Santa Monica nixes large jet ban

On April 10, Santa Monica (Calif.) Airport director Robert Trimborn sent a letter to airport users advising them that beginning April 24, “only aircraft in the FAA-designated A and B categories will be allowed to operate at SMO.” The rule would effectively ban jets with approach speeds greater than 121 knots. The FAA responded by issuing a cease-and-desist order on April 23, ordering the city to halt implementation of the ordinance. After being warned by a Department of Justice attorney that the government would issue a temporary restraining order against the city, Santa Monica’s city attorney directed Trimborn to suspend implementation of the ordinance.