Faulkner/Kalispell City AirportGreetings,
I am writing to express my opinion and concerns on the Kalispell City
Airport situation.
It is apparent that there is an agenda being promoted by a vocal
minority in the community due to the fact that several years ago when
the operations and air traffic at S27 was documented by the FAA to be
much higher than now, we were not hearing from this group. So what has
changed? The noise is less than previously. The actions involving the
airport improvement are the main factors that have changed. This group
has chosen to refer to the improvements as airport " expansion", which
is the factor concerning uniformed citizens. The improvements laid out
would go a long way to alleviate the concerns of the opponents as well
as enhance the operations of the airport.
Briefly I will state why the improvements and viability of Kalispell
City Airport (referred to as S27) are needed:
- Location: S27's proximity to Kalispell is a large part of it's
popularity with visitors and businesses. I have been told by visitors
the main reason they fly in is due to the fact that they can land here
and walk to several hotels and restaurants, as well as shop downtown
Kalispell. Also keep in mind that when business people, as well as past
governors and legislators come to Kalispell, they have preferred to land
at Kalispell City Airport. Many businesses benefit from the airport due
to the location, from visitors as well as employees of airport
businesses. Also, the majority of back-country hikers, hunters,
fishermen and rafters would take their business to Missoula if the City
Airport was not here due to the fact of logistics and access compared to
Glacier.
-S27 is considered to be one of the safest airports in the state, if not
the safest considering activity density. Improvements would make it even
more so by longer runway, visual approach guidance, safety zones and
education of users.
-Many taxpaying and voting people would loose their jobs if the airport
were moved or closed, as well as the loss of future employment
opportunities to local residents due to successful businesses on the
airport and construction opportunities.
- Runway re-alignment as well as lengthening will alleviate a large
portion of perceived noise complaints due to flight pattern changes.
If those concerned would actually look at the safety and noise
situations of many other cities with airports in their midst's, it would
be realized that the concerns of safety are not a factor. Look at
Merrill Field, Anchorage,AK, the busiest GA airport in North. Amer., for
instance. Dead center in the middle of a large community and blocks from
mainstreet, where the majority of training aircraft operate, as well as
charter businesses, with an excellent safety record.
Please consider the historical, as well as the future benefits of
Kalispell City Airport in decision process.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Skip Faulkner