Noise violations; New slots; More carriers
Hi Mr. Kotyk,
Residents under the existing NSA- Noise Sensitive Areas have certainly seen some transgressions over the years. The problem is that the designation of a NSA doesn't have the teeth of a "restricted" airspace.
The TPA should, at the very least, confirm to the community if they have contacted Avantair and any other violators to define precise expectations to pilots operating in this area. If this isn't enough, I don't understand why a fine cannot be levied for such an event - especially of the repeat variety. Thirdly, if pilots or airlines can't handle the restrictions then find another airport.
On the slot increase / airport expansion front - many of you know that Jazz is currently in a court battle with the TPA to return to service the Island Airport. They must be expecting a favorable ruling soon since they have ordered 30 DASH 8 Q400s (15 firm / 15 options) - remember that Porter's initial order was 20. Jazz is expecting delivery of the 1st aircraft in May of 2011. Of interest, the new DASH 8's will be replacing older JETS in their fleet.
The word on the runway is that Jazz can expect to get 46 of the 92 proposed new slots. This would be sufficient to saturate the Montreal and Ottawa markets but not much else. Additionally, Colgan (a Continental Airlines affiliate) is planning to serve the Island from Newark with their own Dash 8 Q400s - expect 5-7 round trips for a total of 10-14 slots. Assuming these new flights come to fruition that leaves Porter with potentially 46 new slots and 32+ slots available to any other competitors for a grand total of 212 flights once totally utilized = (an arrival OR departure every 4 minutes + 39 seconds) expect about 1/2 that amount on Saturdays and 3/4 on Sunday.
I still haven't heard if there will be new restrictions on flight training or helicopter activities to counteract this proposed increase.
Joe
Residents under the existing NSA- Noise Sensitive Areas have certainly seen some transgressions over the years. The problem is that the designation of a NSA doesn't have the teeth of a "restricted" airspace.
The TPA should, at the very least, confirm to the community if they have contacted Avantair and any other violators to define precise expectations to pilots operating in this area. If this isn't enough, I don't understand why a fine cannot be levied for such an event - especially of the repeat variety. Thirdly, if pilots or airlines can't handle the restrictions then find another airport.
On the slot increase / airport expansion front - many of you know that Jazz is currently in a court battle with the TPA to return to service the Island Airport. They must be expecting a favorable ruling soon since they have ordered 30 DASH 8 Q400s (15 firm / 15 options) - remember that Porter's initial order was 20. Jazz is expecting delivery of the 1st aircraft in May of 2011. Of interest, the new DASH 8's will be replacing older JETS in their fleet.
The word on the runway is that Jazz can expect to get 46 of the 92 proposed new slots. This would be sufficient to saturate the Montreal and Ottawa markets but not much else. Additionally, Colgan (a Continental Airlines affiliate) is planning to serve the Island from Newark with their own Dash 8 Q400s - expect 5-7 round trips for a total of 10-14 slots. Assuming these new flights come to fruition that leaves Porter with potentially 46 new slots and 32+ slots available to any other competitors for a grand total of 212 flights once totally utilized = (an arrival OR departure every 4 minutes + 39 seconds) expect about 1/2 that amount on Saturdays and 3/4 on Sunday.
I still haven't heard if there will be new restrictions on flight training or helicopter activities to counteract this proposed increase.
Joe
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