California Division of Aeronautics

The California Department of Transportation's mission in aviation is to foster and promote the development of a safe, efficient, dependable, and environmentally compatible air transportation system. The State's aviation commitment began in 1947 with the California Aeronautics Commission which eventually became the Division of Aeronautics in Caltrans. The State Aeronautics Act, Public Utilities Code (PUC) section 21001 et seq., is the foundation for the Department's aviation policies. The Division issues permits for and annually inspects hospital heliports and public-use airports; makes recommendations regarding proposed school sites within two miles of an airport runway; and authorizes helicopter landing sites at/near schools. Aviation system planning provides for the integration of aviation into transportation system planning on a regional, statewide, and national basis. The Division of Aeronautics administers noise regulation and land use planning laws that foster compatible land use around airports and encourages environmental mitigation measures to lessen noise, air pollution, and other impacts caused by aviation. The Division of Aeronautics also provides grants and loans for safety, maintenance and capital improvement projects at airports.