Steiner Leans Against Flight Tests at El Toro

In a development that could result in an alliance with his anti-airport colleagues, Orange County Supervisor William G. Steiner said Monday he is leaning against a flight demonstration proposal to be considered by the Board of Supervisors today.

The demonstrations, which would involve about 40 commercial jet flights out of the military base over two days, could cost as much as $3 million.

Steiner said he is skeptical that the demonstrations would be worth that expense, particularly because county planners do not propose to measure the noise levels of the jets.

“I’m not quite sure the expense justifies the effort,” said Steiner, who supports development of an international airport at El Toro when the Marine Corps closes its base there in July. “The lines are pretty well drawn, and I’m not sure these tests will help change people’s minds.”

Though they have not publicly stated their position on the demonstrations, Supervisors Todd Spitzer and Thomas W. Wilson have also raised questions about the cost and effectiveness of the proposal. Both supervisors are opposed to an international airport.

Steiner broke ranks with his pro-airport colleagues once before when he supported plans to include a non-aviation proposal for the military base in the county’s planning process.

The flight demonstrations, which could begin as early as January, would last from sunrise to sunset.

Airport opponents say the proposal would not simulate a true airport experience for residents because an international airport would include flights late at night and early in the morning.