President's Message
by Les Smith

July 2010

Land Use Issues

 Ok – I can sort of dismissively say, “Yeah, I know what that’s about”. But in doing so, do I really? Or is it a disservice to an issue that has been identified by WPA State as a high priority issue for us as aviators? To get better educated,

I’m working my way through a number of resources on WSDOT Aviation’s website that are proving to be rather informative. Why bother? After all, I fly out of Paine Field. Paine is pretty well established, has a relatively large perimeter, and a fairly mature build out beyond the fence. The key is the phrase “I fly out of…” I must be flying somewhere, and those “somewheres” (other airfields) face encroachment issues many times more ominous than those at Paine Field. If you would like to get up to speed on land use, encroachment, compatibility, Part 77, imaginary surfaces and so on, make your way to an education at the Planning section of WSDOT Aviation’s website. (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/Planning/default.htm#LandUse)

You’ll also find a newly issued land use guide book.

If you would like to do more, be advised that WPA members John Townsley and Jim Combs have initiated a project with the Aviation High School to work with their graphics department and create a book on land use and encroachment issues affecting every single airport across the state.  They would like photos showing airports as they looked before 1996 (when the encroachment legislation was passed) and current pictures showing the encroachment that has occurred while the piece of legislation was in place.  The timeline is very short, so chapters are being asked to submit pictures of the airports in their areas as soon as possible.  The intent of the book is to improve the protection of the Growth Management Act. Copies of the airport pictures should be sent to Dave Lucke, Charles Hower, Jim Combs, and John Townsley no later than August. Email me for help with getting in touch with these folks. The intent is to have this book ready for the Fall State Legislative session. While there are laws already on the books, the proposed book would show, in pictures, why the laws need strengthening.

As I write this, the media weather outlets all picture the longest string of days with icons showing no raindrops that I have see in quite some time. If you’ve been grumpy lately, it might not be the rainy weather. It might be the lack of flying! Take a mental health moment for yourself and go fly while this good weather prevails. Look forward to seeing you soon on the field. If you’re taxiing back to your hangar or tiedown, I’ll bet you’ll be SMILING!

Be safe out there!

Wrap up Photo Montage

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