[JYO] Reader comments from Leesburg2Day on the Mooney Crash.

Reader comments from Leesburg2Day on the Mooney Crash.

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Ed

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Fear of the Unkown (03/22/03 at 12:45 PM)

> Much concern about airport safety has risen due to the recent three fatal 
> crashes in Leesburg. Unfortunately, fear of the unknown quickly controls 
> residents and emotional statements are made calling for changes in 
> legislation. As a professional pilot I hear these fears constantly as I 
> provide safe transportation throughout the USA. Allow me to provide 
> clarification on the subject. Airports are about as popular as garbage 
> dumps, until someone wants to fly. Then airports must be convenient. Local 
> General Aviation (GA) Airports like Leesburg bring more revenue to a 
> community than most realize. Business travel, aero medical (including 
> patient and organ transport), cargo and jobs are just the tip of the 
> iceberg. How dangerous is aviation? Statistics for 1996 state 37,494 motor 
> vehicle deaths compared to 1084 aviation deaths (3% of highway deaths). One 
> of the most dangerous transportation areas in Leesburg is Sycolin and Rt. 
> 15 bypass. (coincidently the main route to Leesburg Airport) Travel by car 
> and accidents are so common that people readily dismiss the death toll. 
> Usually accidents happen because someone did not follow the rules. This 
> doesn't make aviation unsafe, it questions the individual. In addition, 
> there is the classic turf battle between airports and growing 
> neighborhoods. Flying started in Leesburg in 1918 and current Leesburg 
> Airport was opened in 1964. Nonetheless, houses are built after advisement 
> and eventually the complaints start. This is not to say that question 
> should not be raised. The Arshi family is concerned about flying at night. 
> FAA flying rules allow night flying because it can be safely done. Auto 
> accidents happen at night as well. Should night driving be banned? Finally, 
> Mayor Umstattd and the Leesburg government should not rush to satisfy the 
> fears of residents, rather they should be briefed by the Federal Aviation 
> Administration (FAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) 
> to continue to make Leesburg Airport safe. 
> 
> 
-- Jeff Mitchell <A HREF="mailto:mitch3gp@xxxxxxx";>mitch3gp@xxxxxxx</A> 

Response to Resident's Concerns (03/21/03 at 10:58 PM)

> It is heartbreaking that a pilot lost his life while flying. So many more 
> people lose their lives in night and weather related car accidents, but 
> I've never heard someone say that people should be prevented from driving 
> in the rain or when it's dark. Why not? 
> 
-- Stan Jezior <A HREF="mailto:sjezior@xxxxxx";>sjezior@xxxxxx</A> Response to 
Resident Concerns (03/21/03 at 
12:14 PM)

> My comment is in response to the resident's concerns about aircraft flying 
> into Leesburg Airport at night and in less than ideal weather. 
> Appropriately equipped aircraft with properly qualified pilots fly in and 
> out of Leesburg on a routine basis. Indeed, there are literally thousands 
> of airports around the country where general aviation aircraft operate 
> safely at all hours of the night. Regarding the weather at the time of the 
> accident, there are very specific procedures that allow aircraft with 
> appropriately rated pilots to fly in weather with limited visibility. The 
> "Instrument Approach Procedures" have been flown by all types of aircraft 
> safely for years. These two tragic accidents will be thoroughly 
> investigated to determine the cause. I invite any concerned resident to 
> take the time to visit the airport and learn something about this important 
> part of the Loudoun's economy. 
> 
-- Mike Gilbert <A 
HREF="mailto:mggilbert@xxxxxxxxxxxx";>mggilbert@xxxxxxxxxxxx</A>

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