Limiting Touch and Goes
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Touch-and-go operations are a clear safety hazard to local residents. Both the airport sponsor and Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower have a legitimate case to present to the FAA. Given the high volume of flight training at this airport and the inability of these aircraft to maintain an altitude above 1,000 feet in the downwind during continuous takeoffs and landings, a request to ban touch-and-go operations is warranted.
Arguments for Action: 1. Safety: The 1,000-foot minimum regulation over congested areas is designed to ensure safety by providing a buffer for errors. However, aircraft performing touch-and-go operations (continuous take offs and landings) in this pattern frequently fly under this minimum, creating significant risks for residents. In addition, FSDO has said that during warmer months, piston-engine aircraft often operate at altitudes of |
400-500 feet due to reduced engine performance which also results in violations of the recommended 1,000-foot rule. That ALONE should warrant a ban on touch and gos.
2. Congestion: Continuous touch-and-go operations create congested flight patterns over residential areas, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This congestion extends the air traffic pattern around the airport and heightens safety risks for more residents. Additionally, it raises the likelihood of ATC errors and contributes to controller fatigue. 3. Revenue Generation: Imposing landing fees would provide additional revenue for the airport, contributing to its financial sustainability and reducing the frequency of touch-and-go operations. |