Ted wrote on Jun 28, 2006 7:24 AM:"Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood said Tuesday that while he found the views of the pilots group "interesting," he would not be intimidated into making up his mind on whether the airport should close." This guy is so cluless !!! The FAA has clearly outlined to the city that the airport CANNOT be closed without FAA approval and even at that, not for about 20 more years. All this posturing by Wood and Sanchez is just hype for the Nov election. Funny how Sanchez always has the same excuse about the attempts to meet with her..."no one ever told me,.." etc, etc. Oh, and Jimmy Boy, who are "the people on the hill" ???

Fit To Be Tied wrote on Jun 28, 2006 8:51 AM:Jim Wood says that he has to represent the whole city "on this one"? This "one" only, Jim? And, in any event, why start now? How come you didn't represent the "whole city" when it came to the sale of Marina Towers? Or when you voted to approve the outrageous public employee labor contracts? Or how about when you killed the Melrose extension -- was the "whole city" on your mind then? Or how about when you cancelled the RDO interchange -- were you representing the “whole city” when you did that? Or how about when you attacked KOCT's funding because none of "your side" were on the board. Tell me, Jim, were you representing the “whole city" then? Or how about when you kicked Jack Feller from NCTD and SANDAG, putting Oceanside at the bottom of the list for transportation funding. Tell me, Jim, were you representing the "whole city" when you did that? Oh, and by the way, the City’s voters overwhelmingly support the Oceanside Airport, so your finger-to-the-wind decision-making shouldn’t be all that difficult.

C. C. Says wrote on Jun 28, 2006 8:53 AM:I view the Oceanside airport as a valuable asset. I want to keep it that way. I wished the mayor felt the same way.

Lawson wrote on Jun 28, 2006 8:56 AM:Like Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, who had a conversion on the road to Damascus, I wished the mayor would likewise have a conversion and see the Oceanside airport is critical to the city, especially if we have a emergency similar to 9/11 or an earthquake.

American Idiot wrote on Jun 28, 2006 9:39 AM:If we should ever have an emergency similar to 9/11 or an earthquake, I think we can manage to drive a few short miles to Carlsbad airport.

MB wrote on Jun 28, 2006 10:15 AM:My my my! Mayor Wood has a different meaning of the "whole city" than the rest the Oceanside. He hides behind statements like "I don't have all the facts" or "A consultant or study is needed." Noooooo! Sanchez didn't get the memo? How convient! She never gets the memo when she might be confronted with justifying her actions.

Ed wrote on Jun 28, 2006 10:19 AM:The airport has been there for a lot of years now, certainly longer than the local city officials have been in office. These city officials need to learn to leave well enough alone. What's the alternative if the airport is closed ? Will these same officials help see that building permits are granted to put up 1500 condos. The airport does not add to the traffic problem and it does serve the community. The mayor and his staff would be better off managing issues such as sewer repairs. You guys can't even get intersections right.

Friend of Oside wrote on Jun 28, 2006 10:27 AM:Does Jim Wood actually BELIEVE that he represents the citizens of Oside? What a crock! It's clear from his votes that he represents himself and maybe a few friends/family members. When he voted to stop the Melrose extension and the RDO interchange he clearly wasn't representing the good of the majority of the community. He, Ms. Sanchez and Ms Mackin all need to go. Let's start with Mackin in the next election.

Common sense wrote on Jun 28, 2006 10:39 AM:WE need the airport as an evacuation alternative. Also, the airport gives us the option of receiving medical and other supplies should the rest of our infrastucture fail. Doesn't the mayor have more important things to focus on?

No suprise wrote on Jun 28, 2006 10:45 AM:Woody now wants to represent all the people. Earlier he was firing people because they were not "his people" Esther turms herback on what she does not agree with. What is new? The majority of Oceanside wants the airport. The feds are willing to put money in it. The least the troika could do is let it live.

