Joe - you make two points:

·         The decision to takeoff is ultimately the pilot's, and

·         It is based upon a complex calculation of the weight of the plane and its load, weather conditions and runway length.

 What we don’t know what kind of pressure is put on a pilot to consider other factors that might reduce the margin of safety.

 You’ll agree there is no such thing as a “safe” flight – only that some are safer than others. Where the line is drawn between what is OK and what is not OK is determined by how much risk of an accident is acceptable. While ultimately, the pilot makes that decision, the airline’s decision to ignore the manufacturer’s specifications, by scheduling flights that exceed the maximum distance specified by the manufacturer, seems relevant, too.

 A lighter plane will always be safer than a heavily loaded plane, particularly where the runway is far shorter than that recommended by the manufacturer. A runway safety area that meets international standards will be safer than one that doesn’t. The risk of a serious accident increases drastically where there is deep water just off the end of an inadequate (by international standards) runway safety area.

 How many passengers will be carried to Myrtle Beach? What limits will be placed on their baggage? We did hear that when Porter flew direct flight to Halifax last Christmas, there were people who could not take their presents on the flight owing to severe baggage restrictions. Was that as result of their attempting to fly on-stop, using that too –short runway? Will golf clubs be left behind for Myrtle Beach flights?

 It’s fair game to point out that the Q400 manufacturer specifies a minimum runway length for the Q400 that is longer than that available at the Island airport. And that, in response to our noting that, a special category – the “500nm sector” was specified by the manufacturer. That specification presumably means the maximum distance that a Q400 in that “sector” should fly is 500nm.

 Porter seems to be pushing the limits set by the Q400’s manufacturer. We think the public should be assured, when that seems to be the case.

Brian Iler