Fairfax Resident Thinks Airport Area Residents Should Stop Whining

[Henry]

The letter below appeared in this morning's Burlington Free Press:

Letter: Stop whining about jet noise

I have read a few letters and articles lately about the Air Guard jets at the Burlington airport. The writers complain about the noise, and the writer of March 28 suggests that these planes be stationed in some more remote/barren areas of the country ("Why station jets in northern Vermont?"). Makes sense. After all, why base defense aircraft near people when they could be there to defend nothingness?

Getting back to the noise, I grew up about one-quarter mile from this same airport. When the jets (or commercial planes) went over we would pause in conversation, and when we had an air show or a parade we appreciated the people making the commitment.

I now live in Fairfax, where the people don't complain constantly and go on with their own lives, and are there to help if needed (both true Vermont traditions). If I didn't like the farmers spreading manure, I would have the option of moving. I didn't (and still don't) like the whiners, so I moved. If I didn't like the noise I moved into, I would still have the same option.

JOE BENOIT
Fairfax

[PotterFXFD]

  When you buy a house near a airport. You should exspect to hear the planes.

[slpott]

If they do not practice tactics, how are they going to protect us when we need it. I lived in Virgini Beach for 18 years and heard all kinds of belly aches over Oceana Air Base. Those belly aches turned into support Oceana bumper stickers after 911. Those were the same people that ran out and bought a flag to fly. There wasn't a house around that did not have a flag. Hardware stores were wriiting rain checks for them. I personally salute any man or woman in uniform regardless of where I am. I rather hear planes flying than explosions taking place. If we don't support our country and ban together, we will get everything that is taking place over seas. It is just a matter of time.

[Loctavious]

Indeed - are these complainers saying that they've learned to deal with the additonal decibels from the F-16s which, by the way, there's no way to ignore or get use to, but can't stand anythign else similar?  there's actually no official release of information regarding decibel levels so how do they know it'll be 'louder' with the new jets?
ALSO - did they forget that the Green Mountain Boys are the top rated Air Force reserves in the nation?  they didn't get that way by parkign the jets in the hangar - or flying over canada... they got that esteemed rank from practicing defense of this and local areas - and we've been behind them for that......
I do blieve the airport ALSO looks to buy out homeowners who live in the severely affected zones - and for rates higher than than similar houses on the market go for NOW ( not 3 years ago).

[MikeF9]

Race tracks have the same problem.
People buy a house near a track that has been operating for YEARS, then complain that the racing makes too much noise.
Well, DUH!!!

If I lived near an airport, I would get used to the noise, but worry that something happens to the plane as it comes in or shortly after take-off and crashing into my house.

Wasn't there an episode of Cheers where Carla bought a house near the airport? There was a party in the back yard and a plane would fly over head, and everyone fell over backwards as it passed.

[special ED]

on the other hand the airport keeps growing in size and traffic every year ,if someone moved there 20 plus years ago the noise might have been bareable back then. I dont know I`m just sayin

[trussell]

Ed,  I've heard that with the exception of 1 resident, all the families "next to" the airport have moved there in recent history.

But then again, sometimes I make things up.  Like you.

-Trevor

[7F24]

Burlington airport was there long before most of the houses around it, if you don't like airplane noise don't buy near an airport.  New airplanes are much quieter, when the Fedex B727 takes off every evening it reminds me that they all used to sound like that, you definitely notice the difference.  Twenty-five years ago Burlington ANG flew F4's which had 2 engines, were loud and dirty.  You could find the airplane in the sky by following the black smoke.  I would bet newer fighters are more fuel efficient and burn cleaner, the difference in noise would hardly be noticed, they are all loud.
I think any upgrade to the ANG would be a boost to the local economy, so I'm for it.....plus I would like to see the new jets.

[Mike Raburn]

I saw something INCREDIBLE today.

Our office building is right between  Elmendorf AFB and Merrill Field. Google them.
We hear all sorts of planes all day long.

I was in the yard of our office and the jets were up and flying at the AFB.

We used to have F-15s here but now the F-22s are here. (we have two jobs going on there for the F-22 support wings)

I saw, AND felt, and F-22 go freaking straight up in the air maybe using 1/2 a roll out of take off.
Never saw an F-15 do that. THRUST vectoring is awesome!!

SOUNDS OF FREEDOM!!!!!!!!

[special ED]

nice lawnmower trevor,the buckets gone?

[Sue W.]

I grew up on air force bases all over the world, including Elmendorf  in Alaska, and Andrews outside of D.C..  I've never minded the noise.  I am also on another VT board, and yesterday someone was whining about the smell of cow manure.  I prefer farm smells to smog anyday.  Just goes to show you, not everyone will be happy.  I agree with the previous posters, if they don't like it, move!  I think Vermort is a beautiful place to live.  I just got into fishing, and we are really lucky here!