American Idiot wrote on Jun 28, 2006 11:20 AM:I for one, would like to see a C-130 loaded with medical supplies attempt to land on our postage stamp municipal landing strip. Perhaps if we acquired the drive-in theater using eminent domain, an empty C-130 might be able to land into a head wind.

Airport Annie wrote on Jun 28, 2006 11:48 AM:I think the council needs to be aware that this airport isn't going anywhere. Please think ahead after the downtown area is built up and thrives. People will be clamoring to use our airport, spend money here and rent rooms here instead of other coastal cities. This is truly a one-of-a-kind asset that can never be lost. The closed mindedness of Esther is apparent. Write her off guys and quit wasting your breath. She always has an excuse for not meeting with people. Send her a memo and cut your losses with her.

American Idiot you are wrote on Jun 28, 2006 11:49 AM:American idiot..how are you going to get to Carlsbad if I-5 and 78 are collapsed. Even if one of these major arteries goes, 10 million people will be competing with you for roadspace to get to their loved ones, hospitals and doctors and schools to get their kids. Do you even drive a car?

767Capt wrote on Jun 28, 2006 12:18 PM:"American Idiot"; (appropriate name) a C-130 could easily operate at Oceanside airport. It's the FAA who decides whether or not the field stays open, not a few local yokel politicians. Anyone notice that Carlsbad leads the way as a much finer city, and they have a great, active airport. Keep thinking small ye Oceansiders...

ConcordeCapt wrote on Jun 28, 2006 1:13 PM:A C-130 could not operate at Oceanside municipal; perhaps a 767 could!

RECALL WOOD/SANCHEZ wrote on Jun 28, 2006 1:39 PM:Biggest posers this city has ever had! One with the policeman attitude and one with a lawyer attitude. Yeah right, they have the cities best interest in mind! Lets send them back to the streets!

StarTrekCapt wrote on Jun 28, 2006 1:45 PM:The Starship Enterprise could easily operate at Oceanside airport!

MB wrote on Jun 28, 2006 2:11 PM:The Hurricane Katrina disaster proves the importance for small airports like Oceanside Airport. I contacted the majority of the 81 Louisiana airports by phone/e-mail to find what role they played, if any. One of several personal contacts is, Don Hansen, who works for an FBO (Fixed Base Operator -i.e. flight school, repair shop, etc.) and said that "nearby (small) airports, such as Hammond,and Louisiana Regional, etc. also had their facilities strained. Baton Rouge Metro hosted many many Angel Flights." Spoke to Angel Flight Directors in the SW and Western Regions. According to the AF Western Region, "many private pilots, on their own initiative, from around the country flew into Baton Rouge Metro Airport(slightly larger than Oceanside Airport) from their small home airports to help bring in doctors, medical supplies, and evacuate folks to family relatives located all over the US." Don Hansen said "ten Associated Press folks, were housed in the classrooms, and offices at Baton Rouge Metro in the Fixed Base Operator and parked the AP's 3 helicpoters on the ramp. Additionally, the state government had many oerations (flights). They (airports) are wonderful facilities for many purposes, particulary saveing people when times are rough." Oceanside airport will NEVER get any bigger than it is right now. By all real accounts, the airport can make a 1 million dollars a year, be self supporting and bring more money to Oceanside's general fund. Translated for Mayor Wood and crew - more policemen, and firemen, better streets, etc., etc., etc. Sanchez, Mayor Wood and Sheri Macken are holding Oceanside back. Let there be changes starting with Sheri Macken then Sanchez. What do you say Oceanside. "Are you with me We can do this".

DarthVader wrote on Jun 28, 2006 2:58 PM:The Death Star could easily operate at Oceanside airport!

W wrote on Jun 28, 2006 3:20 PM:I could easily land a fighter jet towing a "Mission Accomplished" banner at Oceanside airport!

Airport Annie wrote on Jun 28, 2006 4:07 PM:Give Shari a break on this would you? You still have a shot and showing how great the airport can be. And learn to spell her name!

