Airport Management has offered to review the airport’s finances with the San Carlos Airport Association. There are several unique and challenging developments on this front. Specifically, the cost of rebuilding 795 Skyway and the associated loss of rental income has caused what should be a temporary deficit on the Airport’s balance sheet. There are plans in place for grants and loans to cover these expenses, but the cost of operations at the airport has also increased. We are looking forward to gaining a better understanding of the challenges.
On the revenue front, there is a longstanding dispute concerning the County’s diversion of fuel tax revenues from all airports located in San Mateo County to SFO. There is an unambiguous agreement in place that requires 50% of fuel tax revenues to go the County of San Mateo Airports budget. That money has instead been going to fund services at SFO. There is a pending Part 16 Complaint with the FAA demanding an end to these diversions, but the FAA has yet to act.
A Call for New Leadership
The issues outlined above and in other recent posts here — including landing fee pressures at nearby airports and reduced tower staffing at San Carlos — are converging and coming to a head. They will have significant impact on San Carlos Airport and flying beyond San Carlos. Many members of the SCAPA Board have served over 20 years. We have seen many challenges and issues, and have done our best to show up to defend the airport and flying. Now, several of us have reached a point in our lives when it is time to move on and direct our energies elsewhere.
We will remain members of SCAPA, but the airport needs new blood to engage and take up the responsibility for representing and advocating for pilots, tenants, and everyone in the surrounding community who benefits from and relies on having a healthy, working airport. There are different constituencies of users at San Carlos Airport. The San Carlos Airport Association welcomes everyone. Together, we can work to preserve our wonderful community airport. Please contact us to volunteer.
