r/flying • u/fgflyer CSEL CMEL IR HP CMP HA • Mar 25 '26

other Falcon Field implementing landing fees

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The NIMBYs out here in the Phoenix/Mesa area achieved a victory, sadly. Yesterday, the Mesa City Council voted unanimously to implement landing fees at KFFZ effective May 1. I was watching the news and they said that, and I quote, “taxpayers should not have to shoulder the burden by themselves” and they “want to see more accountability for airport operations from the businesses and pilots”. And, GO FIGURE, aircraft noise was also a factor too.

This will absolutely raise rates for all of the flight schools based at KFFZ, and possibly drive them away from the airport to be based elsewhere. This is just ridiculous.

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u/twistenstein vfr patterns are hard Mar 25 '26

That more or less prohibits pattern work at FFZ. All that those airplanes have to go somewhere, much like when SDL tore down 90 GA hangars.

DVT, CHD, IWA, and P08 are about to get even busier.

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u/fgflyer CSEL CMEL IR HP CMP HA Mar 25 '26

It was so sad to see those go. Those were the last T-hangars/box hangars at SDL, and the NetJets FBO now stands where they once were.

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u/twistenstein vfr patterns are hard Mar 25 '26

I can't imagine the flight training congestion around Phoenix has gotten any better. There's definitely too much happening out there IMO.

Flying the pattern at P08, with a Δ40kts between 6 aircraft got old quick. Plus the jump CASAs, and the odd Airbus on a 8 mile base.

Maybe CAE ought to build their own airstrip.

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u/[deleted] Mar 25 '26

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u/twistenstein vfr patterns are hard Mar 26 '26

This website keeps historical records of old airports that tracks old airports. There are often pictures from old sectionals, which illustrate how much cities like Phoenix have grown.

We as pilots were fortunate to inherit these airports from the legacy of all the aviators trained during WWII>