"Even great air shows shouldn't hurt the airport"

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Editorial
Cleared for takeoff / Even great air shows shouldn't hurt the airport
The Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette


In the theater, the operating maxim is "the show must go on." But for those
who manage big-city airports, it is the airport's operations that must go
on, not necessarily any air shows that are staged there. 

To that end, Allegheny County Airport Authority Executive Director Kent
George has made a welcome statement. In the future, commercial flights will
not be delayed for displays by such groups as the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels
during air shows, as occurred July 6.

On that day, at least 18 flights were delayed out of Pittsburgh
International Airport while the Blue Angels took practice runs. Although
commercial flights were supposed to have priority, a misunderstanding left
hundreds of people -- perhaps thousands -- inconvenienced.

The Blue Angels, of course, are a great squadron of fliers and they do need
to practice before air shows. However, when the Wings Over Pittsburgh took
place the following weekend, they not only put on a thrilling display but
they also did so with the minimum of inconvenience to commercial flights.

This suggests that some sensible arrangement can be worked out for the
future. Mr. George said the airport authority plans to meet with the
airlines, the 911th Airlift Wing and the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Many in Pittsburgh -- including this newspaper -- have argued for the
911th's continued presence at the airport, and almost everybody believes the
air shows are a great event. But it is not unpatriotic to insist that the
airport should function for the benefit of the passengers who use it.

This is also in the interests of the Blue Angels, who are goodwill
ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. When they cause delays that
sow ill will among a large group of civilians, that is contrary to their
mission.

 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


*****************************************