Pilots at McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) near San Diego have filed a complaint with the FAA against airport management, claiming they’re being unjustly evicted in favor of better-paying airline and charter tenants. According to media reports, the complainants include a flying club with 301 members and 14 aircraft, an aircraft supply company and individual hangar tenants with personal aircraft, one of whom has leased a hangar at CRQ for more than 30 years.
McClellan-Palomar is in the midst of a $30 million renovation that is displacing some 40 small hangars, a restaurant and other businesses. New construction includes at least 19 new hangars earmarked for more profitable tenants. Demolition is set to begin early this month. The airport reportedly has promised there will be a place for smaller general aviation aircraft when the makeover is complete.