Play by my Rules or Else?

My friendly skies!

by Ace CFII

Jill, a student of mine was looking forward to her first, IFR dual cross country to KMRY (monterey peninsula airport) and It looked like most of her planning was done.

I took a casual look over that well turned shoulder and asked, do you have the noise abatement info for Monterey?
Yes I do, but what a mess, it’s four pages including the airport diagram.

Ace, even IFR practice approaches are DISCOURAGED at KMRY. The South Pattern is pretty high as well, 1800 msl/1546 agl.  This information is pretty DISCOUAGING, do you think something like this could happen up here in Humboldt County?

Well Jill, anything is certainly possible.  For example, if the local aviation authority lacks the knowledge or ability to maintain a proper balance between the needs of aviation and the community at large, it could certainly cause consternation for all involved.

Unfortunately, these issues can be complex, let's say that the airport manager is a total "aviation is it" kind of person, but lacks the support of the higher up's, there could be a problem. Conversely, if the airport manager is not, then there could be problems a s well.

Let's take a look at the KMRY graphic below (click the pic please)

Giving the document a good looksie, it is definitely somewhat aircraft unfriendly, but how can that be?  It's an airport!  And interestingly enough the document was developed by our current airport manager here in Humboldt County, Jacquelyn Hulsey!

About two Airport Advisory meetings ago, I was told that a resident who lives near ACV voiced their concerns about future flying lessons taking place when a FBO opens for business.

They had visions of low flying and noisy planes over head. Jackie told the residents, if you have any low flying aircraft near your house, let me know, I’ll TAKE CARE OF IT! I’ve been waiting to see if that statement shows up in the minutes. No postings of minutes for 2008.

Jill, let’s look into my crystal ball, is this our future here in Humboldt County?

There is another meeting, a resident is standing up, and we hear the following proclamation,

“Has the constant noise of low flying STUNT PLANES driven you indoors, interfered with your conversing on your deck or patio, or simply deprived you of the use of your property as you would like to use it."

"My friends, you are not alone. The issue is, NOISE and SAFETY. Who shall set and control the noise levels on your property; you or someone operating his RECREATIONAL VEHICLE?"

"If the vehicle were a ground vehicle we would not even have to ask the question. Yet aircraft operate as though they were exempt form the laws that keep our communities civilized."

"Let’s be committed to ending this abuse of private property rights, assault on our well beings, and reckless harassment of the many by the few. Let’s make it our mission to restore control of your lands to you the property owner.” Look who is standing up and applauding.

Why it’s Jackie, saying, “I’ll TAKE CARE OF IT.”

Jill, Humboldt pilots need to stick together and get involved.
When that happens the crystal ball tells a different story.......

One where our airport manager is a pilot. When hearing complaints from residents, they would answer, “My fellow pilots and I are flying within FAA regulations." They would be able to turn to FAR 91.119 and explain how we are committed to being safe and neighborly.

Yes Jill, we need someone who will work with us and not against us.

later that day.....

After flying at 5280' for awhile and a few "Missed Approaches" things came together, and a straight in on 10R was the culmination of the perfect approach.

After that Jill and I headed off to the the sunny beaches of Monterey. A lot more friendly than the traffic pattern and noise abatement issues at KMRY.

So many approaches and so little time! That's why they call me ACE!

The April 22, 2008 meeting of the Humboldt County Aviation Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 am and will be held in Fortuna at the Rohnerville Airport. Please attend!!

May 17th, 2008 1st Annual Tri-tip BBQ at Rohnerville Airport

Crank up them flyin machines your car or feet, but don't miss this excellent feed prepared by those lovely ladies of the 99s.
Time 12:00 to 14:00 Cost $10.

There will also be a silent auction for a framed print of the B-36D Peacemaker landing at San Diego.

Call Nancy (707) 443-0386 or Rita (707) 822-6966 and let them know your coming!  See you there!

Posted by ACE CFII