Airport User wrote on Jun 28, 2006 5:27 PM:I'd love to give Shari a break as soon as she takes a public position on the airport. The fence straddling has gone on too long.

HKN wrote on Jun 28, 2006 6:09 PM:Hey "MB" The FAA told small aircraft pilots to stay away from the disaster area in Louisiana, etc and "let the professionals do their job". And what responsible C-130 pilot or ANY pilot would attempt to land such aircraft in Oceanside. We know now that a small plane can land in a tree! So perhaps a C-130 could do it? And isn't it time for Sisson to get his facts straight about the hangars?

Concerned wrote on Jun 28, 2006 6:50 PM:It seems clear the same person is writing under the guise of different names in an attempt at making it appear that so many support the moribund airport. That person, in all likelihood a resident of a neighboring town (not Oceanside) repeats the same vitriolic comments about local politicians for whom he doubtless cannot even vote for (or against). All of this is in a desperate attempt to attack our Mayor and to support an ugly, useless, dangerous, airport that is almost exclusively the playground of non-Oceansiders.

WHERE ARE THE FACTS? wrote on Jun 28, 2006 8:22 PM:A c130? Are you kidding? We can’t even land a Leer jet, the runways are not long enough. In fact the only aircraft that can land there are the hobbyist type planes that land there now. And the runway can’t be lengthened...in either direction! If there was a disaster don’t you think relief would come via Camp Pendleton?

Get the Facts wrote on Jun 28, 2006 8:23 PM:All of the above is all so political and the bomb on the Political aircraft seems to be aimed at taking out Shari Mackin in the Nov. Election. Shari (spell her name right) is the best thing that has ever happend in Oceanside. All the facts are not in to make an informed decision. Give it a chance before you launch the missle.

DBCooper wrote on Jun 29, 2006 6:38 AM:Oceanside is important. Why not call Angel Flight in Santa Monica and get the facts about New Orleans help and how not C-130's but small airplanes got the job done. Ask about the City of Los Angeles inquiring about Angel Flight and how they can help in a disaster. All the Mayor and a couple of others want is MONEY from Developers.

CubbyFlier wrote on Jun 29, 2006 7:28 AM:Mr. Woods needs to wake up and smell the poop he's shoveling. I think it's great that people are putting up a fight to keep this most valuable Airport open. It is essential for all people to care about aviation whether it directly or indirectly affects their lives. As for "Noise Abatement Complaints" I find it real funny that people move so close to airports and then expect the Airport to close down to suit their whimsical ways. Like spoiled children throwing a temper tantrum. As for Mr. Woods let's just say, "Your days are numbered". Plain and simple Vote the man out of office and replace him with someone who comprehends what the definition of "Civil Servant" really means!!!

hangarview pilot wrote on Jun 29, 2006 7:50 AM:A C-130E at 130,000 lbs has a landing roll of 2300 feet. The Oceanside airport runway is 2700 feet. A C-130 can't perform a normal take off from Oceanside at full gross weight, however it was specifically designed to operate out of remote strips, and has rocket assist JATO ability that I feel certian would allow it to get into and out of the airport with useful loads. But arguing over what a C-130 could do is silly. The bottom line if the "Big One" hit southern California, where would the large military helicopters will operate from? It won't be from the beach. It will be from Oceanside airport.

OutOfTowner wrote on Jun 29, 2006 10:32 AM:I fly into Oceanside airport for business in my Cessna. Not only does the airport allow me to efficiently spend money with other Oceanside businesses, it allows me to frequent Oceanside-based taxi services, restaurants, hotels, and many other local businesses. Without the airport many of these Oceanside companies and their employees would be without the money spent by people from outside Oceanside. There are very reasonable and commonly accepted methods for airports to make money -- if it is supported and run like a business. I found the airport through the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce which states: "A half-mile of highway allows you to travel a half mile; a half-mile of airport runway will allow you to travel anywhere you choose. Over the last century, civil aviation has become an integral part of the U.S. economy, a key catalyst for economic growth. There has been an airport in the San Luis Rey Valley since the 1930’s. The Oceanside Municipal Airport is a paved and lighted landing facility, providing tourists and businesses and alternate mode of transportation into our city. In addition, the Oceanside Airport serves as a flight training facility for our future airline and military pilots, not to mention a possible astronaut or two. The airport is also used, regularly, by Life Flight Medical Services as well as other emergency services. The Oceanside Municipal Airport is truly an asset to our city."

