In my last update on the AWOS project, I relayed results of my meeting with Gerry Pinela and Rafael Herrera. They indicated that only a meeting with the FAA, prime contractor technical maintenance and test resources was needed. That was not the complete picture.
With the help of Alex Gertsen (National Business Aircraft Association) and Scott Gore (FAA), I learned that, although all of the AWOS sensors are installed, additional equipment still needs to be installed in the control tower to complete the system. Mr Gore estimates that the system should be operational in March.At least 6 years ago, the airport taxiway lights west of taxiway Golf failed.
The City Council recently awarded a design/build agreement to repair the lights to Royal Electric Co. of Long Beach, CA, in the amount of $4,444,444, with a 20% contingency of $888,888.80, for a one-year (1) period beginning 12/16/2025, and ending 12/31/2026.
A previous contract to repair the airfield lighting was awarded on 4/11/2023 to Belco Electric for $427,888 with a contingency of $21,394. Work was expected to start in May 2023 and was anticipated to be completed by July 2023--an elapsed time of 3 months. Over thirty months later, the lights are still inoperative. NO EXPLANATION HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN.
A detailed review of the Belco Elecnor contract problems along with reference documents can be found on the website TheAirportReport.info. Look for the title: "2026-01-10 Airport Lighting Fiasco." in the navigation panel on the left side.
A political action committee has been formed to recruit and support candidates for Torrance City Council and Mayor that are supportive of Torrance Airport. The PAC is accepting donations at their website, KTOAfriends.com. Below is a summary of the voting record of current and former council members on airport issues. Candidates for the June 2nd election are: