My friend Robin sent me the following message. I think in the view of aviation safety, this is a must to pass on. When Safety is in question, we must take action.
Help remove big threat to aviation safety at the Schellville Airport in Sonoma County. Why? Yes, this is a small general aviation airport, who cares? I do, for one for three (ok, 4) reasons:
1. Someone knowingly built a clear hazard to
aviation safety when they willfully violated the law constructing a
solid log fence across an active runway overrun. Someone who is trying
to make an emergency landing or regular landing on this runway will
unlikely see the fence before it is too late and hit it. The people who
constructed the fence do not care that the presence of the fence may
kill people. (They also had a gun target that had people shooting live
ammunition across the approach path of the other runway at Schellville.
They only took it down when Channel 7 said they were going to put it on
TV.
2. These same people violated several zoning and land use laws building a business with a
huge pond that will attract additional water fowl and other birds that
are a hazard to aviation. Their property directly abuts the airport
(which was there more than 30 years). They couldn't get the permits
they wanted to and built anyways and are attempting to get the land
re-zoned. If they accomplish this, it will put all general airports in
the State of California (like Sonoma Skypark where we have our C-120) at
risk by setting a precedent to change zoning laws in attempt to close
airports and develop the land.
3. If the airport closes, the income lost from the
airport to the county, which will be much more than the new business
(Leland Fly Fishing) generates, can easily cause my taxes to go up.
4. General principle. They have completely
disregarded the county, state, and federal laws, the building and use
permit process that you and I have to follow. They seem to feel he is
above the law.
That just pisses me off to no end.
There is a lot more information below. This is a link to a piece Channel 7 did a month or so ago that is about 10 minutes long. Thanks for reading this. And if you do sign, please forward on to anyone you think might
care about airport safety.
Thanks! Robin
Robin, Flight to Success and all the followers are on this for you. Together we can make a difference~
XO Karlene
I signed it! Having used an overrun due to an engine problem in a C-172, I know first-hand the value of having safe zones off the ends of the runways. I don't see the value of putting a fence across there. Can you image doing something like that at JFK?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Brent! I can't imagine why they would either. It obviously isn't keeping anything in... or out. Just plane crazy. :)
DeleteThanks for your comment and glad you had an overrun!
Yikes, this is really scary!! Thanks for sharing. I'm signing . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, every signature helps! We appreciate your support!
DeleteWow, that's scary! I'm off to read and sign.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Heather! We appreciate your support too! Every signature helps.
DeleteMost people who don't get along well with others (by respecting others' safety and complying with general social norms) are sociopaths. It might be just the one of a couple, but the other is manipulated to go along (a good example of this is Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church congregation). Unfortunately, because they feel justified in their actions, if they feel that they are being attacked for some reason, they attack back. I signed the petition and I hope it is resolved soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Michelle! Your signature is going to make a difference. I really appreciate your help.
DeleteWe run a hunting club and since we also fly, we understand both sides. We are familiar with the range setup. To aim a RIFLE range toward the runway with the distance a bullet can travel is definitely a hazard. We are VERY aware of our neighbors and the impact our business has on them.
ReplyDeleteThe FAA has purchased and removed homes near airports to maintain the required open spaces and distances. I am unsure why the State hasn't sent the letter to the Fence owner regarding the fence, not to the airport. Seems a bit backwards that the airport would be punished for another operation's actions, but then, this is a government agency.
Yes, I'm not sure either. But I hope they get it sorted out. It's amazing what money can buy and how it can turn heads. We'll see how this turns out. Thank you for your comment.
Delete