Why Are Airports in NJ Threatened?

Small New Jersey airports are a dying breed. Once numbered around 100 airports, many have disappeared, never to return. New Jersey politicians prefer houses to airports, even though there is a small but loyal selection of pilots in New Jersey who would like to see progress in their attempts to save these boons to industry. Some of the larger ones threatened by extinction include Morristown Airport and Teterboro. Both are quite large and are a hub of activity.

I grew up going to Somerset Airport in my childhood with my dad. We would go on adventures, and despite my anxieties, I wouldn't want my dad to miss out on his joy. Many pilots love the thrill and challenge of flying high above the land in their noisy little airplanes. And while many people would rather plop down in front of the television to watch some Reality TV, these people gather at great parties in order to preserve a sense of camaraderie. I was at one recently and it saddened me to learn that the politicians only want two airports in NJ. The one in Newark and the one in South Jersey.

While we have had some scares from airplanes in our recent history. 9-11 comes to mind, it is wrong to throw the baby out with the bath water. Maybe we should all have a vote on whether we should have airports, but I think most reasonable people would see the value of them. They provide jobs and emergency vehicle access. Namely helicopters that airlift victims of accidents to hospitals need a good place to be stored and where else better than a local airport. Also we have a way to encourage budding airline pilots. And we all know we need those. And how else will someone get their appetite whet to become an air force pilot without older pilots to encourage him into flying and giving him much needed flying experience.

Its just that the controversy occurs when new people move next door to an airport and complain about the noise. Or say it upsets their horses. Horses can get used to gun shots if they have to. No, the problem isn't really there until someone makes an issue because they are miserable with their little life and want to make a big deal about something others enjoy. We all know misery loves company. And some people want to make everyone else miserable to. Why would you buy a house next to an airport unless you enjoyed airplanes. It just doesn't make sense.

But some people are so busy trying to dictate others lives, they don't care who it destroys. And just think of all the young children who won't be exposed to a great adventure because someone didn't want to hear an airplane overhead.