Little River Airport Advisory Committee minutes 3/29/98 meeting A meeting of The Little River Airport Advisory Committee was held at the Woods Clubhouse on Sunday, March 29, 1998, at 2:00pm. The meeting time had been moved up from the previously announced 4:00pm. A revised agenda had been posted at the Little River Airport and at the Little River Post Office. Present at the meeting were committee members: Tim Scully, Lee Edmundson, Dave Brewer, Trey Loy, Willow Trent and Joel Bornstein. Susan Winding arrived at the meeting at 3:00pm. Also participating in the meeting were: Grant Wheeler, Judith Barry, Dick Ahrens and Jason Trent. Richard Gallagher arrived at 4:00pm. Grant Wheeler left the meeting at 5:00pm. Tim Scully announced that the final GPS report was due on Wednesday, April 1, 1998. Due to the pressure to complete the report today, Tim Scully requested that Joel Bornstein be permitted to take the minutes of this meeting. Trey Loy so moved and Lee Edmundson seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously voted to allow that to be done. Lee Edmundson said that he believes Roberts Rules of Order only require that minutes cover pertinent points, motions and votes. Joel Bornstein asked Tim Scully for his opinion and Tim Scully requested that we continue recording greater detail, as we have been doing. Joel Bornstein agreed to do that. The minutes of the last meeting were the next order of business. Dave Brewer had sent Tim Scully some corrections by e mail. Willow Trent said she had not received her copy of the minutes. When she arrived Susan Winding confirmed that she had not seen the minutes either. Joel Bornstein said that his statement re: night closure was not properly noted. He said that he had not suggested closure of the Little River Airport at night. He is not in favor of closure. Communications: -------------- We have received letters from Patrick Bulmer and Liz Irwin. A note was sent to Lee Edmundson by Melissa Hays. Charles Meinershagen re-sent a copy of an airport/hangar survey. We have a letter of March 26, 1998, from Trey Loy. Finally there is a letter from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Air Squadron, addressed to Les Proctor. Except for Dr Meinershagen's letter, which can be seen in the Ad Hoc Committee's minutes, they are appended to these minutes. Copies of the draft report on the proposed GPS approach were distributed to the members and to most of the guests. We agreed to recess the meeting so that those who had not previously read the report and correspondence could do so. The meeting resumed at 3:08 pm. Tim Scully said that there were two ways to review the proposed report: either page by page or to start with the recommendations and work backwards from there. The consensus was that the page by page method was preferrable. Trey Loy expressed his thanks to all those who had put energy into the report. First, we dealt with the overall structure of the report: Susan Winding questioned the separation of the safety issues in heading 2.1 and 3.6 & 7. Dave Brewer questioned the relevance of heading 3.6. Lee Edmundson said that there was some information that we were unable to obtain re: safety records. After a short discussion, we agreed with the current format Page 2: Grant Wheeler suggested that heading 2.0 should agree with headings 2.1 - 4. He suggested that we drop the word "impacts" in line 2.4.4. Joel Bornstein requested that the word "laymen's" in heading 1.0 be changed to "layperson's." Willow Trent suggested that the term "declined" in heading 2.2 be changed to "refused." Also in heading 2.2, the "ILS" is incorrect and shouldd be deleted. Trey Loy suggested dropping heading 2.2, line 1. After a short discussion we decided to leave it as is. Joel Bornstein received a clarification of the 22% figure; no change was made. Joel Bornstein questioned heading 2.0, line 3 & 4 since they seemed tied together. Lee Edmundson had good reason for keeping them separate, so they were left that way. Page 3: Dave Brewer made several minor numerical changes to the table in heading 2.3.1. Susan Winding asked if heading 2.3 includes Ukiah? Yes. Susan Winding and Lee Edmundson suggested that "GPS draft report" be added after the reference to page 14. Trey Loy said he thought the night statistics are irrelevant. Trey Loy asked about "RASS" (Remote Altimeter Setting Source). Tim Scully explained. Then Tim Scully explained that there are two ways of restricting the use of the GPS approach: by simply publishing a time of unavailability or by making it impossible to obtain the current altimeter setting. He said it would be far more effective to simply recommend that the approach be "not authorized" during certain hours. Joel Bornstein questioned the reasonability of any restriction, as the GPS approach is a safety device. Page 4: Trey Loy questioned line 3 & 4. He felt that the note "if 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week" should be added in several instances. We agreed that an * referring to the note would suffice. We discussed the line 6 reference to out of town pilots. We agreed to use "out-of-area." On line 2, Grant Wheeler noted the use of the words "one quarter," was inconsistant with the earlier style. Lee Edmundson felt there was ample reason for doing that. Grant suggested that appendix A be referred to at the end of Finding #2. Page 5: heading 2.4.1 Add "total impacts increase (day & night) by 426 or 17%, with the * for the times of operation note. The possible addition of 1 - 5 % new users of Little River Airport brings the maximum anticipated impact to 22% increase due to the approach. Joel Bornstein questioned the figure, which is twice as high as the F.A.A. estimate. Lee Edmundson