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Caltrans reopens night flights at airport

Amanda Fehd

In the nick of time for Tahoe’s most fame-drenched event of the year, Caltrans Division of Aeronautics gave Lake Tahoe Airport the go-ahead for night operations.

The airport’s busiest time each year is arguably the week of Tahoe’s American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

The department suspended night operations June 16 because of the city’s failure to comply with safety regulations.



In early June, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency issued a cease-and-desist order to stop further clearance of several hundred trees north of the airport. The agency alleges the city violated the conditions of a permit that limited the trees to 100 per year between 6 and 10 inches in diameter.

Division of Aeronautics Chief Mary Frederick held a conference call with TRPA and the city last Monday to discuss the safety issues at the airport.



The city is working with TRPA and other regulatory agencies to secure a permit to remove the rest of the trees.

“The department acknowledges the efforts under way and considers this as evidence to bring the airport into full compliance with California airport permit requirements,” said a letter from Frederick dated July 5.

The division is still concerned about sight obstructions at the airport, and allowed operations to resume at night on condition the city staff secure the appropriate permits to remove “all” trees obstructing safe visibility around the airport by September 15.

If it does not, night operations will be suspended again, according to the letter.


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