Mr. Leonard Kranser
Website Editor
The El Toro Airport Info Site
75 Monarch Bay Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629

Dear Mr. Kranser:

My letter dated November 25, 1997, to Mr. Tom Naughton, was not intended by any means as American Airlines' endorsement of the commercial use of El Toro MCAS. It simply explained that Captain Sanders' opinion on possible turbojet operations at El Toro reflects his own viewpoint, and to a lesser degree that of the Allied Pilots Association. Furthermore, American's analysis shows a B757 would not encounter operational difficulties departing to our hubs at DFW and ORD from El Toro Runway 07L or 07R. Additional analysis would be required to consider other aircraft types and/or missions. However, it is an incorrect extrapolation to consider this assessment as an endorsement by American Airlines of the El Toro MCAS re-use project.

American Airlines has not, and will not become embroiled in the arguments for or against the development of El Toro MCAS as a commercial airport. We understand the re-use issue is a political and economic decision to be made by the citizens of Orange County. Our involvement in the process will be limited. We certainly plan to stay informed of developments which impact our operations at John Wayne Airport (SNA). We would urge the selection of an airport to serve the area be carefully considered since American could not support operations from both locations. In addition, our technical and operational input may be provided to represent American Airlines' requirements and perspectives if the Orange County Board of Supervisors. decide to evaluate or develop El Toro MCAS as a commercial airport.

In summary, the citizens of Orange County will debate and decide the future commercial use of John Wayne Airport and El Toro MCAS. American Airlines will not take sides. Our involvement will only be to the extent necessary to ensure American Airlines continues to provide superior air transportation service which meets the needs of the citizens of Orange County. Sincerely, R. W. Baker P. 0. Box 619616, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Texas 75261-9616

Sincerely,

R. W. Baker

Click here for more on the county's plans for a "two airport" system. Mr. Baker says "We could not support operations from both locations."

November 25, 1997

Mr. Tom Naughton President
Airport Working Group of Orange County
1048 Irvine Avenue Suite 467
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Dear Mr. Naughton:

This is in response to your letter to American's Chairman and CEO Robert L. Crandall regarding El Toro MCAS. The short answer to your question is that Captain Stan Sanders is speaking for himself and to a lesser degree the Allied Pilots Association but not American Airlines.

Our analysis indicates that American's 757's would encounter no operational difficulties utilizing Runways 07 Left or Right at El Toro. We would be able accommodate a full complement of passengers plus approximately 8,000 lbs. of cargo from El Toro to DFW, but we would have to design a special engine failure turn procedure to avoid the terrain to the east. Likewise, operations from Runway 16/34 Left and Right are acceptable with an engine failure turn procedure required for Runways 34 Left and Right but not for 16 Left and Right. I am reasonably confident that we would be able to satisfy the Allied Pilots Association Safety Committee about operations at El Toro if and when they become a reality.

Sincerely,

R.W. Baker
Executive Vice President of Operations
American Airlines