Densmore/Kalispell downtown airport
It is my understanding that the Kalispell City Council is considering a
request from a group of people in your town who wish the Kalispell City
Aiport closed.
I am a pilot who has been involved in aviation since the early 1960s. I
am always saddened when I see viable airports that contribute strongly
to the economy of their community attacked by vocal minorities who
(occasionally intentionally) confuse fact and fiction, and subsequently
succeed in closing a vital and necessary aviation facility, displacing
businesses and other customers. I believe that would be the case here.
One indicator of this is that your airport operates "in the black". It
makes money, is not a burden on your taxpayers, and it contributes
significantly to the economy both by hosting businesses and by bringing
in clientele for your city.
Aircraft are not inherently any more dangerous than other kinds of
vehicles. Statistics can "prove" anything, but I know they're safe,
because my wife lets me fly. She even comes along. This should not be
used as a reason to close an airport. Kalispell is one of many
important airports located in or near cities. Others that come to mind
are Phoenix, Los Angeles, Dallas Love, Burbank, Van Nuys. There are
many such airports. Proximity to destination is one of the most
important selling points of an airport, and Kalispell Airport is a
valuable asset to your city, partly because of that proximity.
In the end, there always are pros and cons. In reasoning through them
and in separating fact from fiction, I believe you will find that your
city wants to promote aviation just as your state does, and that the
advantages of having a close-in airport far outweigh the disadvantages.
As a pilot, finding your charming airport has given me a reason to come
visit your town with my airplane. I hope to do so soon. Please keep
your airport. Thank you.
--Jim Densmore
Colorado Springs, CO
This is my personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the
opinion of my employer.
IBM Corporation <http://www.ibm.com/> <> Jim Densmore, Principal
Solution Architect, Senior Certified
<http://w3-03.ibm.com/hr/careerplanner/caita023.html> IT Specialist <>
IBM Software Services
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Springs <http://www.pikespeakcam.com/> CO, USA <> +1.719.520.3079,
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