This is in response to the recent letter to the editor about the Qualicum Beach Airport written by Carol Dowe.
I’m absolutely mystified as to how someone can knowing move within the flight path of an airport and then complain about airplanes flying by.
Airplanes have been flying over Qualicum and surrounding area safely since the inception of the airport in 1954. Every one of these planes are regularly certified by Transport Canada-accredited A.M.E mechanics. Every single pilot has been through extensive training and knows exactly where they are in relation to the treetops.
The chance of a person getting hit by a car on the street is thousands of times greater than an airplane dropping out of the sky onto a house. I know Howard Hughes did it, but I can’t think of any others.
I’m certain that pilots don’t appreciate their altitude being judged by someone on the ground with an imaginary altimeter, any more than you would like being judged on your road speed by an imaginary radar trap.
Show responsibility going forward? We are not moving the airport to suit the concerns of a few people.
I guess the lack of summer-time noise complaints along the beach has spurred on a new endeavour. I think the answer would be for Dowe to move and leave the airport as it is. Might be cheaper too.
Garret Vanderberg
Qualicum Beach
