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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 15, 2009

Be Thankful For Small Airports

Every pilot undergoes a constant and rigorous training in safety procedures throughout their flying years. Since takeoff and landing are the crucial times in piloting an airplane, multiple takeoffs and landings at general aviation airfields are required to increase safety.

Facts: Tampa North Aero Park was constructed in the 1960s when no home developments existed anywhere near the airport. Second, Seven Oaks first broke ground in 2003, 40 years after the airport had been in operation. Shall I ask for the closing of Tampa International Airport since I live in their flight path and the jets can sound like they're landing in my backyard?

Third, each homeowner in Seven Oaks has been given their covenants, which clearly state that they "acknowledge and accept the lawful use of the airspace by aircraft operating on, departing or approaching the referenced airport" and "bars your right" to make any assertions against the regular operation of the airport. Fourth, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners and the FAA Flight Standards Office have found that Tampa North Aero Park is in compliance with all local and federal laws in its operation.

Check out the service that general aviation airfields provide to each community they serve by going to www.gaservingamerica.org, and be thankful for those Medevac helicopter and Angel Flight pilots who began their training at a small airport and are now saving lives.

MARILYN SHAFER

Land O' Lakes

CSX Deal Is Bad For Dade City

Luckily I attended (Tuesday) night's Dade City City Commission meeting. Commissioner Curtis Beebe reminded the commission of CSX railroad's plan to quadruple train capacity through Dade City.

Stemming from Orlando's wish for use of CSX rail bed for a commuter transport system, CSX wants to divert its cargo and chemical cars from the Winter Haven/Lakeland area up through Dade City. If housing prices have dropped 40 percent in Pasco, according to your own business section, can you imagine the amount of houses going up for sale if we are to be doomed to the passing of 56 trains per day through town?

I suggest that Mayor Scott Black, who serves on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, use all his Southern charm to do all he can to see that this tremendous increase have a lesser impact on our fair city.

This is not Amtrak we're talking about. We lost Amtrak years ago. These are boxcars and chemical cars that will be passing through beautiful Dade City, courtesy of Orlando and CSX!

KATHY LAMBERT

Dade City

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Have something to say? Submit a letter to the editor and let your neighbors know what you think about issues affecting the community or whatever's on your mind. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Please include your name, where you're from and a phone number. Most letters will run on Sundays. Send your thoughts to:

Letters to the Editor

38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills FL 33542

E-mail submissions to

jscullin@tampatrib.com.

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