QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN,
REZONING AND RUNWAY EXTENSION
Taken from the Public Information Meetings*

*This document is a work in progress. As the official record becomes available more questions and answers will be added.

Question 1-
Can we expect any kind of return on our money with only a few international charters coming in to PIE?

Pinellas County was required by the FAA to perform a Benefit Cost Analysis following Federal guidelines established by the Federal Department of Transportation. The Benefit Cost Analysis clearly confirmed that the benefits of extending the runway exceed the costs by a factor of 4:1 up to 10:1. This allows Federal participation and therefore the Benefit Cost Analysis was approved by the FAA.

return to top

Question 2-
Please do not destroy the greenspace around the airport and specifically the greenspace between the airport and Feather Sound. I cannot believe that the environmental survey summarized “no significant impact”. Additional noise, additional airline/helicopter emissions, and the reduction of greenspace WILL have a negative impact on the environment waterways and trees and wildlife. It is not practical or logical to think otherwise. The birds are beautiful and will not exist well, if at all, without the trees. Why do we need to grow the airport? The benefits are potential—not tangible. We do not need more office buildings in our County. Use MacDill for any military

The Airport is an enterprise department within Pinellas County Government and is run as a business. Also, the Federal Government requires the Airport to make an operating profit to sustain growth within the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

Pinellas County is a leader in Environmental land preservation having set aside sensitive land as early as the 1970’s. Our goal is to sustain to economic development while nurturing our natural resources.

return to top

Question 3-
This plan “stinks” why are we “the public” looking to expand a secondary airport? The St. Pete airport is voting to close its airport. The only benefits to this expansion are for cargo type carriers. Let corporate America earn its profits somewhere else. Why are Pinellas County residents expected to be burdened so corporate America (U.P.S. etc.) can further prosper? Since when did corporate America vote? Lose the plan.

98% of Pinellas County companies have fewer than 100 employees and 97 % of county companies who ship by air have fewer than 100 employees, according to the 2002 Business Assistance Survey of 10,000 businesses. The companies that ship their products by air are not major corporations.

return to top

Question 4-
Please post on the website: How many people will be added to the ranks of Americans who are unemployed if this airport is closed? This site would NOT make a good mall, as someone suggested earlier.

The Airport and on-airport tenants are Pinellas County’s 8th largest employer. There are currently 1,648 people employed at the airport, and there are at least 3,586 jobs at or near the airport that are directly related to the Airport’s aviation facilities, their tenants, and the passengers that arrive and depart the Airport. We can assume Coast Guard personnel would be reassigned, but the prospects for other employees are less certain.

return to top

Question 5-
Please give specific answers to specific questions: who are the airlines that provided the letters of intent, when were the letters written. If the airport does not increase revenue, does all of the shortfall go to the taxpayers? How many signatures are needed for this to become an item on a public ballot?

The Airlines that provided the letters of intent are Southeast Airlines (November 28, 2001), Condor Airlines (November 28, 2001), Martin Air (September 24, 2001), and Travel City Direct (March 14, 2002). The Airport will use money from its general fund to cover any revenue shortfalls.

A petition containing signatures of 10% of the registered electors countywide would be required to initiate a ballot measure.

return to top

Question 6-
If there are 24 flights a day that generate 1600 jobs, how does the lengthened runways double the number of jobs (1735)? Does that double the number of flights per day?

New international visitors associated with Airport improvements will generate an additional 1,728 jobs in 2005, rising to 2,889 in 2008. Capital spending at the Airport including ongoing tenant investments and the improvements incorporated in the Airport master plan will generate another 568 jobs per year on average.
Source: Infrastructure Management Group – Economic Impact Analysis

return to top

Question 7-
What percentage of Carillon and Gateway are unused?

The mid-county overall vacancy rate is 7.5%. The office vacancy rate for Pinellas is 10.9%, compared to 16.1% for the Tampa Bay Area.
Source: Colliers-Arnold Market Report Q1, Q2 2003

return to top

Question 8-
What about the berm idea? That sounds like an excellent buffer that would allay many of the concerns regarding noise.

No analysis has been conducted to study the noise reduction by building a berm. We will look into this as a possibility of further reducing noise to the Feather Sound community.

return to top

Question 9-
Has any consideration been given to cost of defending against or compensating property owners who make claims for constructive condemnation as a result of diminution of value of property? Is the Commission aware that right now planes are apparently violating flight path directives when they fly over Safety Harbor you cannot hear? If traffic at the airport is only at 1995 levels, what justifies expansion? Are you aware of the eagle’s nest in south Safety Harbor and whether encroachment by airplanes is an issue?

The FAA in conjunction with other Federal agencies, established guidelines of 65 day/night level (DNL) as the level at which noise is considered objectionable for residential land uses. Therefore, these properties are not considered harmed by the noise levels by FAA criteria. We intend to increase monitoring and enforcement of noise abatement procedures.

The Airport monitors and enforces existing Noise Abatement Procedures to alleviate noise over Safety Harbor.

