Editorial: Spread word of airport flight plan

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 | 10:49 a.m.

Every day tens of thousands of residents in the north and northwest areas of the Las Vegas Valley hear and see small planes flying over their homes. The planes are either landing at or taking off from the North Las Vegas airport. It's not unusual to hear people complain among themselves about the number of planes flying overhead, nor is it unusual for residents to complain publicly. Generally, however, the airport is considered a good neighbor, one that will listen to residents and act on their concerns.

That's why it was disturbing this week to learn that plans for a significant increase in takeoffs and landings are nearly complete -- and nearly unknown by the residents who would be affected. Pilots and airport officials have known for a long time about the plans to install an instrument landing system, which guides pilots toward runways in foul weather. Federal funding was approved two years ago. Work could begin as early as April and could be finished by September. The North Las Vegas airport will become the most convenient place for small-plane pilots to learn how to use this system, meaning there could be an extra 25,000 to 50,000 flights a year, an increase of 10 percent to 20 percent.

The Clark County Department of Aviation, which oversees the North Las Vegas airport, has done a poor job of notifying residents within the airport's flight path. A Federal Aviation Administration draft environmental report is stating that the plans will have no significant impact on the area, and Clark County's airport planning manager says the final report will likely say the same. Public comments on the draft report are due today, but very few affected residents know anything about it. North Las Vegas Councilwoman Stephanie Smith and Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates, whose districts include the airport, said this week they have never even heard of the plans. Both representatives expressed concern about the plans' impact on neighborhoods.

The instrument landing system is eagerly anticipated by pilots and may very well be a positive development. Residents within the flight path, however, should receive full notice of the system's impact. The public comment period should be extended for a few months so area residents have a meaningful opportunity to have their voices heard.