BigPicture wrote on Jun 29, 2006 11:22 AM:An important thing to remember is that as smaller aircraft are slowly displaced from smaller airports they will be forced to larger airports (where they are allowed the same priveledges as the huge commuter jets). If Ocenaside decides to close their airport whos to say that Carlsbad won't close their airport next (after all they'll have the extra traffic from Oceanside). Then the next time you are returning home from a lengthy business trip and hoping to arrive in time to see your kids soccer game you could find yourself delayed because there were a fleet of 90 mile an hour Cessnas holding up your 400 mile per hour 747 Jet. Aviation has come so far in the past 100 years and it's a shame that some communities appear to be moving in reverse. The emerging trend in general aviation is Very Light Jets, so while a C130 or a Leer may be challenged by Oceanside, soon many of Oceanside's residents will be well within their means to become jet owners with their own aircraft capable of using Oceanside Airport. Look past the static created by posturing politicians and residents unwilling to admit they didn't do their homework when buying a house near an airport to see that aviation is a good thing for the community, and local airports are likely to be a highly sought after resource in the future.

Matt wrote on Jun 29, 2006 11:31 AM:Ok, I realize it is hobby, but why for crying out loud, they are flying so low right over homes. Yes they are. One time I am sure that if I was standing up on my roof, I could have been knocked over by the plane that flew over. He was flying very fast too, and it was very loud. Why can’t the planes at the very least fly over main roads, and not right over homes. It is insane. They fly directly over residential areas, many times they are very low and they make extremely excessive noise. This has got to stop ! !

Shane wrote on Jun 29, 2006 12:57 PM:Matt -- pilots are always concerned about the residents of our community and noise abatement proceedures are commonly discussed by pilots (flying is not a hobby for everyone -- many use aircraft to conduct business). Most of the airports in Southern California were built in the early days of aviation -- and they were always built far from residential areas. Unfortunetly those areas surrounding most local airports have become densly-populared urban areas. The Federal government sets very strict guidlines for building near airports. Very loud, very fast and very low are all subjective terms and I'm sure that if you came by the airport you would have no problem finding a pilot to help you understand how airplanes work, how the airport traffic pattern is set up and they may even take you for a flight so you can see first hand that pilots aren't out to cause you any undue stress. Your frustrations should be with the developers and real estate agents who commonly build near airports, railways, freeways and other potentially noisy areas, then conseal that information from purchasers.

Walter wrote on Jun 29, 2006 2:08 PM:I don't think a person is posting comments under different names, as most opponents would be surprised that more people support the airport than do not. It's like the illegal immigration marches sure a million marched in the streets, but tens of millions more want the illegal immigration to stop today and get them out. The airport could be closed if the mayor decides to pull a "Daley", that is take bulldozers and tear up the airport at night. Yet oceanside councile also has to look at the aftermath in Chicago and be willing to take the same brunt. There is a substantial drop in business revenue at the convention center, large fines leavied at the city in the millions of dollars. Long flight delays because now traffic has to be constantly re-routed in the busy airspace and airports, which the ATC unions are starting to complaine about safety issues over chicago. Megis field was and is not much different from Oceanside.

Bryan wrote on Jun 29, 2006 2:58 PM:Sorry folks, A C-130 needs at least 3000 feet/3500 for normal operations. But we could airdrop you stuff... Oh, and no one but the Blue Angels Demo plane uses JATO anymore.

