The clock is ticking as officials with California Pacific Airlines struggle to get approval from federal officials.
The new airline that was supposed to start flying out of San diego's McClellan - Palomar Airport last year is still grounded.
The new airline was scheduled to launch with two 70-passenger jets offering flights to the Bay Area, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Cabo San Lucas.
Now the airline must be approved by federal authorities by Feb. 25, a deadline few think it will make.
"The holdup is getting the documentation that the FAA requires telling you how you're going to train, how you're going to operate the airplane in line with what their inspector requires of them," said retired airline captain Ron Mackenzie.
That includes proving to the FAA and Department of Transportation, that your airplane has enough room to stop in case of emergency.
One report says the McClellan-Palomar Airport runway simply isn't long enough for California Pacific's 70-passenger aircraft.
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Mackenzie said he understands that the problem has been resolved.
"You must make sure you have enough runway to start your takeoff, lose an engine and either safely stop or safely takeoff," Mackenzie said.
A spokesperson for the airline told NBC 7 San Diego through email that the company has a great relationship with the regional FAA office and that "they're working with us to get through the certification process."
