Camarillo Airport will retire its water-tower beacon and switch on a new LED system Monday, Sept. 28. The Ventura County Department of Airports said the change eliminates $2,000 a month in private-land lease costs.
The old beacon sits atop the water tower at the entrance of Airport Way on privately owned land the county leases for $2,000 a month, according to the department's announcement published Wednesday, Sept. 16. The new beacon stands on county-owned property at the southeast end of the electrical vault near the air traffic control tower, ending that expense entirely.
Failing components on the old beacon had become increasingly difficult to replace, the department said, making the upgrade a priority. The department described the old system as demanding more and more maintenance as parts grew scarce.
The new tower is designed around easier upkeep. It stands 75 feet tall with a tilt-down mechanism, meaning crews can lower it to ground level for service. The old tower rises 134 feet and has no tilt-down option, requiring workers to climb to the top for any repair. The department said the shorter, tilt-down design provides a safer and more efficient setup for future work.
Beyond the tower itself, the new beacon uses LED technology. The department said it has tested the system and confirmed it works as planned.
No disruptions to airport operations are expected during the switchover. A Notice to Airmen, known as a NOTAM, will go out within 72 hours of the change to alert pilots.
Danielle Tarr, the department's projects manager, is the point of contact for questions about the project. She can be reached at [email protected].