Pinellas County was required by the FAA to perform a Benefit Cost Analysis following Federal guidelines established by the Federal Department of Transportation. The Benefit Cost Analysis clearly confirmed that the benefits of extending the runway exceeding the costs by a factor of 4:1 up to 10:1. This allows Federal participation and therefore the Benefit Cost Analysis was approved by the FAA.

Yes, we are aware of the eagle’s nest in South Safety Harbor and Feather Sound. Encroachment by airplanes is not an issue.

return to top

Question 10-
Where does the airport director live? Does he know, personally, how noise impacts the neighbors around the Airport. We understand he lives where?

Yes, he is aware of the noise impacts and concerns of the residents surrounding the Airport. The interim Airport Director resides in Odessa, Florida

return to top

Question 11-
The noise level is already too loud. When Coast Guard planes take off from the North-South runway my windows on the north and west side vibrate, even the glasses in my kitchen rattle! I have requested Pinellas County Environmental Management to measure the noise from the airport but was refused by the office. How can I get Environmental Management to measure airport noise behind my home? And when? Is there a noise abatement task force for the airport and does it have any enforcement powers? Can time restrictions be implemented between 11pm and 7am and enforced!

Although aircraft are exempt from the County Noise Ordinance, we will request the Director of Environmental Management measure the noise in your community and report back to the County Administrator.

There is a 22-member Aircraft Noise Abatement Task Force appointed by the County Administrator. The Task Force does not have enforcement powers. The Airport does not have the authority to implement curfews. This final authority resides with the FAA.

return to top

Question 12-
There are many factors that influence people being attracted to an area. Certainly money/economics is a variable; however, I worry that being so densely populated (most in state) that there is no longer a value placed in the aesthetics of the area—parks, recreation areas are scarce, particularly in mid-county. Why not place some value in the beauty of our environment? Money is not all there is to life!!! Flowers, grass, trees, picnic tables, etc might help promote and nicer people in the area. What are the Commissioners’ opinions about environmental concerns other than economic impact? Why would people want to spend time in a concrete county? What about noise from Coast Guard choppers? Late evening is common. Can they go to MacDill? Big NOISE Problem. Can you spell green space? Does money make the world go around? Should it!?

The Coast Guard does utilize MacDill for approximately 30% of their training exercises to help alleviate noise to adjacent residential areas.

return to top

Question 13-
Why wasn’t there a sign-in? Shouldn’t the commissioners be aware of what how many folks in their districts are concerned? Don’t they care? No one is arguing to close the airport. It’s great that they have a current economic impact. Does not justify or show need for expansion or a taking to the residential neighbors. Please control the noise---great that we can track it, but doesn’t help our children get a good night sleep. Provide answers to the business questions asked by the people at the meeting. We elect you; we choose you to represent us—how do you justify being rude and dismissive publicly to your constituents? Seems like our trust was misplaced. The letters of intent—who provided them and was it before 911? Please provide CURRENT letters of intent. Seems like 4 is not enough to base the entire plan on and there is no backup plan. We want the opportunity to vote on this issue. Please provide your data regarding the noise to the PhD in Engineering who spoke. Please publicly respond and provide answers to the questions regarding flood plain and other issues, such as traffic impact.

Pinellas County was required by the FAA to perform a Benefit Cost Analysis following Federal guidelines established by the Federal Department of Transportation. The Benefit Cost Analysis clearly confirmed that the benefits of extending the runway exceeding the costs by a factor of 4:1 up to 10:1. This allows Federal participation and therefore the Benefit Cost Analysis was approved by the FAA.

The Airlines that provided the letters of intent are Southeast Airlines (November 28, 2001), Condor Airlines (November 28, 2001), Martin Air (September 24, 2001), and Travel City Direct (March 14, 2002). The Airport will use money from its general fund to cover any revenue shortfalls.

The Engineer was provided with answers from the Airport’s consultant at the conclusion of the presentation.

Properties, which lie in flood zones, are not precluded from development. The designation of the flood zone indicates that waters may “rise” on a site and requires buildings’ lowest floors to be elevated above the base flood level. Many of the developed properties in the vicinity of the airport lie in flood zones.

Increased development will result in increased traffic. While we are not sure what the writer was refereeing to as the “49th Street & 275 interchange” , we do know that a connection between Roosevelt Boulevard/Ulmerton Road corridor south to 118th Avenue and on to I275, is planned. The project is in design and the County is seeking ways to accelerate this project through gas tax funds. While the State Department of Transportation has projected this project be constructed in the year 2012, improvements at the Airport which generate additional traffic will be regulated by “concurrency management”, which require transportation facilities to be available or to come on line within 3 years of the physical development. Transportation facilities must be available to accommodate new development.

return to top

Question 14-
How can Board of County Commissioners approve IPD zoning change until drainage and roadways are approved as required by the IPD zoning definition? Where will the cars for the projected visitors be parked? You have not described this. What is the penalty paid by violators of the noise abatement rules? How do you incorporate our comments into Master Plan prior to FDOT and FAA review?

Rezoning does not require detailed roadway and drainage plans among others things a rezoning review considers whether the types and bulk of land uses being proposed are appropriate for the property in question and whether the infrastructure (road, drainage) is or can reasonably be made to accommodate the proposed development. Detailed plans for drainage and road improvements are reviewed later as a part of Site Plan Review prior to any physical development being placed on the ground. We will be showing a conceptual runway and drainage layout during the rezoning process when it occurs.

