Airports a community lifeline

Dear Editor,

I would like to comment on your article regarding airport noise and air quality.

I obtained my pilot’s licence in 1966 and flew a number of aircraft since. At that time, houses in the area were few to the west and hardly any to the southwest approaching or departing the active runways near the Oshawa airport.

Over time I noticed new construction of dwellings everywhere, and was certain that sooner or later inhabitants would be complaining.

I am not clairvoyant, but anyone could tell the future in this case. I have to ask why did they buy houses in these locations, as I would like to remind those who complain that the airport was there long before the houses were built.

As the years went by aircraft got faster and more powerful. On take-off, full power is a must until you have reached a minimum of at least 300 feet about ground level. Oshawa is about 560 feet above sea level.

Most people have flown commercial at one time or another and I would like to remind everyone that these pilots did not come assembled with the airplanes. They had to learn how to fly somewhere at some point. .

Aren’t we glad that they are professional and that they have learned their craft to perfection in order to keep us safe on our journey?

Regarding the air quality. How about those lazy people that sit in their cars, engines running as they wait for a cup of Java, as at times they line up 15 to 20 in a row outside a coffee outlet.

As much pollution and fumes is put in the air by those cars as some of the smaller training airplanes produce. Yet no one seems to say anything about this problem. Get with it people and quit complaining about the airport.

Airports are the lifeline of cities and businesses.  When they land an airplane, runways are such welcome site.

Frank Di Malta