Letter to the editor

[flyboy 28]

I was just looking for information on the upcoming Willow Grove Airshow and I found this piece of garbage.. :-/

On Memorial Day weekend this spring, the U.S. Air Force is planning another air show at the Willow Grove Air Force Base. This is planned no doubt as a public-relations event by the military to boost its sagging recruitment efforts.

I can only think that it is a colossal waste of resources. At a time when we are so energy dependent and prices for gas are going through the roof, the air will be thick over Willow Grove and Horsham with the fumes of jet fighters, helicopters, and all manner of other aircraft. Screaming across the suburban housetops and approaching the speed of sound, they will probably use huge amounts of fuel. When will this extravagance stop?

Energy considerations aside, the whole event is dangerous - the flyover area is densely populated, and it smacks of an accident waiting to happen. I think it's fine if the planes are grounded and the Air Force invites the public inside the base for a look, but that's not good enough for our great military planners. They plan to have jet aircraft do death-defying maneuvers right over our houses.

John E. Fisher

Abington

No comment.

Well I do have one, but I can't share it here..

[beefhole]

I LOVE going to the Willow Grove airshows.  My best bros brother is a major in the corps, and he shows up in full dress and will just step on the Super Stallions with them!

Unfortunately, it would appear as though Willow Grove NAS is to be closed within the next couple of years

And yes, that is garbage.  Some people just don't get it, and are incapable of keeping an open mind that YES! some people have DIFFERENT interests than you! Who knew!

[flyboy 28]

Are you going this year, Beef?

[TacitBlue]

people also seem to think that any airplane smaller than a 737 is a death trap that could explode and destroy THEIR house at any moment. or just suddenly plummet to earth without warning. especially if it has a *gasp* propeller.

[beefhole]

Are you going this year, Beef?

If at all possible, absolutely.  When is it?

EDIT: Oops. Nevermind. (about when it was)

[C]

Energy considerations aside, the whole event is dangerous - the flyover area is densely populated, and it smacks of an accident waiting to happen. I think it's fine if the planes are grounded and the Air Force invites the public inside the base for a look, but that's not good enough for our great military planners. They plan to have jet aircraft do death-defying maneuvers right over our houses.

Really?

So uneducated. Get your facts right and find something better to do with your time matey-boy...

[Hagar]

Really?

So uneducated. Get your facts right and find something better to do with your time matey-boy...

I'm afraid there's a lot of moaning minnies just like him around these days. They seem to spend their lives complaining about other people enjoying themselves.

[Hyperion2]

I'm not at all agreeing with what the author said in his letter, but for anyone to rebut it simply by saying "get your facts straight" isn't going to solve anything.  

I completely agree that this guy is a turd, but for future reference in cases like these, it's more helpful to post contradictory facts.  

[C]

They plan to have jet aircraft do death-defying maneuvers right over our houses.

Well, I suppose that statement was correct. The pilot of the jet aircraft wouldn't be performing non death-defying manouvres intentionally.

After a wee while in my profession you get a bit fed up with the rest of the world branding you as irresponsible "Top Guns" who are having a great time messing around before we head to the bar. I wish... But then again, every TV documentary will always try to paint that picture, and that's what Joe public sees.

[Sock]

What I don't understand is if you don't want airplanes flying over your house and are afraid that one will crash into your home, why move in next to an airport?  I can understand if the house was there before the airport...  And if a pilot where to be "Screaming across the suburban housetops and approaching the speed of sound..." I don't think he'd be a pilot much longer.  :)  No sir, the FAA does not like that kind of horse play!

I can agree with the guy on the public relations bit and it being a bid to up recruitment numbers, but thats not a new thing.  I think since the USAAC started sponsoring airshows they did it to show people what they could do in the military, hoping that they would join.

As far as I'm concerned, this a person who has never been to an airshow, crying because he's missing out on all the fun.  ;)  ;D

[BFMF]

people also seem to think that any airplane smaller than a 737 is a death trap that could explode and destroy THEIR house at any moment. or just suddenly plummet to earth without warning. especially if it has a *gasp* propeller.

Personally, If I had my choice of an aircraft to be while having an engine failure, I'd rather be in a single engine aircraft

[Woodlouse2002]

He sounds a right bag of laughs.

[Hagar]

[quote]What I don't understand is if you don't want airplanes flying over your house and are afraid that one will crash into your home, why move in next to an airport?

[beefhole]

Personally, If I had my choice of an aircraft to be while having an engine failure, I'd rather be in a single engine aircraft

Smart man.  MUCH better glide ratio.

[Katahu]

Personally, If I had my choice of an aircraft to be while having an engine failure, I'd rather be in a single engine aircraft

Me too.