How a Modern Aviation Policy Should Be
Aviation is a controversial activity, particularly light aviation which is perceived as a luxury and nuisance. As pilots, we sometimes have to argument and plead for our activity. Do you have a set of facts and proposals ready ? I do.
Support modern planes
All planes don’t have the same characteristics in terms of noise, fuel consumption and pollution. In Switzerland most single engine planes are equipped with silencers. Procedures also take care of noise. Typically, I do reduce power to 25” and 2′500 RPM when passing 400 ft AGL, for noise and consumption purposes. TDI engines are also a great improvement, as they make less noise and consume much less fuel.
Fight against stupid real-estate projects
Airport neighboors are amongst the more active aviation opponents. I never could understand why real-estate projects are allowed so close to airports. This Google Earth snapshot shows houses close to the threshold of Zurich Airport runway 34. To be precise, these houses are 1.23 kilometers away.
Ok, Switzerland is a small country, but what ? Who can beleive that persons living here won’t suffer from noise and possibly fuel smells ?
The way out is clearly to not allow such real-estate projects anymore, and find a deal to fit existing houses with the best possible noise insulation techniques. Yes it will cost a lot, but this will be a one-shot investment, and it will make lifes of those house’s inhabitants better, and good neighborhood relations are important.
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Category: Speaker's Corner
Tags: aviation policy development noise nuisance
