Santa Monica suspends ban on high-speed jets

The city had planned to begin enforcing the ban Thursday morning for jets that have approach speeds of between 139 and 191 mph. They include aircraft popular with executives, such as the Gulfstream IV, Bombardier Challenger 604 and Cessna Citation X.

Late Wednesday, however, the Federal Aviation Administration served the city with a cease-and-desist order, claiming the ordinance that created the ban was illegal. Federal attorneys are now seeking a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court, the first step in the process to overturn the restrictions.

Santa Monica City Atty. Marsha Jones Moutrie said she requested a suspension of the ban pending the outcome of the court hearing, which is scheduled for Monday afternoon. She said the city would argue that setting airport policy is within its power and that the ban represents a significant safety improvement compared with what the FAA has proposed.

"The city's position is that the ban is essential to protect airport neighbors and airport users," Moutrie said.

FAA officials are seeking the restraining order after almost six years of discussions with the city that failed to resolve disputes related to public safety and aircraft access to the general aviation airport.

Residents around the airport have complained for years that it lacks runway buffers and that its position on a plateau with steep drop-offs could contribute to a potentially deadly accident if a jet were to overshoot the runway.

dan.weikel@latimes.com