Jets are only at 400 feet over...

Jets are only at 400 feet over Seal Beach

If you don’t like noise, maybe it would be beneficial to move to a

quieter place.

If people of Huntington Beach think the jets fly too low, consider

those of us who live in Seal Beach Leisure World. When my wife and I

returned from a trip to Las Vegas we were at an altitude of 400 feet

when we flew over Leisure World. I know because I was watching a

flight map on a television screen in front of me; a map that’s

provided for the passenger’s enjoyment; a map that shows you flight

path, airspeed and altitude.

To John Martin (Sounding Off, March 20), the three commercial

carriers flying into Long Beach do fly over the Seal Beach Naval

Weapons Station.

JOSEPH KEIK

Seal Beach

I am writing in response to the article in last week’s Huntington

Beach Independent regarding the increasing noise pollution that is

being caused by the flight patterns of incoming Long Beach airport

flights.

My husband and I live off Graham Street and Slater Avenue and have

been pulling our hair out over the incessant air traffic noise. The

problem is not solely from Jet Blue, American and America West (who

all seem to be flying way too low) but also from the smaller, and

often louder propeller planes that fly directly above our

neighborhood. As I was out gardening Sunday afternoon, I counted more

than 20 planes from 4 to 5:30 p.m. -- again, on a Sunday. Once the

summertime approaches and the Huntington Beach Police helicopters

start patrolling, the noise will be even worse. Responding to calls

for ground patrol back-up is one thing, but using a noisy helicopter

to patrol for minor traffic violators is not only a bit over the top,

it’s a nuisance to the residents. It would be extremely helpful if

you could publish specific information on what we local residents can

do in order to have these flight patterns adjusted.

CHRISTINE MONHEIM

Seal Beach

Air traffic noise is a growing problem

I am a recent Huntington Beach resident who is not happy at the

airplane noise, which was not fully disclosed by the real estate

agents and unfortunately not apparent to us until we moved in the

house. The times we toured the house, which was many, there were no

flights -- go figure.

However, this is going to get worse before it gets better. When

Jet Blue started flying, there were 14 commercial flights. They are

about to reach the current maximum of 41 flights, but want more.

However, an airport noise study is expected to begin soon to

determine if the flights will be increased. This does not include the

additional 22 slots available for commuter flights that are not being

used (a maximum of 25 per day is allowed-only three are being used).

We can do the math -- a total of 66 daily flights of commercial and

commuter flights are allowed with Jet Blue requesting more.

The current noise level is unacceptable. The planes are flying low

and I believe at hours outside their permitted times. Let me know how

to get involved and how.

One low flying plane “buzzed” our home around 1:30 a.m. this last

weekend.

RANDY MATUSOFF

Huntington Beach

Planes arriving at Long Beach Airport often fly too low over

Huntington Beach. I live just south of Meadowlark Golf Course under

the approach to the airport. Planes at low altitudes create noise

pollution while planes that come in at higher altitudes can go

unnoticed. Often, I have flow out of the airport on business travel

and do not wish to reduce the economic benefit the airport creates.

Both sides can win by increasing the altitude and reducing the noise

of the planes.

DAVID SCHINDLER

Huntington Beach

Let’s make city’s 100th Fourth special

Next year will be a very special Fourth of July and we ought to

celebrate our Independence Day with an equally special fireworks

display off our most valuable and visible civic asset, our coastline.

We have ample time to plan and prepare for this event that will

complement our famous parade, boost our local economy and stunningly

confirm our aspiration of being a premier coastal destination.

Security, crowd control, and transportation issues can be dealt

with creatively and professionally. It is time for Huntington Beach

to truly rise to the occasion of capitalizing on its Fourth of July

traditions, and to show the world that we are capable of doing this

national holiday right.

TIM GEDDES

Huntington Beach

Fireworks should not be canceled

I moved here for the family atmosphere, the parade Downtown on the

Fourth of July and the fireworks at the high school. It was a family

tradition for many years, for my family, my children. Their kids come

and we spend the whole day at Huntington Beach. Now where do we go?

We won’t stay here in town anymore. We will all go somewhere else,

maybe Costa Mesa, we have friends there. I think we should be able to

enjoy the whole day, including the evening with our family and

friends.

GALE GLENDON

Huntington Beach