May 22, 2003

MEMO

To:
Treasure Coast Regional Airport Noise and Flight Training Assessment Working Group.

Thru:
Michael C. Moon, A.A.E., Martin County Airport Director.

From:
Witham Airport Action Majority

Subject:
Flight Training Impacts

We recognize the value of the business of flight training. We also recognize the incompatibility of this business where flight activity negatively impacts the quality of life of the residents of the communities where the activity occurs.

For the impacted residents, the problems associated with flight training include the nuisance of repeated low level over-flights, touch-and-go landings, a decrease in residential property values for any community where such activity occurs, and the potential for accidental crashes. Residents should not find themselves in harm’s way for the sole purpose of promoting flight training activities.

We welcome the initiation of this study and look forward to your ideas on possible solutions. We are, however, skeptical of the process unless there is the participation and concurrence of the residents who are subjected to the overbearing nuisance factor and the fear of a possible accident.

We encourage you to propose solutions that go well beyond voluntary restrictions. If voluntary restrictions were a viable consideration you would not be meeting here today. As our community airports continue to grow, stress on our neighborhoods will continue to grow in direct proportion. Take this opportunity to seek a meaningful answer to this troubling concern for so many people.

We believe effective solutions can only be found in regulatory, administrative, political and legal controls.

Respectfully,

/s/

Lynne Pine, President WAAM