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Coupers, I sent the following letter to my Senators & Congressman today. You might want to consider sending something as well. ------------------------------------------------------------------ I am a pilot and owner of a small, two-seat airplane based at the Chester, Connecticut airport (3B9). Currently, we're grounded owing to airspace restrictions around the Haddam Neck nuclear power plant. First, let me state that I understand and agree that national security is of the utmost importance at this time. My concern is that the restrictions which have been put in place do not really address the problem, and are severely damaging many small businesses. When people like me can't fly, we don't buy gas from the fixed base operator (FBO). The FBO can't rent planes, the FBO can't sell lessons. FBOs generally operate on a very tight budget, and the restrictions are killing them. I understand that most folks wouldn't care if small airports folded or not. But let's think for a moment about what a small airport brings to a community. Not only is it a business on the grand list, but search and rescue flies out of these airports. The police helicopters and the Channel 8 traffic helicopter are based at 3B9. They provide a place for emergency aircraft to land. And small airports are where the next generation of commercial pilots often begin their flying careers. These small fields are a crucial part of the nation's aviation infrastructure. I don't object to restrictions around areas which are security concerns. I object to thoughtlessly constructed, simplistic restrictions which shut down small airports. It would be possible to form restrictions in a way which would required pilots at fields under the restricted space to file a flight plan which would take them directly out of the restricted space as soon as possible after take off. Also, if there were a National Guardsman based at the airport with whom I had to check in with prior to a flight, I would not object. I wouldn't even mind if that Guardsman had to search my aircraft, although I suspect others might. It's hard for those of us who fly to describe what it means to us. It is one of the grandest freedoms this country has to offer, and we're one of the few places in the world where it's still possible to be a private pilot. Contrary to what a lot of people think about private pilots, I'm not rich. I live in a modest, two-bedroom house, I am a full time working mother, and I had to take out a loan to buy my plane. I don't go out to eat much, or to movies, or on fancy vacations so that I can afford the upkeep of my plane. It took well over a year in what little spare time I have for me to get my pilot's license. It is the realization of a dream for me. And that dream and privilege is now in jeopardy because of something which has nothing to do with general aviation. After the Oklahoma City bombing, we didn't outlaw minivans. No small, general aviation aircraft has been involved with a terrorist incident, yet we are being punished nevertheless. I've heard a lot of talk about not letting the terrorists win. Well, at 3B9 it sure looks like Bin Laden has claimed a victory here. I hope you will voice your concern about the negative impact on business and civil liberties that these thoughtless and reactionary restrictions are causing. Leslie Holbrook Alon A2 N161LH (Flying Colors #1) Chester, CT 3B9 _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <A HREF=" http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT "> AOL users click here.</A> T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
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