More reason why on my fini flight, I'm heading to SDL to get some "pattern practice".......Fu%king stupid, ungreatful civilians........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airport adviser criticized for calls
Military jet fighters landing at airport
Thomas Ropp
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 4, 2003 12:00 AM
SCOTTSDALE - A Scottsdale Airport Advisory Commission member who took it upon himself to investigate recent fighter jet landings at Scottsdale Municipal Airport is in trouble with his commission chairman.
Don Maxwell, head of the seven-member advisory commission, said it was inappropriate for Phil Vickers to call up military bases and inquire about F/A-18 landings at the airport.
"I object to any individual on our commission doing it on their own," Maxwell said. "That's not our job."
Maxwell said there wouldn't have been a problem if Vickers had made the inquiries as a private citizen. But, according to Maxwell, feedback from the military bases indicates that Vickers identified himself as an Airport Advisory Commission member appointed by Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross.
"I'm not happy with him using the name of the mayor and implying that she has given him authority to ask about the landings," Maxwell said. "Besides, commissioners are appointed by council majority, not the mayor alone."
Vickers admits making the phone calls to Luke Air Force Base and the Miramar Naval Air Station near San Diego. But he denies identifying himself other than as a citizen and a Scottsdale Municipal Airport advisory commissioner.
"I made the calls because of concerns in the community about whether or not there's an actual need for military jets to come into this airport," Vickers said.
Based on his inquiries, Vickers believes the military generally discourages pilots from landing at general aviation airports like Scottsdale unless there's an emergency.
"It might be more of a show-and-tell exercise for friends and relatives," Vickers said, referring to at least one pilot who has family near the airport.
It's not known if disciplinary action will or even can be taken against Vickers.
Scottsdale Municipal Airport director Scott Gray said there have been an inordinate number of F/A-18 Navy and Marine aircraft landings at the airport over the past two months, including two Marine fighter jets that landed late afternoon on Oct. 28. Although many residents near the airport have enjoyed the free air shows, others have expressed dismay over the noise levels of the double-engine F/A-18s, which shake windows and set off car alarms as they power up over the nearby Airpark and residents.
It's still unclear why there have been so many recent landings.
The Airport Advisory Commission advises the City Council on policy matters relating to the operation of the airport, proposals for development, airport area land use, fees and safety concerns