Here is a sample letter which can be used for correspondence with the various elected officials. It is by no means the only option we should send. Everyone is free to write their own. This is simply a sample which can be used if you don't have time but still want to help. Modify as you see fit. At a minimum, replace the Xs and #s with the appropriate data. Sorry, I had to say that!
This weekend we will also print some out for mailing for those without computers. Right now I think postal service mail is a good formal means to deliver the message. We should however also send soft copy since it is not delayed by anthrax screening. We will also try to put together a reference sheet for the elected officials in each area. In the mean time, use the Roll Call link in last night's e-mail. It is also on our web site.
Glenn
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
#### Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
XXXXXXXXX, Xx #####-####
November XX, 2002
The Honorable Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
##### Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Washington, DC 20510
Senator X:
I am writing as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association
(M-ASA). M-ASA is a soaring club which was formed over fifty
years ago. We currently have over 160 members and conduct
weekend operations at Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland,
and at the Mid Atlantic Soaring Center (W73) in Fairfield,
Pennsylvania. Our operation is currently threatened with closure
due to the consequences of the Federal Aviation Administration's
(FAA) actions on behalf of other government agencies. We are
respectfully requesting your assistance in this matter. It
appears the FAA and the Secret Service are simply blocking out
segments of the airspace.
Immediately after the September 11th attacks, the Prohibited
Airspace surrounding Camp David was expanded to 8 nm. Since late
April of this year, the restriction has been 5 nm. On November
6th, the FAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) expanding the
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) surrounding Camp David to 10
nm. This restriction was in effect for the weekend. We have now
been notified that the following weekend will also be restricted.
We suspect this will become a common occurrence. This recent
expansion is devastating for our club. The airport at W73 is 8.5
nm from Camp David. The 10 nm restriction completely surrounds
W73 and prevents our club from flying. Furthermore, there are
indications that the FAA intends to further expand this
restriction to 30 NM.
The Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association has operated in the vicinity
of Camp David for decades. We average close to 6000 take-offs
and landings each year. Yet, even with the recent expanded
boundaries, our pilots have demonstrated the utmost in
professionalism and competence. We have not had a single
violation of the airspace by a M-ASA pilot or aircraft. Over the
course of the past year, M-ASA has attempted to work with the
agencies involved and educate them about our operation and of
course the capabilities and limitations of sailplanes. Payload
limitations, unreliable speeds and the requirement to circle to
climb, makes a glider a very poor choice of transportation. We
felt like we had made some progress this spring when the TFR was
removed and the pre-attack P-40 restored for the week of our
annual region 4 soaring contest.
Please join our effort to reverse this needless expansion of the
temporary flight restrictions. The most recent TFR shut M-ASA
down. If the FAA succeeds in expanding to 30 nm, 66 regional
airports will be adversely affected. This is a severe crisis for
our local glider pilots and a serious problem for all local and
regional pilots. Regrettably, the folks tasked with "protecting"
us are taking away long established rights and freedoms that the
terrorists could never take away on their own. Most importantly,
the proposed increased restrictions do little if anything to
provide extra security. Select aircraft will continue to operate
just like they did the day they were used in the attacks.
Instead, law abiding citizens, flying their recreational aircraft
will be grounded throughout the region.
If you would like more information regarding M-ASA operations or
the impact this policy has on our club's activities, please
contact our club president, Glenn Collins. He can be reached at
(703) 923-4428 work; or (703) 335-6778 home.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx