Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | Is Tacoma Narrows Airport a good neighbor (part 5)
Editor’s note: Mr. McLaughlin has written several previous letters about Tacoma Narrows Airport. Part 4 is here.
In this letter, I am sharing Jim Braden’s comments, word for word, that he presented to TNAAC (Tacoma Narrows Airport Advisory Council) not once, but twice. Jim recently passed away, but I know he wouldn’t have minded me sharing his comments. Jim was a guy who respected everyone, who always tried his very best to resolve issues as quickly as possible, and who always saw the best in everyone. He was an icon. Gig Harbor Now wrote an excellent obituary about Jim. Jim was also a pilot, and his son is an airline pilot. Jim knew the aviation world.
Please read his comments below, and at the end of this letter, I will ask you one question.
Jim Braden’s comments to TNAAC, Jan. 14, 2026
Word for word.
Commission board members, advisors, and guests:
Tonight, you have important issues as you plan accomplishments for 2026.
As you work to ensure the financial viability of TIW, the relationship we have with our local community will be critical. One of your goals for 2026 should be to weave respect for noise impact on neighbors into training and everyday operations.
I have had contact with Fox Island residents (name deleted), and others there, on what appears to be a growing concern by many Fox Island residents regarding aircraft noise. We have approached Carl Hicks, Jr., and together, concluded that a healthy starting point to deal with that issue is to develop a culture throughout TIW that has managing noise as an integral part of doing business.
I am willing to take on the assignment of developing a communication process as a first step in making everyone at TIW aware of the importance of noise management. We have also considered establishing a newsletter, maybe published monthly, and posted throughout, with noise being included in the general conversation of doing business here. Such a newsletter may be of value for other topics for TIW.
The FAA and tower operation have the paramount responsibility for safe air traffic. We can all appreciate the importance of that being where their energy must be focused. That leads to the logical conclusion that all individuals using our facility must contribute to managing noise. That includes pilots, and visiting pilots, being made aware of our needs and complying to the degree they can while following Air Traffic Control directions.
Developing a culture that has thoroughly absorbed a subject like noise is not an easy task. We would endeavor to have noise be naturally included in thinking and operation. It will take some time to arrive at this level. But this subject, just as the subject of personal safety has been engendered in industrial thinking, can be done and can have excellent results.
I suggest that, with a sign of “thumbs up” from you all this evening, we would put more detail on the table for you to give a firm support vote at the next meeting. I am available to any of you to explain the process of going forward.
Respectfully submitted
TNAAC’s meeting minutes
Here is what made it into TNAAC’s meeting minutes:
Fox Island resident offering support for community building efforts by TNAAC relating to noise complaints
How was Jim treated?
The Chairman of TNAAC drafted a statement dated 1-14-26 to the Commission, but, as far I know, nothing further came from that statement. To sum this up, here’s how TNAAC responded to Jim’s polite, respectful, thoughtful, and repeated comments:
- No one contacted Jim about taking the “first step” he talked about?
- No one contacted Jim about starting a newsletter
- No one contacted Jim regarding a “thumbs up”
- No one asked Jim for “more detail”
Never one to give up, Jim, ignoring his treatment at and following the January 14, 2026, TNAAC meeting and once again showing great respect, presented these same or similar remarks at a later meeting of the TNAAC. Unfortunately, he achieved the same results. He just joined a long line of local residents who’ve been ignored by both TNAAC and the County. Jim deserved better. I know he was very frustrated by the lack of response.
My one question
Do you think Jim was treated with the same respect he showed the people on the TNAAC?
Coming attraction
My next letter is going to be on a very different, but critically important airport related topic. If noise and safety don’t catch your interest, I think my next letter just might hit home with many of you.
Craig McLaughlin
Fox Island