The Airport is currently expanding its parking facility by 650 additional stalls to accommodate increased demand.

There are not financial penalties for noise abatement violations.

These questions and comments will be incorporated into the Master Plan prior to FDOT and FAA review.

return to top

Question 15-
Who is responsible for enforcing noise abatement levels currently in place and those proposed? What is the enforcement mechanism to catch noise abatement violators? Since the airport property is enterprise property, what other enterprise choices have you looked as a part of the master development plan? Specify the minimum buffer west of F,I,J,K & L the county can approve? In addition to distance, what physical noise barriers will be erected? What is being done by the Pinellas Economic Development to maximize with other municipalities economic development in all of Pinellas County, such as the south side of St. Petersburg?

The Airport is responsible for enforcing and monitoring noise abatement procedures. Currently Airport staff visually monitor airlines arrivals and departures to ensure compliance. We anticipate having a flight tracking system installed within 30 days to assist with ensuring compliance.

Other enterprise choices include corporate hangar development, private T-hangar development, cargo facilities, and terminal parking enhancements and future commercial development on the property opposite the terminal on Roosevelt Boulevard.

The Master Plan has not considered erecting noise barriers.

Pinellas County Economic Development works closely with county municipalities. We jointly fund the Business Assistance Partnership with eight cities and nine chambers of commerce for business retention and business assistance. Approximately 1,500 businesses will be visited this year to ascertain their business needs and how we can best assist them. We share relocation leads with our city partners to ensure uniform response, and we host a quarterly Economic Development practitioners meeting to discuss joint concerns and coordinate efforts. Pinellas County Economic Development featured the Dome Industrial property on its web site www.siliconbay.org.

return to top

Question 16-
Please provide names and expected revenues by year of the carriers expected to use the extended runway? What air pollution control measures will be implemented after the runway extension is built? What I mean by control measures is shutting down aircraft and towing the aircraft to the airside after completing their taxi run.

The Airlines are Southeast Airlines, Condor Airlines, Martin Air, and Travel City Direct.

The environmental assessment did not find an unacceptable level of air pollution. The Department of Environmental Management does conduct regular monitoring of air quality in Pinellas County.

The Airport is working with the FAA to pursue Global Positioning System and Flight Management System Technology to extend the hours of operation for the North Bay Visual Approach Procedure.

return to top

Question 17-
When will the Master Plan be available to the public for review prior to its approval by the BOCC? Current noise abatement includes limiting early hours in negotiating new contracts—was the economic analysis performed with a limit on hours? Will the policy to limit hours change after the plan has been approved? John Morroni has stated that the Airco Development is “not a done deal”. If this is so, then why would the BOCC not renew Airco’s lease on the golf course property?

It should be available on the web at www.fly2pie.com and at your local library on Monday September 22, 2003.

The previous lease holder did not choose to renew their lease.

return to top

Question 18-
Airport officials say that the airport contributes $784 million to Pinellas County. How much of this money would not be contributed to Pinellas County if travelers were forced to land at Tampa International?

We cannot quantify how much money would be lost if passengers were forced to land at Tampa International Airport. However, we do know not all TIA passengers visit our county. Tampa International conducted a passenger survey in December 2000 that showed that 42% of its passengers either visit or are from Pinellas County. We cannot assume all TIA passengers visit Pinellas; over half (58%) of TIA passengers do not visit our county.

return to top

Question 19-
The runway expansion is estimated to cost $17.5 million. I assume most of it is being paid by the taxpayers. The overall master plan for the airport calls for investing nearly ¼ billion dollars. How much of this is taxpayer money and couldn’t this money be better spent than bailing out a losing business that can’t compete with the excellence of Tampa International?

The Airport is an enterprise department within Pinellas County and is run as a business. Also, the Federal Government requires the Airport to make an operating profit to sustain growth within the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). No county taxes are used to subsidize the operation of the Airport.

return to top

Question 20-
What tourist would not travel to Clearwater if forced to land at Tampa International? My point is: Local tourism would not suffer because of the inability to fly into Clearwater.

Our runway expansion will accommodate international charters, and it is expected that international tourism will increase as a result of the runway expansion.

return to top

Question 21-
The only business that would benefit from an expansion of St. Pete/Clearwater Airport are the businesses in close proximity to the airport, the businesses that reside inside the airport and the airport itself.

Pinellas County Economic Development found that 72% of companies who export their products ship them by air. According to our 2002 Business Assistance Survey of 10,000 businesses. Also, the expansion is expected to greatly increase our tourism industry, and tourists typically spend their dollars throughout the county.

return to top

Question 22-
What will be the increase in noise comparing a 727 and L10-11, a 777 and a 747?

The Environmental Assessment included larger aircraft such as an L1011 and B747 when compiling data to calculate noise contours. The results did not indicate a significant change nor did it identify future incompatible land use.

return to top

Question 23-
How can it make economic sense to develop another airport 9 miles from the “World’s Finest” Tampa International? They have the runway lengths, the cargo capacity and all the services PIE wants to duplicate. Are tourists any more likely to vacation at Pinellas beaches if they land 9 miles closer to the beaches? Does it warrant spending A QUARTER BILLION FEDERAL DOLLARS?

