8
Southwest Airlines began test flights of the STAYY departure procedure from JWA. The
STAYY, which has often been referred to as the zig-zag, or two-point turn departure, is
included in the City of Newport Beach/County of Orange’s recent Metroplex Settlement
Agreement. The objective of the STAYY departure is to better align departing aircraft from
JWA down the center of the Newport Back Bay. JWA Access and Noise staff have been
closely monitoring flight tracks, as well as the generated noise levels from STAYY departures
(3.29).
JWA, together with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), who provide firefighting and
rescue services at John Wayne Airport on a 24/7 basis, welcomed Crash 2, a new state-of-
the-art Oshkosh Striker Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle. At a dedication
ceremony the vehicle demonstrated its powerful capabilities that will ensure that airfield
assets and JWA passengers are protected in the event of an emergency (3.29).
Money magazine ‘Best in Travel 2018’ rates John Wayne Airport Best Airport in the U.S
(3.21).
FEBRUARY
“JWAlive” music program featuring live music performances in the Terminal is launched
(2.13).
Southwest Airlines, flight 2123 bound for San Jose, reported a fire in the Auxiliary Power
Unit, a small jet engine at the rear of the aircraft, as it was leaving the gate. The pilot
extinguished the fire within minutes. The crew deployed the emergency chutes, and 139
passengers and 5 crew members were safely evacuated from the plane and led inside
Terminal C via the emergency stairway at Gate 17. Four minor injuries were reported and
none of the injured were transported to the hospital. Gates 16, 17 & 18 were temporarily
closed, along with Taxiway A behind those gates (2.12).
JANUARY
A Robinson 44 helicopter operated by Revolution Aviation, based at JWA, crashed into the
Bayview Terrace residential neighborhood of Newport Beach, one mile from the Airport.
There were four passengers on board the helicopter, and three succumbed to their injuries.
The fourth passenger was transported to a nearby hospital. One individual on the ground
was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries. There was no disruption to normal
operations at JWA, and all runways and taxiways remained open (1.31).
A Beech Bonanza G33, flying from San Diego en route to Van Nuys, landed safely on the
northbound 55 Freeway. The plane lost engine power over the ocean and was able to coast
as far as the freeway before being forced to land. The pilot and passenger were both
unharmed in the accident. JWA operations were not affected (1.28).
Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, discontinued nonstop service to Reno/Tahoe
(1.2).