said that the F.A.A. estimate was based on the national average and he believes it doesn't apply to the Little River Airport. Heading 2.4.2 paragraph 2. The term "scud running" was dropped. Page 6: heading 2.4.4. Tim Scully said the reference to 1/2 mile should be 1 mile. Heading 2.4.5. Paragraph 1. Joel Bornstein questioned the definition of "scud running." We dropped the words, "in uncontrolled airspace in an approach towards landing." Joel Bornstein also stated that simply having a GPS is no guaranty that a pilot won't "scud run." We dropped the words, "does not have an IFR GPS installed in their plane and." Page 7: heading 3.1. Trey Loy doesn't like the term "black box." We discussed it briefly and decided to leave it as is. Joel Bornstein wanted, "approximately," added before, "every 15 minutes." Still in heading 3.1, the 3500' AGL was spoken of, but after explanation we decided to leave it alone. The suggestion was made that we add [ ] to the last lines of heading 3.1 Page 8: heading 3.1.2. Change 700' to 700' AGL. Heading 3.2. Trey Loy requested that we add the Mendocino Coast General Hospital as a possible source of altimeter setting. Tim Scully explained how an alternate altimeter setting source might be approved. We discussed other possible sources: neighbors, fixed base operators, etc. Susan Winding asked if the RASS was no good. Tim Scully and Lee Edmundson discussed the question and Tim Scully explained how a RASS might be useful. Tim Scully reiterated his suggestion to limit the approach only by restricting hours of use. Page 9: heading 3.3. Trey Loy suggested that the first line be.....Airport Supervisor is on duty or some other approved source of altimeter setting is available. Jason Trent asked that heading 3.3 include the F.A.A. definition of night. Lee Edmundson asked that we defer discussion of the specific restriction until later. Joel Bornstein asked about the flippant nature of the first paragraph of 3.5. Lee Edmundson said he liked the change of style and thought it might be a wakeup call to the readers. We agreed to leave it in place. Page 10: heading 3.6. Joel Bornstein asked if the AOPA Air Safety Foundation charges for the Nall report. The negative answer was enough to assuage his fears of copyright problems. On heading 3.7, we were asked to explain, "since 1983." We'll add, "since NTSB records are available to us." Heading 3.9. Trey Loy said the correct spelling is San Cayetano Land and Exploration Company. We agreed informally that we are unanimously opposed to the use of the Little River Airport for onshore or offshore oil development. We agreed to take a 10 minute break. We reconvened at 5:06 pm. Page 11: Recommendations: Tim Scully spoke of his efforts to propose a compromise in which the pilots accept some restrictions to usage and the non-pilots accept the GPS approach. He would like an affirmative vote from each member of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee. Trey Loy said he is not in favor nor opposed, but that he wants restrictions. Lee Edmundson concurs with Trey Loy. There was a short period of discussion of what the non-pilots want. Trey Loy stated that he would abstain from any vote on the approach. The others might approve of the approach, with restrictions. Trey Loy wanted to take a vote on the approach first, then discuss restrictions. The consensus was that we should agree on the restrictions first. Lee Edmundson enumerated the choices before us re: restrictions. 1) No restrictions; 2) Restriction during "night," as defined by the F.A.A.; 3) Restriction from 11pm-5am; 4) Something else. Willow Trent said the RASS is a restriction. Tim Scully said we should restrict available hours only. Lee Edmundson gave a good summary of the safety benefits of a GPS for night flying and told us that the statistics show a peak in the accident rate for VFR flight in the early hours of darkness from 6-9pm. Tim Scully pointed out that the FAA definition of night will provide less consistent protection for people's sleep than a specific hourly restriction. In the summertime, FAA night ends very early in the morning. In the Winter time FAA night can start as early as 6pm - surely few people a sleeping at 6pm. Trey Loy favors 11pm - 5am, in consideration of the needs of local pilots. Richard Gallagher asked about emergency operations. Lee Edmundson said they would be allowable. Lee Edmundson then led a discussion of what constitutes an emergency. We then moved on to the discussion of the specific hours of restricted use of the approach. Many different times were proposed. Tim Scully described his Monday am departure procedure. He said he can return to the airport in case of emergency, but he would prefer to not have to declare an emergency in order to make a precautionary return to the airport. Willow Trent wanted 11pm - 7am restriction; Susan Winding wanted 10pm - 7am restriction. Joel Bornstein said he didn't know if he could agree with such restrictions. He then read part of Patrick Bulmer's letter. Susan Winding asked who is Patrick. Joel Bornstein said that he is a local businessperson residing at the top of Andiron Road and a student pilot. Susan Winding stated that Patrick didn't know anything, discounting his letter. Willow Trent asked if Patrick was at the last meeting. Joel Bornstein said that was so. We agreed to add the recommendation of a Little River Airport Advisory Committee review of the effects of the approach after it has been in operation for one year, with the possibility of recommending changes. Tim Scully asked if anyone would be willing to make a motion. Dave Brewer moved that we adopt the recommendations as modified, with a 10pm - 7am restriction and with the provision for review after