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is a developed airport 9 miles from Tampa International Airport. The St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport does not wish to duplicate Tampa’s services, and the estimated cost to lengthen the runway is $17.5 million.

return to top

Question 24-
What studies have been done to determine how many passengers who land at PIE are attracted to the cheap fares here but rent a car and head to Orlando anyway?

There was no study conducted to determine how many passengers are attracted by fares and rent a car to drive to Orlando. The Benefit Cost Analysis only studied potential visitors arriving at Orlando and driving to Pinellas beaches.

return to top

Question 25-
What is the demand for office space or another industrial park in this area of Pinellas, where after 16 years, even Carillon is not fully developed? According to the July Maddox Report, the Gateway and mid-Pinellas has more than 294,091 square feet of VACANT OFFICE SPACE available PLUS another 85,000 in planned construction space available at 700 Carillon. With this glut of open, vacant office space today, how can building more of it on an open green space be sound thinking?

Airco property is the last 150-acre site for a Class A Business Park to meet future high wage jobs for Pinellas County. We absorb anywhere from a million and a half up to 3 million square feet annually.

return to top

Question 26-
According to published reports and comments made by Commissioner Latvala, the runway extension to 10,000 feet is expected to bring in only 1 or 2 additional flights from overseas per day? How can the costs of the extension and the loss of our last remaining open space in this part of the community, possibly be justified when those flights could easily operate at TIA?

Pinellas County was required by the FAA to perform a Benefit Cost Analysis following Federal guidelines established by the Federal Department of Transportation. The Benefit Cost Analysis clearly confirmed that the benefits of extending the runway exceeding the costs by a factor of 4:1 up to 10:1. This allows Federal participation and therefore the Benefit Cost Analysis was approved by the FAA.

return to top

Question 27-
If the county wants to generate more airport revenue, why not charge usage fees to General Aviation aircraft as it charges commercial and military aircraft? According to the airport website, there are NO landing fees charged to private aircraft.

There are very few public use airports within Florida that charge landing fees for general aviation. The Airport acquires revenue from General Aviation, Military and Commercial through fuel flowage fees.

return to top

Question 28-
Pinellas is already the most densely populated county in Florida. According to Commissioner Stewart at the 8/19 Commissioner’s meeting, Pinellas I 97% built out—yet he continues to push for the development. At what point do we say enough growth, let’s focus on preserving our county’s “scenic beauty” and on enhancing the quality of life for those who live here? It’s a sad statement when a golf course is one of the last remaining open spaces in a community.

The County is committed to preserving open space and environmental lands. Since the mid-1970’s, the Board of County Commissioners and voters have approved funding sources to purchase hundreds of acres have been acquired for environmental preservation, retention of open space, and parklands. The County Comprehensive Plan requires that 9 acres of parkland be provided for each 1,000 residents, and the county exceeds this standard.

The parcel of land, known as Airco, was acquired by the Federal Government for future development to help financially support the Airport.

return to top

Question 29-
If PIE receives FAA funding for the runway extension and/or the airport expansion, is the airport committed to remaining open and operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Then if PIE should lose many of its operations/airlines, would the County be required to keep the airport open regardless, such as the Naples airport has had to do?

The Airport has annually received FAA Grants and is obligated to operate 24 hours per day and yes.

return to top

Question 30-
How much local and federal money do you keep spending before you make a decision to as to whether or not a project is profitable?

The Airport has spent approximately $1 million on the Benefit Cost Analysis and the Environmental Assessment required by the FAA to justify the runway extension. The Benefit Cost Analysis determined the project is profitable.

return to top

Question 31-
Why is it that the county needed to buy the Neighborly Senior Services offices for this expansion, then proceeded to sell them the property on the east side of the Airco Golf Course on Evergreen Ave., even though Neighborly Senior Services had already signed a lease at their 28th Street property?

The FAA Airway Facilities identified the Neighborly Senior Services as an obstruction for the installation of the new Category I Instrument Landing System. This includes a new radio localizer and approach lighting system.

The county did not own nor did it sell the property to the east side of Airco to Neighborly Senior Services. This was owned by Moog. The county did purchase the remainder of the Moog property, excluding their existing facility. This was done so green space and cultural amenities can be retained in public ownership.

return to top

Question 32-
Please explain the correlation between the county’s Director of Real Estate, Bob Humberstone and the properties purchased by the county for this expansion.

Mr. Humberstone's duties are to manage the leasehold properties of the Airport and assure FAA guildelines are followed. The county has not purchased any property from Mr. Humberstone. He served as trustee to a family-related trust that owns a property that may be a future land acquisition of the county for additional runway safety area. At no time, will Mr. Humberstone have any involvement with the acquisition of the property should the Airport need to acquire it.

return to top

Question 33-
According to the Environmental Assessment, the airport and surrounding land including Airco is in a flood zone and is susceptible to tidal and storm surges. Why would the county build new commercial buildings in a flood zone? Who will pay for the construction of the buildings? Will they need to be elevated due to being in the flood zone?

