I am a general aviation pilot and have just reviewed your story concerning the
security risks at general aviation airports. I have also reviewed the responses
from the AOPA and the EAA, two organizations representing hundreds of thousands
of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
I feel your reporting represented a significant lack of depth and balance.
While there is a risk with many everyday activities and there are many that
could be put to use by those intending to bring harm to others, you fail to
point out the positive aspects of the activities of pilots and aviation
supports. Private use airports and fly-in communities are no different than any
other subdivision or neighborhood in the United States that allows a group of
like minded to live and congregate together. I agree with the premise that
there is a risk in a single individual taking it upon himself to create a
flying bomb out of a general aviation aircraft. But there are risks associated
with the freedoms we enjoy as pilots in the United States, and as there are
risks with participation in many aspects of our lives, the likelihood of this
use of a general aviation aircraft is very low. Many risk assessments have been
done by our federal government since 9/11, and when prioritizing our needs,
they placed this risk at a very low level.
Your report mentions nothing of the patriotism of the pilots, aviation
enthusiasts, or the residents of these communities. Many are retired military,
retired airline pilots, or people who know and respect the use general aviation
aircraft. Just as you would lock your car, look out your window, and monitor
who drives up and down your street, these residents watch over their
"neighborhood"
As a provider of news and information, you should take it upon yourselves
to provide balanced information to allow your viewers to form an opinion that
is based on their conclusions, not yours.
Les Criscillo
Tampa, FL
lcris...@tampabay.rr.com
http://groups.msn.com/LesLifeandfriends/homepage
