Opinion
Private Pilot
Posted: Monday, December 17, 2012 10:14 am
Letter to the Editor—
I have been a private pilot since 1997, and have enjoyed the use of the Burley airport for the last 33 years without any problems. I currently fly a Cessna 206 and a Piper Super Cub for both business and recreational use. When the Flight Service was located on the field, it was a busy and fun place to stop for fuel, snacks, file a flight plan, or just to watch students do touch-and-go landings.
It’s sad how things change over a few years. Fewer students, higher costs with fuel and maintenance, buildings in need of major repair and improvements, etc.
How many of you remember the last airshow organized at Burley? Aerobatic performers like Patty Wagstaff were here, aircraft from all over the state were on display, and I remember a mink coat being given away to a lucky pilot flying in.
It is obvious the City of Burley has lost pride in a very valuable asset. The first impression made by a visitor flying in can simply turn them away and/or make them feel unwelcome.
The Flight Line does a great job of maintaining our aircraft, but I think improving a pilot’s break area and some decent restrooms should be immediately addressed. How about a courtesy car? When someone flies in it would be an incredible welcome to have transportation available. I would suggest we promote our airport and community as a fly in destination for golf, dining, recreation etc.
When I hear the myth about the Burley airport being unsafe, it simply shows how uneducated some people are about general aviation. Pilots are required to know and understand the limitations of their aircraft, runway requirements, density altitude factors, and especially crosswind components.
A long single runway is great, but pilots are taught to land “INTO” the wind, and many times a crosswind will exceed the aircraft design limitations. Burley’s airport was designed with three runways to accommodate varying winds that are constantly changing (back then most aircraft had tail wheels and were more difficult to control in strong crosswinds). Currently two runways are in use, the third is used to taxi to runway 06.
People ask me if I think Burley needs a new airport. The simple answer is “no”. If a business owner needs to land their Learjet, or similar type aircraft, Twin Falls is only a few short miles to the west. The owners of Coors Brewing Company are a good example. They have utilized both the Burley and Twin Falls airports for 30 plus years. The current location is perfect for Life Flight transports, UPS, Fed Ex, Civil Air Patrol activities, Search and Rescue flights, aerial application businesses and most general aviation activities.
I personally don’t see how the City of Burley can afford or justify a new airport. The costs to residents have not been fully explained, and the costs outweigh the current needs. Twin Falls is simply too close if longer runways are needed.
Mike Wheeler
Flying W Farms
Declo, Idaho
Source: http://www.minicassia.com/opinion
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KBYI
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