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.
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