Local Pilots Still Not Happy

In the battle over airspace near Detroit (MI), the Air National Guard has graciously blinked -- and yet, it may not be enough. The 127th Wing, based at Selfridge ANGB, wants to expand the Class D airspace around the base to protect aircraft making circling approaches. "It's mainly a safety issue," said Mike LaJoy, the base's air traffic control manager. He was quoted in the newspaper "Macomb Daily." The original ANG proposal, which drew the ire of the EAA and other advocates, called for increasing the entire Class D sector. But the outcry was so sharp that LaJoy and his colleagues quickly pulled back. That would have caused huge problems for pilots flying in and out of Ray Community Airport in nearby Ray Township.