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Maybe a bunch of you folks could help out? I've been complaining for several months now about a tower near Shepherd Texas (south of Lake Livingston, north of town of Cleveland) on Houston Sectional. Tower is marked as 1177 feet; fly-by is closer to 2177 feet. AOPA helped to finally get an answer from FAA: prior owner got permission to add 1000 feet, then sold tower before extension was completed, new owner neglected to notify FAA. Tower is TALL -- poorly lighted, poorly painted, not real obvious in (frequent) Texas haze/weather. It's just waiting to snag some poor fellow who's conscientiously reading his sectional. I've asked Texas DOT to investigate enforcement of TEXAS skies, but their reply (attached) suggests that little can be done. At present. But I had a thought -- since many Coupes will be flying at "low VFR" (Coupe) altitudes to come to the EOC Nationals this summer IN TEXAS, maybe every one of you could complain to Mr. Fulton (email below), urging Texas DOT to take some urgent action through the Texas Legislature immediately. (Texas lawmakers in session for 6 months every 2 years -- in session right now.) THANKS -- John Trowbridge - Houston - N94783 415E ----- Original Message ----- From: David Fulton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Karon Wiedemann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 11:44 AM Subject: Re: Mr. Trowbridge: Dr. Trowbridge: I share your concerns regarding the potential safety hazards to aircraft arising from unmarked and unlighted towers. Several years ago, prior to the time I moved here from Tennessee to become Aviation Director, an effort was made to pass legislation to require permitting of towers which exceeded 200 feet in height. Legislation was passed to regulate these towers, however, all towers which require an FCC license were exempted. Obviously, that comprises virtually all of the towers in question. As a result, the statute that was passed had little to no practical effect. The FAA does not regulate towers either. They do require proponents of towers to notify them prior to erection to determine if they would have an effect on airspace. If the FAA feels the tower will have a negative effect on airspace, they will notify the FCC who will determine whether or not the FCC license will be issued. I realize that this sounds rather bureaucratic, and it is, but that is how the system works. Notwithstanding all this, the proliferation of towers continues to be a concern. Last year 6 ag pilots died as a result of flying into either towers or the associated guy wires. A lady whose son died in one of the accidents is working toward getting something done to address the problem. She is working with the former Chairman of the Texas Ag Operators Association, George Mitchell of Beaumont, and I believe they will attempt to get a bill filed requiring that these towers must be adequately marked and lighted. We are working with them on this. This is a long answer to your question but I hope it helps to clarify the situation. If you would like to discuss further, call me at (512) 416-4502. Dave Fulton >>> "Life Choices/Country Life" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 02/05/01 09:44PM >>> Mr. Fulton: Obviously I have a real concern in this regard, since I fly in the neighborhood of this tower. And I don't know what other neighborhoods might have such a tower. Unmarked. Poorly lighted. Poorly painted. If you can't find an enforcement under current law, could your department draft a simply bill that the Transportation Committees in House and Senate could consider (and PASS!) during THIS session? I'd be shocked if the people of Texas can be exposed to such dangers and have no options and no legislative response. Thanks John Trowbridge MD and pilot Houston ----- Original Message ----- From: David Fulton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, February 05, 2001 10:39 AM Subject: Mr. Trowbridge: Mr. Trowbridge: We will check into this and respond within a week to 10 days. However, under current law, there is probably not much we can do. David Fulton __________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________________________ T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
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