VILLA PARK

Mayor Pro Tem Robert McGowan is forming a group called Airline Pilots for a Safer El Toro to support his “friendlier and safer” alternate plan to controversial flight patterns proposed for an El Toro Airport. McGowan’s plan includes extending one runway and eliminating another for the proposed airport, which he said would provide safer, higher altitudes for takeoffs and a flight pattern over vacant land.

“No planes will fly over any homes,” said McGowan, a retired pilot who was with United Airlines for 30 years. According to McGowan, the county is evaluating the plan and determining its cost. McGowan said he supports converting the El Toro Marine base into a commercial airport to help meet the travel demands of the growing county. For more information on McGowan’s group, call (714)538-0367.