Airport Study Unfairly Judged

Contrary to what was written by Don Schultz (“Jet Noise Can Mute Jobs Plea,” Times Valley Edition, Letters to the Editor, Nov. 15), Van Nuys Airport’s new economic impact study was not conducted to counter recent noise complaints received by the airport.

This project was awarded to an independent consultant in March, 1992, to discover how the economic impact of Van Nuys Airport has changed since the last study was completed in 1987. Economic impact studies, like the one done for Van Nuys Airport, are commissioned by airports throughout the United States using methodology approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

All airports have both positive and negative impacts on the community, and we do our best to respond to the concerns of our neighbors. In fact, at its Oct. 5 meeting in Van Nuys, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved two measures--the FAR Part 150 Noise Study and the Noise Abatement and Control Regulation--that should significantly reduce the impact of noise on airport neighbors.

During these hard economic times, many are encouraged by the fact that Van Nuys Airport contributes nearly $1 billion annually to the Southern California economy and generates more than 8,700 jobs.

We are saddened that anyone would compare the economic benefits of an airport to the effects of the devastating disease AIDS.

ROBERT A. CHICK, President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners