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
Click here for the e-mail version (including photos).
A Message from the Airport Manager - 1/23/2018
2017 has flown by, and VNY is cleared for take-off into 2018. We are excited for new opportunities and improvements this year, and continue to employ an optimistic outlook for aviation and the economy.
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).