Properties, which lie in flood zones, are not precluded from development. The designation of the flood zone indicates that waters may “rise” on a site and requires buildings’ lowest floors to be elevated above the base flood level. Many of the developed properties in the vicinity of the airport lie in flood zones.

return to top

Question 34-
The ICOT center is used by the county as an example of proposed properties that could be built on the Airco site. Does the IPD zoning—as proposed for Airco and the former Moog property—allow commercial establishments such as Stormans and Tuscons? If so, can we expect new nightlife noises in addition to aircraft noise? Does this mean more bars and noise on the waterfront?

The IPD zoning does allow some commercial development (up to 25% of the total floor area of the overall development). Airport officials don’t believe that such uses as nightclubs will be prime business draws at the Airco site. There will be no ‘waterfront’ land at the Airco site for development.

return to top

Question 35-
Can the runway be extended toward Ulmerton Rd. if the once Neighborly Senior Services parcel (now zoned commercial) is not changed to Transportation zoning?

A physical expansion of the runway into the former Neighborly Services parcels would require that land to be rezoned appropriately.

return to top

Question 36-
Can navigational equipment and lighting be installed on Airco and the once Neighborly Services parcels with the proposed IPD (sic) zoning?

The IPD zoning will allow installation of navigational equipment and lighting.

return to top

Question 37-
Can the runway be extended without completely tearing out Airco?

Yes.

return to top

Question 38-
Could the golf course stay and simply have the clubhouse relocated?

Yes.

return to top

Question 39-
Has the County Commission come to a quiet agreement with the Wiggins Group from the UK become a 24-hour cargo hub comparable to one in Smyrna, TN? The Wiggins Group’s financials are weak.

No, all formal and non-formal discussions ceased by December 2000 between Pinellas County officials and the Wiggins Group. (a.k.a. Planestation) No agreement was reached.

return to top

Question 40-
Does the Master Plan address water runoff to ensure that once Airco is bulldozed and paved, that the resident’s homes, streets, businesses, etc. will flood? Have any studies been done on this?

All land development requires site plan review by county government. Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and in some cases the Army Corps of Engineers also review land development. One of the primary concerns of each of these agencies is drainage. In Pinellas runoff from a site in the post development condition cannot exceed of the pre- development condition. Runoff is required to be directed to retention ponds or other holding facilities. Excess storm water from retention ponds during storm events is required to go into adequate outfalls and not flow onto neighboring properties. All developers are required to submit site plans and drainage studies during site plan review to the above referenced agencies to show how this is accomplished.

return to top

Question 41-
The canal on the west side of Feather Sound was designed to take water runoff that is not absorbed into the surrounding ground. Is that canal intended to hold additional water once Airco and the surrounding land are developed?

The canal is an “outfall” structure to collect stormwater, which has been treated, and outfall, or deliver it to Tampa Bay. Treated stormwater from any development within the canal’s watershed will go to the canal after treatment. The canal is designed to take this stormwater runoff to the Bay.

All new development is required to treat stormwater prior to it leaving the improved site.

return to top

Question 42-
Since the open space at Airco and the strip beside Evergreen Avenue absorbs a lot of water, is flooding likely to be a problem?

Flooding will not be a problem as a result of the development of the Airco site since adequate flood control and drainage will have to be provided in accordance with County and State guidelines.

return to top

Question 43-
Over development has caused flooding in many areas of the county. Why does the county continue to use “Economic Development” as a reason for land development at the cost of residents’ quality of life?

While it is true that many older developments may experience flooding, all new development from the mid-1970s on must meet strict county and state guidelines designed to prevent flooding problems.

return to top

Question 44-
What are the implications of a bigger airport on the roads in our area? All roads leading out from the airport are traffic nightmares already.
-When will the 49th Street and 275 Interchange be completed?
-If the airport expansion is completed by 2004 as proposed in the Master Plan, what is the county’s answer to handling the traffic congestion until the interchange is completed? (These 3 questions are answered below).

Increased development will result in increased traffic. While we are not sure what the writer was refereeing to as the “49th Street & 275 interchange” , we do know that a connection between Roosevelt Boulevard/Ulmerton Road corridor south to 118th Avenue and on to I275, is planned. The project is in design and the County is seeking ways to accelerate this project through gas tax funds. While the State Department of Transportation has projected this project be constructed in the year 2012, improvements at the Airport which generate additional traffic will be regulated by “concurrency management”, which require transportation facilities to be available or to come on line within 3 years of the physical development. Transportation facilities must be available to accommodate new development.

To clarify, it is the runway extension that is projected for completion in late 2005.

return to top

Question 45-
Why is commercial property the only way the county government can justify making the Airport profitable?

With small-hub airports, which St. Petersburg-Clearwater is, non-aviation-related property (commercial property) is essential to offset operational costs associated with the Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration encourages Airports to develop their non-aeronautical property for such purposes.

return to top

Question 46-
Why do three out of the four letters received from the potential airlines sound contrived?