one year. Joel Bornstein seconded Dave Brewer's motion. Lee Edmundson said he hopes for unanimous approval. The question was called: The vote was unanimous, in favor of Dave Brewer's motion. Trey Loy asked about a report to the newspaper. It was requested that copies of the report be posted at the following locations: the Mendocino and the Fort Bragg libraries, the Little River, Albion and Mendocino post offices and the Little River Airport. Lee Edmundson agreed to produce copies of the report. Tim Scully offered his copier. We agreed that a glossary of terms should be added to the report. Tim Scully agreed to produce one. It will be designated "Appendix J." We agreed that the next meeting of The Little River Airport Advisory Committee will be held on April 26, 1998 at 2:00 pm at the Woods Clubhouse. The agenda of the next Little River Airport Advisory Committee meeting shall be: Discuss the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors decision. Other issues to come before the Little River Airport Advisory Committee. Appoint subcommittee to consider the Airport Supervisor's logging of operations. Vote on officers of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee. Agree on a permanent place and time for meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm, by unanimous vote. Minutes respectfully submitted by Joel Bornstein, acting Secretary Members of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee ------------------------------------------------------ Joel Bornstein pilot, flight instructor lives near airport Dave Brewer pilot, lives near airport Lee Edmundson non-pilot Trey Loy non-pilot, lives near airport Tim Scully pilot, computer programmer, lives near airport commutes by air to Oakland weekly Willow Trent airport neighbor, non-pilot Susan Winding airport neighbor, non-pilot, business owner ============================================================= Appendix A - Letter from Patrick Bulmer to Tim Scully. -------------------------------------------------------- Wed, 25 Mar 1998 Tim Scully Airport Advisory Committee Dear Tim, After attending the meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee last Sunday, I've had the opportunity to consider some of the issues raised there. As a community resident who lives under the airport flight path, I feel I can offer some valid insight regarding the proposed GPS approach. While it appears that the committee is gravitating toward recommendation of the GPS approach, some of the operation restrictions being considered by the committee simply do not make sense. As I understood at the meeting, use of the GPS approach without the availability of a current altimeter setting is impossible. Yet it appears that there is a strong push to further limit GPS activity at the airport by imposing a seemingly arbitrary time restriction on use of the GPS approach. It makes no sense to put such a time restriction on use of a safety device. In most cases, the GPS approach will be unavailable outside of normal airport operating hours, however, pilots should be given the option of using this safety device at any time they feel it necessary to do so when the required altimeter setting data is available. In my opinion, the committee should consider the interests of the entire community, not just local pilots and the residents of Little River Airport Road. The airport services all of Mendocino County and is used by a number of people in the community. It allows visitation by friends and family of local residents, as well as increased commerce to local businesses. Part of the reason I live near the airport is to take advantage of air transportation for my own business and personal needs. All of these uses will benefit from the added safety of an unrestricted GPS approach. The committee's recommendation to the County Board of Supervisors should not be based on the emotions of a few people that are concerned about a negligible amount of added noise, but upon sober analysis of facts, data and history relevant to this project as it effects the entire community. Therefore, I strongly encourage the Airport Advisory Committee to recommend the installation of a GPS approach for the Mendocino County Airport without imposed restrictions on its operation outside of those required by law or for its safe use. Best Regards, Patrick =============================================================== Appendix B: Letter from Liz Irwin to The Little River Airport Advisory Committee. ================================================================ TO-THE OFFICIAL AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE--CONGRATULATIONS! LAST GASP FROM LIZ IRWIN ON THE GPS QUESTION----- I remind you that this is an irreversible step. IF it is coming, let us make sure that it has as little negative effect as possible on the neighborhood. Let us remember that the airport is a neighbor to RURAL RESIDENTIAL areas--so zoned, so designated in the Coastal Plan, and residents must follow the restrictions that zoning implies and requires. That designation must be honored by the county in its management of and plans for the airport. The airport is a neighbor to state parks and other public lands set aside for the enjoyment of its residents and visitors. We have been assured that the number of flights will increase minimally. We hope that is true. Limiting night flights will help to protect the neighbors' peace and quiet. Using the F.A.A. definition of night flights which I have heard is one hour after sunset and one hour before daylight makes sense. I appreciate efforts by local pilots to protect reduce noise. Educating visitors to exhibit the same courtesy is a challenge, I know. Stratigically located signs and a simple