Concord, CA was probably the most contested city on PSA's routemap. It took over six months for service to actually commence at small Buchanan airport (CCR).

Residents of nearby Pleasant Hill and Concord feared airplane noise and unsafe operations. PS brought N356PS into Concord for noise tests on October 17, 1985.

PSA planned to start service in January 1986, but was delayed. A private plane on approach to Buchanan crashed into Sunvalley mall, killing six and injuring 79, on December 23, 1985. The Contra Costa County board of supervisors halted all plans for service and ordered a review for a potential safety impact. In the meantime, residents in Pleasant Hill and the city government tried to keep PSA from flying to CCR.

The opposition ran out of steam in early April 1986, just before the April 22 approval of PSA's service. A final attempt at a lawsuit preventing startup failed due to lack of funds.

May 1, 1986 brought N356PS back, met this time by Clayton Valley High's "Ugly Eagles" marching band, cheerleaders, and an acrobat!

Mayors, County Supervisors, and passengers all met the flight as well. Bob Coons was the pilot of the first flight.

Fares were initially set at $30 to LAX, but later increased (after the introductory period) to $39 each way, the same as the fare to any other Bay Area airport. Noise complaints initially increased (most were from increased perception, and not from the 146) but eventually returned to normal. CCR service lasted until after the USAir merger - however no scheduled airline currently serves Concord.

Photos and news articles used in this page courtesy of William T. Larkins.