In order to create this concoction, one must use a diverse collection of ingredients in a mélange that normally is not found associating in the same mixing bowl. Although the finished product of this recipe will be distasteful to all, it seems to be a popular mixture that many seem to want to create.
INGREDIENTS LIST
One old airport, meddling politicians, a mass of apathetic taxpayers, a selection of aviators who have not felt the need to join the Canadian Owners and Pilot’s Association, a morass of uneducated media members, one or more sprinkles of economic downturns and a dash of politics.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Once upon a time, the community airport was of considerable importance as the Canadian economy expanded and airports blossomed throughout the country. By the middle of the century modern airliners connected cities and good road systems provided connections elsewhere. (By the way, have you noticed the road system showing lots of wear and tear - not to mention the state of Canada’s airline industry?).
To continue with our recipe, we take a quiet, service oriented town airport which has served many citizens for a long time and dice it up with some wear and tear and set it quietly aside for the moment.
Next we take the common Canadian aviator who is seduced by glossy American magazines and therefore joins these organizations south of the border. The US organizations promise to take care of his aviation needs and that’s good enough for some of the folks who don’t see the need to support their own country. These folks are often the last to hear of the airport closure and often yell the loudest.
Take a generous number of these misguided individuals and knead them into a large mixing bowl.
Add a large number of citizens who are not knowledgeable about the many benefits and hidden revenue sources associated with small airport operation. These folks think the only way to go where there are no roads involves an off-road motorcycle or skidoo.
Since the media don’t know any better, the common taxpayer certainly never learns of the benefits of general aviation. If a taxpayer hears he is supporting an airport he doesn’t use, he is loathe to support same as it isn’t part of his recipe for happiness.
At this point a pinch of press can bring the situation to a boil by stirring the population mass into a fervent movement to get rid of the dead meat that burdens their tax base.
This is a good time to fold in the aviating few who have no organized clout and appear as a few wailing in the wind of opposition. Stir in well so they are deemed as having been represented, but are quickly diluted and absorbed by the other ingredients.
If available, a generous portion of economic downturn should be added at this point as it provides additional flavoring and momentum to the finished product - and I do mean “Finished.”
It would not be wise at this point to add ingredients such as the economic impact of local airports nor the cash flow they provide - directly or indirectly - as this would adversely affect the desired recipe.
Cauldron boil and cauldron bubble…now it’s time for some real trouble.
Now, let’s add the spices. Take a number of politicians. The selection is important to the final flavour so be selective. They should not be folks educated in transportation analysis - they are too difficult to locate on shoppers’ shelves.
Instead, see if you can pick up the common store owner, secretary, school teacher, janitor or similar that are typically found where ever one acquires politicians. It is their task to represent the populace so it is important for them to spray their opinions over the blend. It is best if they don’t actually present any facts or figures as that could be boring.
For the best and most popular flavouring they should simply expound on their emotional feelings about community airports. After all, they must consider the tastes of the common voter.
Now, bring up the heat under this potpourri and watch the local airport meltdown. Later the politicians will rezone the area and they will turn the property into condos and the pockets of many will be lined. It looks like everybody gets a belly full.
LONGTERM INDIGESTION
It’s unfortunate the town leaders could not foresee the 7.8 magnitude earthquake of March 2007, that tore up the landscape and severed road and rail connections to the outside. It’s a pity the airport had been eliminated as numerous taxpayers and voters were lost when they couldn’t be flown to hospitals capable of handling trauma cases.
Elsewhere, the flood that same June cut off supplies to another town built in the valley. If the water hadn’t been contaminated the loss of life would have been much lower.
Of course, few could comprehend the invasion of the Americans after they had gobbled up all the oil reserves of Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Who would have guessed that the first hockey puck tariff we laid on them would have started a war (really, they just wanted our oil). Those airports would have been handy for positioning troops to defend ourselves.
Strange thing is, after the disasters, “experts” paid considerable amounts of tax payers’ money and after stirring in a well funded study or two will recommend the decentralization of airports and suggest moderate sized towns should have their own airport.
Of course, this will be very expensive in terms of lives already lost and inflationary building costs. Surprisingly, only a few will note that it would have been much cheaper to simply have maintained the existing airport. None of those lost in the earthquake or flood will comment….
SERVING TIPS
Oh well, this recipe doesn’t look all that tasty. I guess it’s really time to start that diet. How about you? Are you ready for airport cutbacks and loss of our general air transportation system or are you prepared to step up to the plate (now, there’s a mixed metaphor) and tell your local politicians and media how beneficial your airport is?
I suggest doing it before the inertia and groundswell of an airport closure provides you with indigestion.
Ken Armstrong has enjoyed 14,500 flight hours on more than 350 fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He provides aviation consulting/training services and flies his Diamond Extreme motor glider out of a grass strip near Victoria, B.C.
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