Appeals Court Rules Against Ban On Jets In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration in its objection to Santa Monica's attempt to ban fast-landing jets from the city airport.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., denied Friday the city's petition to review the FAA decision.

In 2009, the FAA concluded the ban violates terms of a grant agreement which specifies the city will make the airport available to all types of aircraft.

Santa Monica argued the decision was "arbitrary and capricious," but the court agreed with the FAA.

A call to the city attorney was not immediately returned.

Residents worry that aircraft with fast approach speeds are at risk of running off the airport's 5,000-foot runway and into nearby homes.

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