The FAA requires specific information regarding aircraft operations to be included in the letters of intent, therefore, most of the letters of intent are very similar in format and language.

return to top

Question 47-
Why is the county so involved in commercial property transactions rather than serving the residents who voted for them as representatives?

The development of non-aeronautical property is necessary to provide the Airport with a consistent stream of revenue in order to keep the Airport in a position to support itself as an enterprise operation of Pinellas County. The County developed the Airport Industrial Parks in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Together the tenants in these Industrial Parks provide more than $939,000 in annual revenue to the Airport.

return to top

Question 48-
How is it that county denies having anything to do with the parcel that was sold to Neighborly Senior Services, yet the factory at the end of Evergreen allegedly did not want to exercise their purchase option, according to Frank Aiello, Airport Engineer.

Neighborly Senior Services purchased the parcel directly from Moog Inc. In 1986, Moog Inc. purchased a 25.32-acre parcel for the construction of new facilities and optioned the remaining acreage for future industrial development. Moog Inc. eventually sold their new facilities to Micro Mo Electronics, which currently owns and occupies the facilities. The sale to Micro Mo Electronics concluded Moog’s business in the bay area except for their ownership interest in the optioned property. Moog Inc. exercised their option, as stipulated in their option agreement, and sold the property directly to Neighborly Senior Services to recoup their equity in the cost of their option payments.

return to top

Question 49-
Why were residents told by numerous real estate agents that the area behind Evergreen Avenue was a protected buffer when they purchase their homes?

The Moog option, dated November 7, 1986, is public record. That option identifies the future use of the site as its current M-1 industrial zoning. Sometimes real estate agents make incorrect assumptions about the uses on undeveloped lands adjacent to properties they are selling. The property along the west side of the canal has been zoned industrial since 1973; however, portions of this land contain wetlands and archeological sites, and those sections will not be developed.

return to top

Question 50-
What will be the impact on residential property values?

The Feather Sound residents have enjoyed increased property values during prior periods of adjoining commercial land development. Past trends in property values indicates that continued development of adjacent property for business parks use would not diminish residential property values.

return to top

Question 51-
Despite the fact that the county claims that no noise testing is necessary in the affected areas due to the AVERAGE 65 decibels rule, why do residents keep complaining about noise?

Residents living outside the 65 DNL “contour areas” may be subject to aircraft noise, but not to the extent that the Federal Aviation Administration officially deems to be incompatible for residential use. The DNL is a federal standard which averages, through modeling, the noise over one day. It is not a single event standard, and therefore a higher noise event may occur on an individual basis. The county is going to review the report and take noise readings in the areas of citizen concern.

return to top

Question 52-
What studies have determined the best buffers to airport noise for neighborhoods adjacent to the airport and /or under the flight paths?

No analysis has been conducted to study the noise reduction by building buffers. An area of wetlands and a cultural site east of Evergreen are being set aside for this buffer. Any proposed rezoning will include a designated open space buffer.

return to top

Question 53-
How does the possibility of bringing in tourists to PIE rather than Tampa International increase quality of life or property values for the residents?

Bringing visitors directly into Pinellas County results in new jobs being created and more direct tourism dollars being invested locally. It is very likely that lower costs at PIE allow for lower cost air fares which induce travelers here, which would not otherwise travel to the Tampa Bay area.

return to top

Question 54-
Why is the current noise abatement policy on this airport not being enforced? Why does the county think that it will be enforced any better with an expanded runway and developed property?

Noise abatement policies are currently being monitored and enforced when violations are detected. The runway expansion and development of vacant property will not affect the enforcement of noise abatement procedures. The Airport is acquiring a flight tracking system which will activate in November 2003 that will assist staff with monitoring compliance.

return to top

Question 55-
There is allegedly a Noise Abatement Task Force. Why have we not heard from them? Why have their findings not been presented? Who is on the Task Force? How were the chosen and by whom?

On August 7, 2002, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a Resolution Establishing the Aircraft Noise Abatement Task Force to make recommendations on aircraft noise issues. Meetings are conducted quarterly, with semi-annual reports on findings and recommendations which are then submitted to the Board of County Commissioners.

The Task Force consists of twenty-two (22) members: 8 residents, 2 military, 2 airline, 2 corporate/general aviation, 1 airport, and 7 advisory members. The County Administrator appointed members to the Task Force. Community representatives were recommended to the County Administrator by individual cities. Initial meetings have been dedicated to getting up to speed on the regulatory issues. Watch for more activity in the near future.

return to top

Question 56-
When will the technology for the “Web-based tracking system” be available? Where is it currently used? How effective has it been as a tool for residents?

The flight tracking system will be operational November 2003, and will be available to the public through a link offered on the Airport’s website (www.Fly2PIE.com), and via the Airport Noise & Mitigation website (www.pinellascounty.org/airport).
Airports in Los Angeles, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New Orleans, Boston, San Jose, and Louisville are currently using the flight tracking system.

AirportMonitor ™ has been very effective in providing flight information to the public in a clear, easy to read format. Residents are able to go online to obtain specific flight information (i.e. aircraft type, altitude, direction, etc.), following aircraft noise events. At large airports, Boston-Logan for example, the AirportMonitor ™ page receives thousands of hits each month.

return to top

Question 57-
According to the published website, the Coast Guard station is the busiest in the nation. Do we need to add more noise to the busiest?