hand-out for visiting pilots when they come to the office and buy gasoline reminding them of the neighborhood concerns certainly could not hurt. Any injunctions for consideration allowable in the official guide should be utilized. The airport is a fact of life--I want it to be safe for my friends and neighbors who fly and for those of us who live in its shadow. But I reiterate that I do not want anything that will make it more attractive to traffic; that will ruin the rural residential character of the area and threaten the public areas and small businesses which depend on the beauty and serenity of the area. I applaud you for all your labors and your dilligent search for ways to work cooperatively with one another when interests conflict. And of course they do. Thanks. Liz Irwin PS--I add my voice to Tom Taylor's in praise of Uta and Brian for their work on the lounge. Next step a clean-up day to make the surroundings more beautiful. They are an asset to the community and it should be a community effort. I will help. LI ======================================================= Appendix C: Letter from Melissa Hays to Lee Edmundson. ======================================================== Dear Lee, Thank you for serving on the new airport advisory committee. I understand you are gathering questions from the community concerning the airport for the B of S meeting on April 7th. My question: If the GPS system is installed, would you please consider a curfew for planes flying out early or in late to protect the integrity of the citizens below the flight pattern? Thank you Melissa Hays cc Tim Scully ====================================================================== Appendix D: Letter from Trey Loy to the Little River Airport Advisory Committee: ======================================================================== Trey Loy March 26, 1998 To the members of the Little River Airport Advisory Committee, Some more thoughts on the committee's report to the Board of Supervisors concerning the GPS Approach Procedure. The introduction is intended as an overview of the GPS Approach Procedure. Next we could have the sub-heading of 'Findings'. Included would be synopsizes of reports, such as the airport survey, pilots survey, accident survey, etc. Also include would be a statement of environmental-impact, such as: Though Little River is sparsely populated, with in a mile of both ends to the airport runway are wildlife reserves and recreation areas relished by the visitor for the naturalness of the scenic beauty. (Which includes the lack of city type noise pollution.) Air traffic is expected to increase with the greatest increase expected in tourist traffic. In order to Help the home based pilot and to increase the availability of the airport for emergency aircraft landing, there is an exponential rise in tourist traffic. It is not the aim of Little River airport to increase air traffic operations, nor to change type of aircraft using the airport; rather the request for the GPS Approach Procedure is for furthering the safety in landing for a portion of local airport users, and to increase airport landing capability of emergency aircraft. The increase in tourist traffic is a controversial issue, as the many advisory and public meetings have shown, among business owners and the neighbors the airport, and will continue to be controversial. Now put the heading of 'Recommendations". In the Recommendation the compromise position is to limit night time use of the GPS Approach Procedure from dark to dark, or 11 PM to 5 AM. 1. The altimeter setting is not normally available 2. Instrument landing is most dangerous to the pilot after dark. Now put Question and Answers not addressed in the text. Then put Appendixes. Enclosed is the reprinting of two letters from Ron Chenny of Los Angeles Flight procedures to help focus on what we are doing. See you Sundav at, AAAAAAGGGGHHHHH, 3pm. hope to leave by 5pm. Trey ======================================================================== Appendix E: Letter from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Air Squadron to Les Proctor. ======================================================================== Mendocino County Sheriff's Air Squadron March 20, 1998 Les Proctor Airport Manager Little River Airport 43001 Little River Airport Rd. Little River, CA 95456 Dear Mr. Proctor: The Mendocino County Sheriff's Air Squadron is a volunteer organization serving Mendocino County since 1954. It has come to our attention that Little River is considering a G.P.S. approach into your airport. You may also be aware that Willits has requested a G.P.S. approach into Ells Field and that is being processed at this time by the F.A.A.. Please be advised that the Mendocino County Sheriff's Air Squadron is very much in favor of these approaches for emergency/search and rescue services, if for no other reason. However, since most of our members are pilots, we also are favoring them for personal reasons as well. G.P.S. is used by search and rescue in aircraft as well as by the ground and mounted units for coordination of positions and our members are familiar with its usage and value. There have been numerous times that transportation of critical patients and searches for lost or missing individuals have been hampered or eliminated because of the lack of access to your airport. With inclement weather often being a problem there, it would be a verv useful tool for these purposes and perhaps will save lives. Please refer this letter on to those who will be deciding the matter and register our vote in the yea box. Thank you for your attention and "FLY SAFE". Sincerely, BEVERLY CLARK, Adjutant, MCSAS (Signed) Beverly Clark for: Leonard Swithenbank, Commander