Fullerton Municipal Airport: Navigating Passenger Complaint Procedures

Fullerton Municipal Airport (IATA: FUL, ICAO: KFUL, FAA: FUL) is a regional airport in Orange County, California. It is owned and operated by the City of Fullerton and is the only general aviation airport in the county. The airport is centrally located in the Los Angeles basin and is surrounded by residential areas. While it is a popular airport for private pilots within California, it has also faced noise complaints from the surrounding community. If you have a complaint about noise, you can call (424) 405-8020.

Noise complaints

Fullerton Municipal Airport is a regional relief airport in Orange County, California, owned and operated by the City of Fullerton. The airport is surrounded by residential areas and is popular among private pilots travelling within California.

If you wish to make a noise complaint about Fullerton Municipal Airport, you can do so by calling (424) 405-8020. This number is provided by the City of Fullerton on its website.

In addition, you can find information on designated flight paths and agreements with adjacent cities to minimize noise impacts on the John Wayne Airport website. The airport has no authority or control over aircraft in flight, but it does have measures in place to reduce noise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the pilot-in-command of each aircraft are responsible for flight paths and have enforcement capabilities over these issues.

You can also contact the airport directly with any queries or complaints. The airport's administration contact details are as follows:

• Address: 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92833
• Airport Manager: Brendan O'Reilly, C.A.E.
• Airport Operations Assistant: Monica Roseberry
• Phone: (714) 738-6323
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on alternate Fridays; closed on Saturdays, Sundays, alternate Fridays, and holidays.

Aircraft maintenance issues

If you have a complaint about aircraft maintenance issues at Fullerton Municipal Airport, there are several businesses that provide aircraft maintenance services at the airport that you can contact.

General Aviation Co Inc.

General Aviation Co Inc. is a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) that has been serving the Southern California aviation community since 1974. They provide aircraft maintenance services and are located 15 minutes from Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. They can be contacted by phone at (714) 526-6611, by fax at 714-515-1045, or by email at [email protected].

Ben's Motorworks

Ben's Motorworks provides aircraft maintenance and repair services. They can be contacted by phone at (714) 396-6090 or by email at [email protected].

General Aviation Company

The General Aviation Company is another business that provides aircraft maintenance services at the airport. They can be contacted by phone at (714) 526-6611.

Gerdes Aviation Services

Gerdes Aviation Services provides professional aircraft services and consulting. They can be contacted by phone at (714) 525-7545 or by email at [email protected].

If you wish to make a noise complaint, you can call (424) 405-8020.

Safety concerns

Fullerton Municipal Airport is a regional relief airport in Orange County, California, owned and operated by the City of Fullerton. The airport is located in the southwestern corner of Fullerton, surrounded by residential areas.

Fullerton Municipal Airport has been the site of several aviation incidents, including two crashes in 1992 that led to calls for its closure by the then-mayor of Buena Park, Rhonda McCune. The airport's proximity to residential and commercial areas has raised safety concerns among neighbouring communities.

On November 25, 2024, a small aircraft crashed into a tree about half a mile from the airport while making an emergency landing shortly after takeoff. Both individuals on board suffered moderate injuries.

On January 2, 2025, a more serious incident occurred when a Van's RV-10 kit aircraft departed from Fullerton Municipal Airport, climbed to an altitude of 900 feet, and then requested to return to the airport immediately. Despite being given clearance to land, the aircraft crashed into a furniture manufacturing warehouse facility approximately 1,000 feet away from the airport perimeter. The pilot and his 16-year-old daughter were killed, and nineteen individuals on the ground were injured.

This recent incident has brought attention to the potential risks associated with the airport's location and operations. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board initiated an investigation into the crash, and the Fullerton City Council acknowledged the incident as a "solemn tragedy," emphasising their commitment to supporting those affected and working with relevant agencies to improve safety.

The airport's proximity to residential and commercial areas, as well as its history of aviation incidents, underscores the need for comprehensive safety measures and protocols to address the concerns of the surrounding communities. Ensuring the safe operation of the airport and mitigating potential risks to neighbouring areas is crucial for maintaining the well-being and peace of mind of those living and working in the vicinity.

Air traffic control issues

• Contact the Air Traffic Control Tower: The airport's control tower, which was the first in Orange County, is responsible for managing air traffic in the area. If you have concerns or complaints about air traffic control, you can contact the tower directly. The phone number for the tower is (714) 525-1623.
• Reach out to the Airport Management: The Fullerton Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the City of Fullerton. For issues related to airport operations, you can contact the airport management. The phone number for the airport is (714) 738-6310.
• File a Formal Complaint: If you have a specific complaint about air traffic control procedures or incidents, you can file a formal complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is responsible for regulating and overseeing aviation safety in the United States. You can submit your complaint through the FAA's online complaint system or by contacting the local FAA office.
• Engage with Local Authorities: The City of Fullerton, as the owner and operator of the airport, has a vested interest in ensuring safe and efficient air traffic control. You can reach out to local government representatives, such as the mayor or city council members, to express your concerns and seek their assistance in addressing air traffic control issues.
• Collaborate with Community Groups: There may be community organizations or advocacy groups in Fullerton that are actively engaged in airport-related issues, including air traffic control. Collaborating with these groups can help amplify your concerns and potentially lead to collective action for change.

When addressing air traffic control issues, it is important to provide as much detailed information as possible, including dates, times, flight paths, and any relevant communication transcripts. This information will assist authorities in thoroughly investigating and addressing your concerns.

Issues with commercial operators

Fullerton Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the City of Fullerton. The airport is located in the southwestern corner of Fullerton on Commonwealth Avenue, in Orange County, California.

If you have an issue with a commercial operator at Fullerton Municipal Airport, the first step is to identify the specific nature of your complaint. This could include issues related to noise, safety, customer service, or other concerns. Once you have identified the nature of your complaint, you can take the following steps:

• Noise complaints: If your issue is related to noise, you can call the dedicated noise complaint line at (424) 405-8020.
• Commercial operators: For issues related to commercial operators, you can contact the Airport Administration office at (714) 738-6323. All commercial operators at the airport are required to have a Commercial Operator Permit and abide by the rules and regulations of the Fullerton Municipal Code, Chapter 18, and the Fullerton Municipal Airport Gate Card Policy for commercial operations.
• Online: You can also submit a complaint through the City of Fullerton website. Go to the "Government" section and find the "Airport" department. Here, you will find information on how to report issues related to the airport.
• Email/Phone: You can contact the Fullerton Airport directly by email or phone: Fullerton Airport, 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92833, Email:
  [email protected], Phone: (714) 738-6323
• In-person: Alternatively, you can visit the airport in person and request to speak to a manager or supervisor to address your concerns.

When filing a complaint, be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including dates, times, specific locations, and the names of any individuals involved. This will help ensure that your complaint is properly addressed and resolved. It is also important to remain calm and professional when lodging your complaint to ensure a constructive resolution.

Frequently asked questions