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Another "Anti-Noise" organization begins making noise
George writes: The feedback address at WAPA received a letter from another organization that is looking for "reasonable ways to reduce noise caused by small airplanes, flight schools and aerobatics from flights originating at airports located 20 miles from our homes." This does point out the need for all pilots to avoid low altitude flight over populated areas and to adhere to the AOPA "fly friendly" guidelines. But they also present radar track data to 10,000 feet as evidence of excessive traffic. I'll let the letter speak for itself. (They also attached FAA Raptor radar track data, and a letter from the Groton Board of Selectmen, both of which I've included below.)
See the AOPA "Members section" for a letter from Phil Boyer addressing this subject.
Dear Aviation Enthusiast:(Click the image to see the full-size version of the Raptor Data).We have recently read your article pertaining to the situation in the Massachusetts airspace and its potential impact on GA privileges at a national level.
We are another organization in the same geographical area as Stop The Noise who has attempted an amicable, reasonable approach with the individual pilots as well as the flight schools based at Bedford, MA and Nashua, NH. We were the organization, not Stop the Noise, that initiated the meetings at Senator Ted Kennedy's office, Representative Marty Meehan's office and the FAA with the goal of the adoption of a "fly friendly" philosophy by all pilots and flight schools. We believe our efforts have been extremely reasonable and has been met with a positive response by some pilots/flight schools, however, the attached FAA Raptor data illustrates the continued disproportionate amount of recreational activity in this geographical area.
(The Raptor data is also available on-line on our website [http://www.planesenseofgroton.org] under the category PILOTS PAGES).If an article regarding this issue is printed in the future, we would be delighted to be interviewed in order to provide another perspective.
Thank you for your considerations,
Plane Sense of Groton
And here is the attached letter from the Groton Selectmen
The following is the text of a letter sent from the Groton Selectmen to various governmental organizations reflecting this community of 10,000 residents who are adversely affected by flights originating at airports 20 miles away:Dear Representative Meehan:
We seek you personal assistance. On Monday, May 19, 2003, this Board met with the organization "Plane Sense." Their mission is redistributing the noise generated by flight schools and aerobatic flight instruction more evenly and seeking new or alternative air space. This organization has met with your aide, Bernadett Vadja, and appreciates her assistance thus far, however, we support Plane Sense's mission and wish to enlist your direct assistance dealing with the Massachusetts Aeronautic Commission (MAC) and the Federal Aviation Association (FAA).
The noise generated by recreational and practice flights originating from Fitchburg Airport, Hanscom Field and Nashua Airports, to name a few, has become very instrusive and has unreasonably interfered with the enjoyment of our private and public properties. Additionally with the expansion of Manchester, New Hampshire, we anticipate there to be additional influx of activity.
Plane Sense has stated that given any weekend, the duration of noise is 60 - 80% during the day. One resident in particular stated this past weekend the duration was 95% without cessation. Clearly, the intensity of noise and number of flights are disproportionate as compared to other communities.
We understand from Representative Hargraves that Representative John Olver has dealt with this issue in the past and may be able to lend his assistance as well.
It is our understanding that Terry Flieger of the FAA will be visiting Groton, and we would like a collaborative effort between the FAA, MAC, representatives from the flight schools, you and us to attend this visit in order to accurately assess the noise levels and duration.
Your assistance not only to us but also to your constituency would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our office.
Sincerely,
THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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