Residents of Mesa are witnessing something truly alarming at Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), an unprecedented level of flight training congestion unlike anywhere else in the country.

At nearly all hours of the day, dozens of training aircraft are circling above Mesa’s neighborhoods, many performing repetitive takeoffs, landings, and pattern work directly over homes, schools, and parks. Based on current live flight-tracking data, Falcon Field may now have some of the highest general aviation training activity in the entire United States.

This volume is not sustainable for our community. It means constant aircraft noise, unsafe traffic density in the skies, and, perhaps most concerning, ongoing exposure to lead emissions from the 100LL fuel these piston-engine planes continue to use. That lead doesn’t just vanish, it spreads into the air we breathe, the yards our kids play in, and the neighborhoods we live in.

Other airports and cities across the country have recognized these dangers and taken steps to balance flight training with community health. Mesa deserves the same.

We’re calling for:

A serious review of training flight volume at Falcon Field

A transition plan to unleaded aviation fuel (G100UL or 100R) as soon as possible

Stronger community protections from excessive flight operations over residential areas

If you haven’t yet, please share this petition with your Mesa neighbors, schools, and local leaders. The more voices we have, the harder it will be to ignore what’s happening right above us.

Together, we can make Falcon Field a safer, cleaner, and more responsible airport for everyone.