Thu, Mar 01, 2012
Permit Up For Review Near Amelia Island Airport (KFHB)
A group of local residents in Amelia Island, FL are working to
block the re-authorization of a permit for an aerobatic practice
area near the community's airport.
Area Sectional Chart
The permit has been requested by Keoki Gray of Amelia Island
Aerobatics. The practice area is over unpopulated areas
of Crane Island and the Amelia River. But local residents say
that the noise from the airplanes can be heard "all over (the)
island." The effort is being led by Barbara Farnsworth, who lives
in a neighborhood adjacent to the airport.
Farnsworth told the Fernandina Beach News Leader that
the aerobatic practice does not benefit the island's economy or the
airport's revenues. The paper did not appear to contest her
statements, though our experience with the area suggests
otherwise. She claims that while they are supportive of the
airport generally, the aerobatic pilots are from out of town and do
not purchase fuel locally or stay in local hotels -- again the
paper did not contest or verify her statements. Farnsworth also
claims that local pilots are not in favor of the practice area
due to safety concerns -- unfortunately, the local paper took
Farnsworth's word about what pilots allegedly feel about the
aerobatic area -- but didn't think to quote actual pilots
affected by these ops.
That assertion is challenged by Gray, who said in public
comments to the Nassau County, FL city commission that it has been
his experience that the APA provides a positive economic
contribution to the city. Gray said that local pilots who use the
APA buy fuel and rent hangars at the airport. Visiting pilots may
require fuel, hotel rooms, meals, rental cars and other
amenities.
Gray told the paper that the aerobatic area was first
established over two decades ago, and was last re-authorized in
2008. An environmental impact assessment prepared by the FAA
endorses the renewal of the box. It says that the area would be
activated about seven times a month for a total of about 63 hours
per month. "There are no noise sensitive land uses such as
residences, schools, churches or other places of public assembly
beneath or within 1/4-mile of the perimeter of the proposed APA,"
the assessment stated. It shows the nearest residence is 0.3 mile
(1,584 feet) northeast of the area.
The public comment period on the proposal is open through March
3rd.
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