The text of the letter from J. R. Schwitz, Jr. Executive Vice Present of the National Air Traffic
Controllers Association AFL-CIO To Supervisor Charles Smith follows:

National Air Traffic Controllers Association AFL-CIO

June 22, 2000

The Honorable Charles V. Smith Chairman,
Orange County Board of Supervisors
10 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Dear Mr. Smith:

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association represents over 13,000 air traffic controllers and other Federal Aviation Administration professionals dedicated to aviation safety. On behalf of our entire membership, I would like to express our deep concern for any planned reuse of the airfield at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro that does not include a corresponding reduction in operations at John Wayne Airport.

NATCA fully supports Orange County’s desire for economic growth, and we understand the impact of El Toro’s closure and the physical constraints of John Wayne Airport on that growth. Still, we must consider the broader needs of Southern California’s airspace and the impact of commercial jet operations out of two airports so close to each other. We are forced to conclude that if Orange County wishes to take advantage of the aviation growth potential of the El Toro location, John Wayne Airport must be closed to commercial and business jet operations.

In the past decade, John Wayne’s passenger volume has increased by 40%, with similar increases in commercial air carrier operations – this despite the limitations imposed by its short runways and surrounding communities. However, the only reason the National Airspace System was able to accommodate this growth with El Toro so close at hand is because the military flying activity was quite different from that of a commercial airport. Apart from the slower tempo of operations, the aircraft departing from and arriving at El Toro in years past typically were fighters and attack aircraft capable of rapid climbs, equally rapid descents, and occasional maneuvering well beyond the capabilities of passenger-laden airliners.

We in NATCA have come to realize that the two airports cannot co-exist safely unless their operations can be separated by both altitude and airspeed, from takeoff through landing. Therefore, we ask that you and the other Supervisors work toward a re-use plan that does not unduly stress the airspace that overlies and surrounds Orange County. Given our mutual concern for the safety and well-being of your residents, as well as all who use Orange County as a gateway to Southern California, no other course of action can be appropriate.

Sincerely,

J. R. SCHWITZ, JR. Executive Vice President

1326 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005

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