[JYO] Plans for ILS at JYO

Federal Funds Slated for Leesburg Airport 

Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.) announced yesterday that $1 million for an 
instrument landing system at Leesburg Executive Airport is included in a 
spending 
plan scheduled to come before the full House Appropriations Committee this 
summer.

Wolf told Leesburg officials last spring that he would try to help fund a 
safer navigation system after three planes crashed in the town in less than 
nine 
months. All three fatal crashes occurred very close to residential homes. 
Preliminary reports by the National Transportation Safety Board indicate pilot 
error was a factor in two of the crashes and recommended an instrument landing 
system to improve safety.

Leesburg, Virginia's second-busiest general aviation airport, has a 
localizer, which gives pilots horizontal guidance during landing. A full 
instrument 
system would also include a glide slope, which provides pilots with a vertical 
approach path.

Should Congress approve the funds, the Federal Aviation Administration would 
begin an environmental study, which could take from six months to several 
years, according to FAA manager Barry Boshnack.

It could then take an additional three months to install the system.

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