Community Commentary -- George Grupe

I make this statement as a many-years resident of Newport Beach --

over 70 -- and owner of a small ranch estate in Capistrano from 1962 to

1990. As a former military pilot flying our biggest planes, I say you

never take off down wind, uphill eight to nine stories and into the

mountains if you can help it. That is a takeoff to the east at El Toro.

This is the first time that I have explained myself, in writing, on

this most important issue.

In April, I saw an outstanding article and map about the latest expert

thinking about an airport at El Toro. A commercial international airport

might be OK, but at what price? I’ve felt that common sense, logic and

flying experience has needed to be expressed. Many will not agree with

me, but many will. Please read on and follow my trail of facts.

1. The original El Toro called for an airport with planes of modest

size. The longest flights would be to Seattle, Denver or Dallas.

2. Soon there was talk about flights to the Far East, the Pacific Rim,

and now it would be an international airport.

3. At first, we were told all or almost all flights would take off to

the east, away from our cities, but a very unsafe direction. Again, I

say, you do not take off downwind, uphill and into the mountains if you

can help it.

4. A county election was held and an airport at El Toro was approved.

5. Soon after, proponents started talking about takeoffs to the north

over the city of Orange and many other cities in Central and North Orange

County.

6. After testing the waters on this idea, they admitted that 35% to

40% of takeoffs could be in this direction.

7. With this new idea on board, far less favor was found for an

airport by residents of Central and North Orange County.

8. Little or no mention was made of the many new dangers of taking off

to the north over the foothills in Tustin and Lemon Heights. It seems

many in favor of takeoffs to the north would like to forget the 90 killed

in a crash there, the worst in Orange County history.

9. Takeoffs to the north also could affect planes landing toward the

ocean at John Wayne.

10. Residents of Newport Beach have been exposed for years to messages

from the Airport Working Group that we could shut down John Wayne if only

we would build El Toro. I don’t believe it; do you?

11. Now, talk is of two operating airports only six miles apart.

12. The city of Newport Beach has spent millions of tax dollars

promoting El Toro, and three members of the board of supervisors have

spent tens of millions.

13. This writer feels that, after all this time and money, an airport

at El Toro has three chances: slim, fat, and none.

In conclusion: Yes, an airport at El Toro may be a good idea to some

who don’t understand flight safety, crowded airlines, noise and jet fuel

fallout. We should spend all this wasted money on keeping flight caps on

at John Wayne Airport.

Finally, I am reminded of the story on how to boil a frog. First, you

gently lower him in warm water. He’ll like it; he’ll feel real

comfortable. Then turn the heat up slowly. In the end, he will be cooked.

If you think about it, isn’t that what city and county officials have

been doing to us for years, on the airport issue?

Just asking.

EDITOR’S NOTE: George Grupe is a Corona del Mar resident, combat

veteran and local historian.