Soundproofing of Homes and Airport Growth

Concerning the soundproofing of homes in the takeoff pathway of John Wayne Airport, I read with more than a little frustration the ballyhoo of politicians like Tom Riley and the “under-the-rug” efforts of Orange County officials. As long as one chooses to live shut up like a mole, these palliative measures make sense. It’s hard to imagine homeowners finding “vault” living palatable.

Any small victories gained by Newport Beach residents to restrict the growth of John Wayne will in time be buried under future political ballyhoo. Orange County officials have every intention of transforming John Wayne into a major national air center. Increase in long-distance flights by airlines like Continental--which cannot, or will not, employ the use of the “Whisper Jet”--seems to contradict Riley’s commitment to “stop the sound at the source.”

With alarming frequency, the 7 a.m.-to-11 p.m. curfew is being violated by what sounds like corporate jets. How do these planes obtain control tower clearance?

Which brings up another question: If there is justification for keeping commercial operations at some level in the present location, what justification can there be for keeping mixed commercial/private air traffic in the same airspace? Why has not a serious consideration been given to relocating private (including corporate) traffic to a more remote location?

All of Riley’s ballyhoo and Orange County’s triple glazing will look pretty silly with a Cessna nose down in the living room of a Santa Ana Heights/Newport Beach residence.

RICK DAYTON

Newport Beach