The Clearwater Air Station is the largest and busiest Coast Guard station in the nation. We value the Coast Guard presence and believe that commercial service is important to the area as well. The objective is to support these activities while being sensitive to noise impacted communities.

return to top

Question 58-
Can time restrictions be implemented, to say, “no flights between 11pm and 7am? What time restrictions do other regional airports have?
Why pave over one golf course to build a new one a few miles away in Toy Town?

By federal law, the Airport is not authorized to impose curfews that restrict hours of operation. The Airport Noise and Capacity Act, passed in 1990, limits restrictions airports can impose on aircraft operations. Since 1990, no airport within the U.S. has had a curfew approved by the FAA. The only airports with operational curfews are those that were in effect prior to 1990. Airports with restrictions that were grand- fathered by the FAA include: John Wayne, San Jose, Boston-Logan, MacArthur, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Sarasota-Bradenton.

return to top

Question 59-
According to a PIE official, the facility will do routine and repair work on other military helicopters as well as Black Hawks? How many others will be coming in?

Presently, there are 4 Black Hawk helicopters based at PIE. The Army will acquire 4 additional helicopters by the end of the year for a total of 8.

return to top

Question 60-
According to the Reserve Unit, Congressman Young is urging that another unit of Black Hawks (with a Medivac mission) be placed at PIE. Is this true?

No. The Airport has never been approached regarding the addition of a Medivac unit.

return to top

Question 61-
Once all the Federal tax dollars have been spent and the Airport still remains unprofitable, will it turn to cargo to make up the shortfall?

Cargo revenue is only a small portion of the Airport’s operating revenues. Out of an operating revenue budget for FY 2004 of $9.4 million, $310,000 or 3.2% is attributable to revenues from cargo. There are no plans to turn the Airport into a cargo hub.

The airport realizes sufficient operating revenue and grants to defray its operating expenses and therefore does not require a subsidy.

return to top

Question 62-
Wouldn’t a waterfront park or recreation area be of more value to the county’s residents and visitors than an airport and offices?

Airco Golf is a portion of Airport property that was deeded to the County by the Federal Government to support aviation. Airco Golf was originally developed by a private enterprise for profit, and returned to the County at the end of a 40-year lease term. The original lease between the County and Airco Golf provided a source of revenue for Airport operations and provided a maintenance-free land bank of the
property for future Airport related use. The redevelopment of Airco will strengthen Airport revenues and reduce reliance on commercial airline traffic. It will also have a substantial positive economic impact on the county.

return to top

Question 63-
If Whitted Field in St. Petersburg closes, will their operations be moved to St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport?

It is anticipated that a significant number of aircraft operators would consider relocating to PIE.

return to top

Question 64-
We do not want the airport expanded or rezoned.
In my opinion this is a poor use of 223m$ (=300m$) when a “world class” airport is just 15 minutes away. Nationwide airline capacity is declining (15-20%) and major airlines have just pulled out of Sarasota and Naples, so why do we think they would want to expand operations into Clearwater Airport!!! “If we build it, they will come”??

PIE has increased passenger traffic from 650,000 in 2002 to almost 1 million in 2003. The reason PIE service has not declined is because many of the major carriers dropped direct non-stop service to many destinations and began flying more routes through their hubs. New and low-cost carriers have taken advantage of entering these markets with far less competition. More of these new and low-cost airlines are looking for small, less congested, affordable airports from which to operate to maintain their competitive strategies. Passengers are also looking for convenient and affordable alternatives for travel.

return to top

Question 65-
All this terrible proposed work….Do you propose doing this between midnight and 6am---the last time you did work on the runways, it kept me up every night for 3 weeks…It was a very bad time and I will do anything I can to prevent this from happening.

This has not been determined. We have not begun construction design for any project in the Master Plan or the proposed runway extension project.

return to top

Question 66-
The main question is where is the revenue coming from that is going to repay it?

The airport is expected to operate as an “enterprise” fund – meaning it is to finance its activity from self-generated income. The future revenue will come from a combination of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Passenger Facility Charges (PFC), or Airport funding/financing. None of the funds are to come from local property tax subsidy. If a sufficient level of these revenues is not in place, the projects will not go forward. Also, other projects, such as corporate and general aviation hangar development, in the Master Plan are expected to be funded by private sources.

return to top

Question 67-
Who are these people that are going to be paying us back?

Aviation users pay the Airport by a combination of landing fees, fuel flowage fees, terminal fees, passenger security fees, and rent on hangar leases.

return to top

Question 68-
Do they have enough revenue to be able to support it?

If the grants and business income are adequate to support the individual projects, they will go forward. If the funding is not in hand or forecasted, the projects will not go forward.

return to top

Question 69-
Is there a new terminal in the works in any plan? What about the airport control tower?

The Master Plan identifies the need for a new terminal, due to current space limitations, and a projected increase in passenger traffic. Currently no design plans or construction plans are ‘in the works”.

