Jets from Long Beach are a concern
Rex Ricks
Huntington Beach city leaders are considering passing a law
banning air banners.
It will probably not be effective anyway. The planes could simply
stay over the ocean, avoiding city limits, yet remain visible. In
addition, the Bolsa Chica wetlands are unincorporated. Besides, the
Federal Aviation Administration, not a local city, has jurisdiction
over the sky anyways. Sure, the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco
upheld a banner ban in Honolulu. But keep in mind, this court is
notorious for being overturned. This is the same one that just
supported banning the “g” word in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The point is, trying to control where aircraft fly is futile,
unless, we can create our very own Area 51, complete with restricted
air space. However, trying to limit flight operations is a much more
realistic goal.
Which brings me to my next point. These little bitty banner planes
are the least of my worries compared to prospect of more big jets at
Long Beach Airport. When Meadowlark was closed, the altitude was
significantly lowered for jets making final approaches to Long Beach.
Meadowlark was a good neighbor, but having Long Beach airport
transform into Los Angeles’ version of a Midway or a La Guardia would
be bad news.
American Airlines has threatened to sue for more slots if they are
not granted by January 2003. When American Airlines wants to sue, be
afraid ... be very afraid.
In the past, Alaska Airlines sued, and a federal court increased
the caps from 15 to 41 a day; or 273%. Repeat that percentage, and
we’ll have 112 daily flights.
Additionally, there are some South County letter writers still
pushing for Long Beach expansion. Even though, El Toro and the
illusionary Great Park are “dead.”
Huntington Beach (and others) should join the city of Long Beach
in supporting its resolution that opposes removal of the curfews and
increases in jet operations. Long Beach so far has ponied up $500,000
for legal fees to defend the flight caps.
Our city should also contribute. Long Beach expansion would be
very bad timing for our city, just as we finally had the sewage
waiver eliminated -- thank you, Orange County Supervisor James Silva.
* REX RICKS is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to
Sounding Off e-mail your response to hbindy@latimes.com or fax it to
(714) 965-7174.
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