 percent complete. The project includes the installation of new communications equipment and technology.
Students Receive a Job Shadow Jump Start on Careers in Aviation - 4/17/2017 09:40:46 AM
On February 2nd, aviation-related business mentors were greeted by 34 students from Van Nuys High School eager to learn about the diverse career opportunities at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) during Groundhog Job Shadow Day. This annual event is held in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern California (JASC).
