REFLECTOR: GA Scare Article in Boston Globe

[Brian Michalk]

Here was my reply:

Dear Sirs,

Regarding your article, "Analysts warn of small-plane terrorism threat", I
find it irresponsible to spread this kind of fear, obfuscation and doubt.
The article is thin on facts, and portrays General Aviation in a bad light.
If the author would have done some research into the matter, he would have
found that the carrying capacity of a Cessna 172 is much lower than that of
a small truck. Yes, an airplane may be able to detonate in the center of a
stadium, but a shipping truck could carry perhaps eight times the amount of
explosives and detonate nearby, possibly causing similar damages.

General aviation is policing itself, as proven by the foiled sensationalist
plot by NBC to get dangerous items onto a sightseeing flight.

There have been no terrorist acts involving General Aviation; however, we
have seen attacks using automotive vehicles and large aircraft.

Your article unfairly paints general aviation; an industry struggling to
stay alive at this time, and very sensitive to public perception.



  -----Original Message-----
  From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of Alex Balic
  Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 8:59 AM
  To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
  Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: GA Scare Article in Boston Globe


  Ronnie,

  Just in case you hadn't already, I sent that along to AOPA- they are
really good at handling that sort of thing,,,,  anyone  can fill a car or
minivan up with explosives (a lot more then will fit into a 172) and drive
into any crowd, anywhere, anytime- I don't see them concerned about removing
cars from the road even after you see the car bombings that go on everyday
practically in the middle east.   I suppose we should all just live in
constant fear provided by the media- sells more papers..........

  Alex
    -----Original Message-----
    From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of Ronnie Brown
    Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 7:32 AM
    To: reflector at tvbf.org
    Subject: REFLECTOR: GA Scare Article in Boston Globe


    I urge all of us to respond to this threat against our GA freedoms by
the sensationalist media.  This tripe will lead to more TFR's, restricted
areas, security at our small airports (have you noticed the miles of fences
being put up around the mid size airports?????).  Eventually we will lose
the freedom to fly our airplanes anywhere.


http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/08/26/analysts_warn_of_small
_plane_terrorism_threat/

    Take a few minutes and let the editor (unfortunately, Karen Schaler, the
writer doesn't have the guts to list her email address) know what you think
of this piece of journalism.

    letter at globe.com

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.tvbf.org/mailman/private/reflector/attachments/20040827/a07a6e01/attachment.htm