Anderson/In support of the Kalispell City AirportKalispell City Council Members,
I am writing to you as a supporter of the Kalispell City Airport. With
all of the controversy over the proposed Kalispell City Airport
expansion these days, I would like to comment on a few topics concerning
these issues.
I am currently a pilot whom has received his license several months ago.
My lessons were received from Red Eagle Aviation. The city airport was
very convenient for taking lessons in the morning or afternoon with
little or no driving time. The purpose of getting this license was for
personnel and business reasons. The location of the city airport is
ideal for convenience and practicality reasons for myself. I currently
reside on 5th Ave. East within minutes of the airport. Living this
close to the airport means that we are near or under the traffic pattern
for the airplanes landing. The noise of the aircrafts does not bother
us. We moved in knowing that there was an airport nearby and airplane
noise in the area. The noise of the everyday car, truck and motorcycle
traffic is considerably noisier than the aircrafts above.
Location:
The city airport has many advantages over the larger Glacier airport.
The location of the city airport is near several hotels, restaurants and
businesses. Most of these are within walking distance of the airport.
With tourism as it is in the valley, an airport in town attracts people
to make this a stopping point for many people on vacation or work. As
we were able to see this summer with the forest fires above Lakeside.
There were two large fire fighting helicopters that were able to set up
a base within minutes of these fires. These crews were able to support
the locals by purchasing fuel, food as well as a place to stay within
walking distance of their equipment. This is just one example of many
that comes to mind, when thinking how the City Airport benefits the
community. With these amenities as close to the airport as they are
many people find it easier and cost effective to land at the City
Airport than the larger Glacier Airport. Whether it is day use or
overnight use the Kalispell City Airport is convenient for everyone.
Noise/Safety:
With as much time, money and effort as the city of Kalispell has put
forth towards this airport to maintain safety already, It would seem
that by expanding the runway south and lengthening it would increase
safety for pilots and citizens. As well as shorten the flight pattern
over residences. This expansion would decrease the noise level by
shortening the pattern and increase the height of the air traffic above
the local residences. With a longer runway this would give the pilots a
better chance of landing safely should something go wrong. The City of
Kalispell has already invested at the current location of the airport,
It would seem that expanding it would benefit the citizens, businesses,
as well as the pilots.
If you were to compare Kalispell to Billings, Helena, Spokane or even
Glacier you will see that the airport was constructed out of town but
the community has since moved around it. Many of these people who
complain about the airport were aware of it when they moved in to their
homes. As I was aware, as I moved into my current residence on the east
side of town. There is a considerable amount talk among citizens
opposing the airport, as well as many local citizens and pilots that
are for making a safer place for those using the airport. The fact is
when I rent an airplane or purchase fuel, or receive mechanic services
the money stays in the community. This spending happens with many of
the people who frequent our city airport while passing through our
valley. The City airport is an asset to the community and will
Hopefully continue to stay at its current location for the future new,
young or old aviators. As a pilot in this valley I am all for expanding
this airport at its current location, for the benefit of the local
economy and to benefit the pilots in making safe landings and takeoffs.
Thanks for your time,
Isaac Anderson
712 5th Ave East
Kalispell, Mt 59901
1-406-261-4722