100% Voting track record wrote on Jun 29, 2006 3:57 PM:I find it truely amusing how it seems that everyone cites the "FAA told everyone to stay out" of the hurricane area. The reason for that was so that operations could go on without undue delays. None of you seem to have any clue what an absolutely large impact General Aviation made on those peoples lives and helping pick up the pieces. "We can just go to Carlsbad", yeah, if you can get there. Oh, and two places are better than one. You you have a 100% more chance of getting to use one of them immediately after any such disaster. Costco is useless without electricity, an airport works just fine with a swept runway and you have to work very very hard to make an airport loose money, The Trioka is trying very hard.

Shane wrote on Jun 29, 2006 4:09 PM:"Concerned's" comments reflect many of the problems with those against local airports. The statement that Oceanside is used "almost exclusively the playground of non-Oceansiders" is without basis. Published data shows that Oceanside airport traffic is comprised of 67 percent local traffic and just 33 percent transient traffic. Everyone is allowed the right to an opinion but please educate yourself before voicing irrational and purely emotional rants. The old saying remains true that it is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Doglover wrote on Jun 29, 2006 5:02 PM:Shane, I think the transient vs. local traffic stats you cite refer to where the aircraft are based, not the pilot's residency. But I agree with your point. Many against the airport say "Oh, it's used by out-of-towners!" Why should that even matter?! Do we see Carlsbad complaining when "out-of-towners" come to their mall to spend money? Does anybody in Oceanside complain about "out-of-towners" paying slip fees at our harbor, or paying greens fees at our golf courses? No, of course not - the point is not where these people live, but the fact that they all spend MONEY here in Oceanside. And the pilots and airport supporters would be putting a LOT more into Oceanside's coffers IF Wood, Mackin, and Sanchez would get with the program and let the airport move forward. But no, they are determined to force the aiprot to lose money, then they can turn to the FAA and appeal for permission to close it since it is a "drain" on the City. It's such nonsense, and the Troika are truly dense if they think the public doesn't see right through them. All the argumnets about the airport "losing money", "dangerous", "used by out-of-towners", etc. are red herrings. What it comes down to is a handful of people are annoyed by little planes flying over their houses. Unfortunately, this handful of people means more to the Troika than the long-term good of the whole City. Yes, planes make noise and some people are always going to annoyed. I'm sorry, but we all have annoyances we need to put up with everyday, whether it is traffic, trains, gangbangers, noisy neighbors, whatever - that's part of living in a crowded society. If it is that bothersome, people should not live near an airport.

Shane wrote on Jun 29, 2006 7:57 PM:Doglover, You may be correct (I'm certianly not going to argue). Even if the pilots are from outlying areas, the fact that they pay the City of Oceanside to keep their aircraft at Oceanside's airport gives them a vested interest much the same as a business headquartered elsewhere but renting an office within the city also has an interest in the politics of the city (regardless of their voting rights). Because they rent real estate in Oceanside (albeit a relatively small space) aircraft parking is nonetheless a building or other piece of land, which in my eyes makes the traffic local versus traffic from Los Angeles or elsewhere. I'm sure it's an issue that could be nit-picked to death and you nor I are technically wrong. A good start for anyone seeking a better understanding of local airports would be to see the DVD, "One Six Right."

SR wrote on Jun 30, 2006 12:08 PM:I believe people should also remember that airports instill values, a sense of wonder and aspiration in young people. How many times have we, as pilots, seen kids staring though an airport fence in sheer amazment of the planes taxing, taking off or landing. I was one of those kids many years ago and it influenced me to study math & science, to make good lifestyle decisions (no drugs, etc.) and to continue my education after high school. While I ultimately did not choose to pursue a military career or work as a professional pilot despite a fair number of ratings (Com ASEL, Com ASES, Com Glider, Instrument Airplane) there is no question that aviation and the small airport that got me started put me on the right track in life. The bottom line I believe is that small airports are tremendous community assets. They can be a self-sustaining resource that provide benefits in commerce, education, tourism, emergency response and law enforcement. I hope the community of Oceanside comes to understand just how blessed they are by that 2,300 feet of asphalt. Fair Skies, SR