In response to the July 31 cover story Two killed in glider collision, I want to offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the two individuals who perished in this latest aviation accident.
I have serious concerns regarding CFX2 Okotoks Air Ranch Airport, particularly the operation of the Calgary-Okotoks Flying School and the dozens of training flights it performs daily.
As a Drake Landing resident, I witness several times on a daily basis, daytime and evening hours, these planes taking off and landing.
To give you an example of the frequency, on the evening of Aug. 1 my husband and I logged 19 flights between 6:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. I can’t help but cringe as I feel the vibrations of the planes throughout my house, or the times when I observe them skimming the rooftops of two-storey homes in our community.
It’s a tragedy that two individuals perished in this latest aviation accident near Black Diamond. The scene of this accident is quite remote compared to the communities here in town that are in the direct flight path of the flying school planes.
I fear how much more tragic an accident like this could be if it occurred in a densely populated area that also includes a school and a day care, like Drake Landing directly south of the runway, or Ranchers Rise and the Air Ranch directly adjacent to the runway.
It’s imperative that our town council reconsider allowing this flying school to operate as it is. The safety and well-being of the citizens they serve should be of far greater priority and concern.
Nicole Kiefuik
Okotoks
