September 29, 2011
Longmont’s Vance Brand Municipal Airport continues to be a point of pride and economic vitality for the city. The proposal to increase the length of the runway from about 4,800 feet to about 6,200 is reasonable considering the airport’s many positive contributions to the community and the needs of the area going forward.
The history of the airport goes back to 1942. Since then, the airport has evolved into a significant general aviation facility in this part of the state. Businesses located at the airport have a large economic impact benefiting Longmont and the St. Vain Valley.
The airport is used for a variety of reasons, some of them having to do with the safety and well-being of the public in this region.
As part of Colorado’s air transportation network, the Longmont airport has been carefully studied with the help of experts, volunteers, local, state and national officials and the public at large. Another public meeting on the airport master plan will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Parks Administration Building on 7 Sunset St.
There are many aspects to planning for and operating an airport. Discussion topics continue to include facility requirements, airport inventory and noise abatement, just to name a few. Vance Brand Municipal Airport has sought to be a good neighbor. Improvements can always be made and that’s why the airport has continued to encourage public participation and ideas in the management of this important local resource.
There are solid reasons for improving the airport. These include economic reasons and safety of the public, pilots and passengers.
Vance Brand Municipal Airport must be allowed to continue to improve by serving the area reliably and responsibly. The ideas of the public will continue to be important as the airport moves safely into the future. Pilots and aircraft designers should do whatever they reasonably can to keep airport noise as low as possible while the facility embraces its future in aviation.
http://www.timescall.com/opinion/editorial/ci_18997767
Source: LONGMONT TIMES-CALL
Date: 2011-09-29