Well, the hot summer is almost over..we hope.  But the petitions keep trickling in. And please keep them coming. If you know people who have not yet signed one, we will be more than happy to provide the forms.

 

On the other hand, if you have already signed a CRAMA petition you will never need to to sign another.  We keep them logged and safe.  There is no specified lifetime for petitions  and they should be presumed to be valid indefinitely.

 

Now the good news: there is no news.  The GRIC has so far not made any decisions.  But then, while voters shot down for the third time the extension of the Chandler Municipal Airport runway, we now read (AzRep 8/27) that the city of Maricopa is considering developing a general-aviation airport.

 

In 2000 the FAA conducted a study of air traffic control in the Valley. This study was initiated to solve air traffic problems. It did alter air traffic flow over the Valley, but did not specifically evaluate traffic and flight safety issues occurring in the southeastern part of the Valley. Since that time, the Valley has experienced significant growth both in air traffic as well as residential and commercial developments.

 

Recently the City of Chandler had a consultant conduct an Air traffic Conflict analysis in connection with the plan to extend the Chandler Municipal Airport runway.  This study evaluated the intersections of airport approach paths. While the analysis showed no conflict

with Sky Harbor, Falcon Field or Williams Gateway, it did show direct conflict with Memorial and Stellar Airpark.

 

Separately a special committee of Maricopa Association of Governments on Regional Aviation Policy formally urged in November of 2006, because of their concerns about air safety, that "a comprehensive airspace analysis be carried out by the FAA.  In other words, the state, the county, the cities all urge FAA involvement.  Yet, so far no action has been taken.  And now someone is suggesting yet another airport in this area.

 

CRAMA believes that such a study as well as a comprehensive environmental impact study should be undertaken before final decisions regarding development  of any new or expansion of an existing airport are made.  Let us remember that primary prevention i.e. taking action before a problem arises rather than reacting to its consequences is by far a better solution.

 

CRAMA hopes therefore, that we can in due time persuade all concerned parties including the state, cities and the GRIC to jointly press the US Government to undertake the necessary airspace analysis covering air traffic control and flight safety issues for the whole Valley.  However until the GRIC makes a decision regarding the Memorial Airfield, CRAMA shall assume a "wait-and-see" posture, diligently monitor the developments and continue collecting petitions.

 

What do you think?