LBReport.com bases the following on public record information and input from pilots and others familiar with airport operations. Readers with relevant information can contact us at: mail@lbreport.com.

(October 4, 2003) -- LB Airport's runway 25R/7L is roughly 62% the length of LB Airport's main 10,000 foot runway. At 6,192 feet, it is usually used mainly by small aircraft. It has occasionally been used by large aircraft when LB Airport has closed its main diagonal runway for emergency repairs or other exigent circumstances. When LB Airport closes 30/12, use of 25R/7L is technically directed by the FAA tower as an alternate.

Runway 25R/7L is 491 feet longer than John Wayne airport's main runway. However, it differs in significant respects.

LBReport.com posts below U.S.G.S. photos (c. 1994) permitting comparison of the approach and take off paths of LB's 25R/7L and John Wayne Airport's main runway. The color dots are by us, unofficially illustrating some expected approach and takeoff paths.

Because 25R/7L is usually used by small aircraft, it's a visual approach "circle to land" runway and doesn't have the instrument landing system (ILS) at John Wayne's or LB Airport's main runways. However 25R/7L does have a light guidance system (a Visual Approach Slope Indicator or VASI system) which can be seen pilots, helping them establish a stable three degree glide slope into the runway. (If the aircraft is too high, the pilot sees one color, too low another).

The eastern (approach) end of LB Airport's runway 25R/7L is just over half a mile from homes which begin at Clark Ave.

In contrast to LB, John Wayne Airport's approach does not go over homes:

The view below is twice as far away, showing that John Wayne's approach over non-residential industrial areas stretches for miles.