Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | Response to Mr. Castino
First, just to remind Mr. Castino, I have never advocated:
- Shutting down the Narrows Airport
- Limiting the number of flights coming and going from the airport
- Taking any action that would materially financially impact either the flight schools or the County
Truth is essential for any true discussion.
Second, it’s important to note that there are far more than “… a few homeowners …” concerned about the Narrows Airport. I’ve had conversations with more than a few myself.
Third, Mr. Castino says we are “… complaining about the occasional noise from small aircraft flying over their homes.” Having dozens and dozens of flights over our homes daily 7 days a week does not create “occasional noise.” There are times when it’s constant from before 8:00 a.m. to after midnight. This is especially true when four or five planes (or more) are doing touch and goes at the same time. Just when the sound of one plane begins to dissipate, the sound of the next one is already noticeable. Here’s some FAA traffic data for TIW which Mr. Castino believes is “occasional” (“local traffic” takes off from and lands at TIW):
Year: 2025
Local traffic: 61,978
Per Day: 170
Fourth, with a cynical and disrespectful tone, Mr. Castino assumes that some of those who are complaining have just moved to the area and “… suddenly discovered there is an airport …” All of those who have complained to me are longtime residents who have noticed the tremendous increase in touch and go traffic. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and others have lived here far longer. No one, that I’m aware of and including me, had a problem with the airport until recently when touch goes became a daily routine in vastly increased numbers. As I stated in an earlier letter, the Tower tried to minimize the percentage increase by using all traffic rather than just local traffic. These local flights have increased by more than 40% in recent years.
Fifth, Mr. Castino is “… growing tired of this negativity” — as he describes it. Mr. Castino, why don’t you come to my home when multiple touch and goes are going over my home, often well below county “advised” pattern altitudes? My wife, her gardener, and I were just outside for maybe 3 minutes and in that time 5 planes flew over our heads all at low altitudes.
In addition, the FAA considers 65 decibels or more to be an issue, and there are many occasions when the noise exceeds that minimum. A twin prop plane, a recent addition, is constantly over that minimum.
Sixth, being a pilot himself, Mr. Castino is a part of the crowd that feels:
- They can fly over our homes 24 hours a day 7 days a week (they can!)
- They don’t have to follow any County or FAA “advisories” (which is true, but they have the option to do so, but the Tower has refused to exercise any of those options)
- They have the law on their side 100% (which they do)
- They don’t have to listen to anyone who complains about their behavior (which they don’t)
And lastly, Mr. Castino may not have read my recent letter regarding the lead that the piston driven planes are spewing over our homes, our children, our yards, our schools, our playgrounds, our businesses, our parks, our pets, and ourselves. Exposure to lead, especially for children, is a well-known, well documented, and extremely serious health issue. Lead does not dissolve and go away. It’s there forever unless it’s physically removed. Does Mr. Castino care about this serious health risk? I believe any parent would agree with me that lead exposure of their children is a serious issue.
What am I asking for?
To, once again, reiterate what I’m asking for:
- That the airport operate in accordance with the FAA’s and the County’s “advisories” (these advisories address both noise and safety issues so why not follow them?)
- Unless safety requires otherwise, that touch and go patterns do not needlessly go over populated areas when a water route is readily and safely available (this minimizes exposure to both noise and lead)
- That touch and goes stop from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm so people under them can enjoy dinner on their decks or patios (this, as the FAA “advises,” shows respect for those you fly over)
- That touch and goes don’t start before an agreed upon time on Saturdays and Sundays (again, shows respect)
My requests are a far cry from a demand that the airport be shut down. Let’s leave hyperbole, cynicism, and arrogance out of this important discussion and stick to the facts. I have been trying for several months to get a serious, respectful meeting with the Tower — all to no avail. I remain willing to have that meeting.
Craig McLaughlin
Fox Island