Airport Advisory Meeting at KFOT

More excellent weather here on the North Coast and airplanes aplenty command the sky.

Let's Not Forget

We are all saddened by the loss of Supervisor Roger Rodoni a short time ago.  Our thoughts are with his family.

• 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!

Around the Airports

Thanks to all that attended the Advisory meeting at KFOT last Saturday, the official count was 51.

It was excellent to see so many aircraft owners and pilots attend and participate in this important event.

The meeting was called to order and Dr. Jutila presented a video regarding the importance of preserving and maintaining our airports from the threats of development and regulation that threaten airports nationwide daily.

The meeting continued and a number of speakers presented information to the Advisory committee on a number of topics.

As I recall the hit parade went something like this:

• Hangars, Hangars and More Hangars
• The list of Infamy, sent in by numerous sources  (it's on the last post)
• Some Administrative questions directed to Jacque.

I took a pulse of those that attended the meeting over the past week and received a wide range of sentiment. 
On the up side pilots felt that they had the opportunity to express their concerns and complemented Chuck on his excellent attention to detail. Pilots feel that now their concerns have become "official".

There continues to be a feeling that we are engaged in a "fight with city hall" that will go on indefinitely. 

There were suggestions that we file a complaint with the HC Grand Jury, Attorney General or the FAA in order to speed resolution of some of the more important issues of safety and exclusive privilege.

It would be sad to concede that the Bureaucracy has overwhelmed the democracy and left us without challenge or choice.  At this point I still believe that working with our Supervisors, DPW Director and perhaps the County Council will precipitate positive results.

We can always go the way of the courts, lawyers and all of the hoop la that accompanies such a painful endeavor in the event that the only action is inaction.

We believe that the aviation community is an EXTREMELY important resource in Humboldt County.  In the event of some form of disaster, our aviation community represents 150+ little donkeys that can make trips over the mountain to civilization.

There are very real circumstances were the "big planes" might not be able to come here for a period, the roads closed due to fire, flood or slides. 

At that point YOU would find a local Humboldt County pilot ready to take you or your sick child over the mountain and bring something back for someone else.

As far as we pilots being an "ignorant" bunch, as we are often told that "you just don't understand", I would offer the following;

The requirements to become a private pilot, are more stringent than to become one of the many officials in the county that seem to dictate our destiny.

We operate in a dynamic environment that does not stop until the COMPLETION of the mission.  There is no pulling over to look at the map or take 5 at a rest stop.

Personally, I don't particularly care to be told that I don't understand.
I may not have the experience of operating the airports in Humboldt County, but I do have the experience of being responsible for some simple little things like restoring the power and water systems, for an entire country, in the middle of a war.

Wanna see my scar?

Please don't sell us short or out.