Whiteman Airport

• Runway 12/30: 4,120 x 75 ft (1,256 x 23 m), surface: asphalt == Barton Heliport of the LACoFD ==

The Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations unit is based at Barton Heliport (KPAI), adjacent to the southeast of this airport. == Education ==

Whiteman Airport hosts two flight training programs: Vista Air Inc., a privately owned Part 61 flight school, and Glendale Community College’s Part 141 aviation program. Both institutions provide comprehensive instruction, including ground school, real-time flight training, and simulated flight exercises in Cessna aircraft. Student pilots can obtain their Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) through these programs. Unfortunately, since the airport does not have an Instrument Landing System (ILS), Van Nuys Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport are alternative practice areas for these procedures. == Flying clubs and groups ==

The airport is home to Senior Squadron 35, Cadet Squadron 137, and Los Angeles County Group 1 of the Civil Air Patrol, as well as EAA Chapter 40 and a branch of the Young Eagles. The mission of the EAA Young Eagles Program is to provide a meaningful flight experience – free of charge – in a general aviation aircraft for young people (primarily between the ages of 8 and 17). Flights are provided by EAA members at Whiteman Airport and worldwide. == Criticism and Possible Closure ==

Safety concerns due to airplane crashes, along with noise pollution concerns due to the widespread use of lead in avgas have led some nearby residents and local politicians to make repeated calls for the facility's closure. As a result, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to look at what would be necessary to close the airport, and Representative Tony Cárdenas requested a comprehensive safety review. Los Angeles councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Council District 7, joins 501(c)(3) Pacoima Beautiful in seeking Whiteman's closure. No plans or disclosures have been released specifying which entities, public or for-profit, might acquire the land and facilities if closed, nor to what use they might be put. Other groups, such the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, are opposed to closing the airport, citing the many benefits it provides to the community including jobs, youth and outreach programs, and multiple public safety and emergency services based at the airport. ==Accidents and incidents==

Although there have never been any injuries to people on the ground, there have been multiple incidents involving aircraft based at Whiteman Airport. • On November 12, 2020, a Cessna plane coming in for a landing at Whiteman Airport crashed into a residential neighborhood in Pacoima after experiencing engine failure. The pilot was killed, and the crash damaged electrical wires, cars, and at least one home. • On April 20, 2022, a pilot was killed when his Cessna Skymaster crashed into Interstate 210 several minutes after departing from Whiteman Airport. • On April 20, 2026, a Cessna 172S struck a powerline on Van Nuys Boulevard while approaching Runway 12, and landed upside down on a parking lot. The single pilot on board sustained critical injuries. ==See also==