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Myth of Ownership: The Oxnard Airport is owned by Oxnard. Fact: The airport is owned by Ventura County. Myth of Knowledge: Elected officials and the general public understands General Aviation and has it's best interest at heart. Fact: The majority of our elected officials and the public DO NOT understand General Aviation and what it contributes to the community and to our State's and Nation's transportation infrastructure. That's why it's important that you support advocacy organizations like the Oxnard Airport Assn. and personally participate in local political activities. Myth: The airport only serves a few individual and their expensive toys. Fact:The Oxnard airport had an economic impact on our community in excess of $100 million in 1995. The only aviation facilities located at Oxnard are business related. And the majority of operation from Oxnard are business or commercial related. The Oxnard AOPA ASN has a video on the commercial value of municipal airports. Find your AOPA ASN at: http://www.aopa.org/asn/ Myth of Noise: Single engine piston powered aircraft does not cause a noise problem. Fact: Although small aircraft noise levels are less than your average street noise or the noise in an office they are unique in the environment and people perceive them as being louder than other noise sources. Myth: All complaints about aircraft are due to the noise Fact: On the surface this may be true however, several people will tell you that they hear the aircraft first and then they connect the noise with a fear that the plane may crash on top of them. Learn the truth and share that knowledge with your neighbors. Myth: I can't do anything about the noise that my plane emits. Fact: Wrong, there is much that you as the pilot can and should do. Your local AOPA ASN has video tapes that can help you learn how to be a quieter pilot. Find your local AOPA ASN at: http://www.aopa.org/asn/ < Myth of Being First: The airport was built in 1934 by the WPA that means the airport was here before most of the neighborhoods, so they should just learn to live with that fact. Fact: It may be true that the airport has been here for a very long time but that argument won't win you any battles. Our airports are under constant attack, therefore as pilots using those airports we must constantly and consistently work to protect and promote each and every airport out there. Remember it's not just your home base airport, any airport lost means that there is one fewer destination that you can fly to. Myth of Perception: Operations at the Oxnard Airport are expanding Fact: FAA and the Dept. of Airports data indicate a 50% drop in both General Aviation and air carrier activity from the earlier 1990's |
Myth of Closure: Closing the airport would free up funds for other county / city services Fact: The airport is solely funded by revenues generated by airport and aviation activities. No general taxes are used to support the airport. The airport brings businesses to the city, which improves city revenues. Myth: The airport could be sold and the city could use the money for other projects Fact: Ventura county owns the airport and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors is the controlling authority. The county is obligated to the FAA to retain OXR as part of the national transportation system. If it were sold millions of Federal Grant monies would have to be paid back to the Government and any proceeds from the sale would have to be spent on aviation related facilities in the general area Myth: The airport could be relocated or closed and operations moved to Camarillo or Point Mugu Fact: Relocation would involve years of environmental studies before construction could even begin. Camarillo's location prevents installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for runway 26 and CMR could not absorb the combined operations with out major expansion. Civilian aviation can not share facilities at Mugu and it will remain military until the next round of cuts. Let's hope that doesn't happen, if Mugu were to be closed it would be devastating to our economy. Last but not least, remember all that Federal money that would have to be repaid! Myth of the Minority: Most people in Oxnard would like to see the airport removed. Fact: Be cautious of the vocal minority. A year long city planning activity involving several representatives from 6 Oxnard communities 86% concluded that the airport was an ASSET and should be retained. 75% would like to see commercial flights expanded. Myth: The majority in Oxnard think that the airport is an ASSET and should be retained, so we can just sit back and relax. Fact: Wrong! there are constantly new threats just waiting in the wings. Be cautious of the vocal minority and remember that the city decision makers don't understand General Aviation and it's contribution to our community. Myth of Involvement: General Aviation Pilots can do much to change and enhance the knowledge and perceptions that the public holds about their airport and the pilots who use it. Fact: TRUE! This is NOT A MYTH, get involved, join the Oxnard Airport Assn., Learn how you can save your right to fly at OXR. You can make a difference. Myth of Accidents: General Aviation is dangerous. Fact: The safety of aviation is amazing! and the Oxnard airport is one of the best in the nation. If you would like data regarding aviation and accidents contact the Oxnard AOPA ASN at: http://www.aopa.org/asn/ |