The Air Traffic Control Tower is owned and maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration. There are no plans for additional improvements or relocation.

return to top

Question 70-
Did you ever try to track the number on a plane going 200 miles per hour?
What about the planes coming in from the south and taking off from the south. Nobody can answer these questions. Who is supposed to be marshalling this program?

The Airport has installed an aircraft flight tracking system on it’s website in early November 2003. Both the Airport and the general may access information as to aircraft type, altitude and direction of flight. The Airport monitors traffic to determine compliance with noise abatement procedures.

return to top

Question 71-
Is Airtran exempt from this?

This question is probably referring to ATA (“Amtram”) as Airtran flies into Tampa. ATA is required to follow the same noise abatement procedures as all other air carriers.

return to top

Question 72-
Are other commercial airlines exempt from this?

No, the Noise Abatement Procedures are mandatory for all commercial and private turbojet aircraft with a gross weight of 60,000 lbs. or greater, as established by the FAA.

return to top

Question 73-
Why do you print something that’s false and not true?

The graphic displays in the Aircraft Noise Abatement brochure are intended to depict the established noise abatement procedures. They are not intended to represent the only approach and departure paths in and out of the Airport.

return to top

Question 74-
I’m asking about the planes coming in from the south. Airtran comes in every day from the south. The Coast Guard takes off over my house God knows how many times a day. ATA. What about those? You printed a false piece of literature and I want somebody held accountable.

The graphic displays in the Aircraft Noise Abatement brochure are intended to depict the established noise abatement procedures. They are not intended to represent the only approach and departure paths in and out of the Airport. The FAA does not have established noise abatement procedures for aircraft arriving from the south.

return to top

Question 75-
Who is going to marshal the flight plan? Is there a direct flight path coming in? Who is marshaling it?

Airspace used to establish a flight plan is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration.

return to top

Question 76-
Would any of you like to give us a number of non-passenger flights in and out of the Airport?

For 2002 the numbers are as follows: Air Carrier Operations – 6,206 (passenger)
Air Cargo Operations – 1,762 (non passenger)
Air Taxi Operations – 6,361 (passenger)
General Aviation – 172,733 (non passenger)
Military – 25,976 (non passenger)
Totals – 213,038

For 2003 the numbers are as follows: Air Carrier Operations – 4,728 (passenger)
(Jan – Aug) Air Cargo Operations – 1,592 (non passenger)
Air Taxi Operations – 4,423 (passenger)
General Aviation – 119,588 (non passenger)
Military – 15,703 (non passenger)
Totals – 146,034

Source of Data – FAA control tower operating statistics

return to top

Question 77-
And I had a question concerning the tourism money that was quoted at $444 million that was brought in by tourists visiting Clearwater and I want to know what tourists would visit Clearwater, that wouldn’t visit Clearwater that was forced to land at Tampa Airport instead?

An airline that would like to provide service to the Tampa Bay area has the option to fly into either Tampa International, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International (PIE), or Sarasota-Bradenton International, whichever best fits their needs and budget. Many of the airlines that choose to fly into PIE, do so because it is a considerable cost savings and is centrally located in one of Florida’s top tourist destinations. Some other reasons for flying into PIE have to do with the size of the airport, less airline competition, and having more flexibility with their schedules and operations than at medium or large hub airports. Some of these carriers, especially charters, may not fly into the Tampa Bay area if it doesn’t appear profitable to do so, from both an operations and marketing perspective. There is also more likely to be a greater economic impact to our county for visitors deplaning in our county, as opposed to Tampa or another neighboring airport.

return to top

Question 78-
And I want to know what the difference in noise levels would be between a 737 and so a 777 or an L1011 or a 747

The noise footprint of each particular aircraft will depend on a few factors. The components that cause noise from an aircraft are the engines, the ambient air and the local weather. The engines are the biggest and most obvious source of the noise. However, the rush of air over the aircraft’s fuselage and wings also produces noise effects. Finally, an overcast day can also make an aircraft sound louder as the sound waves bounce off clouds. In the year 2000, the FAA imposed a rule that all air carrier aircraft had to meet “Stage III” standards for noise emissions. This was accomplished by aircraft being retrofitted with quieter engines or by installing “hush-kits” on existing engines. Due to the sheer size and engine force required, a B-737 will not be as loud as a larger aircraft such as the B-747 or L-1011. However, many corporate jets are still flying today that do not meet the Stage III requirements. Despite the small size of these aircraft, their engines are actually louder than the large, air carrier aircraft. We are not aware of any legislation being proposed by the FAA to mandate corporate jets to meet the Stage III requirements.

return to top

Question 79-
Do they make it louder or less loud?

Again, the factors mentioned above all will affect an aircraft’s noise footprint. Smaller air carrier aircraft will generally be quieter than the larger air carrier aircraft.

return to top

Question 80-
What about the runway expansion?

Runway 17L-35R is currently 8,800 feet long. The runway project would be a 1,200-foot extension of Runway 17L/35R to a total length of 10,000 feet, and construction of a 500-foot by 1,000-foot Runway Safety Area at each runway end pursuant to FAA design standards. The major components are:

• Constructing 900 feet of new 150-foot wide runway pavement and Runway Safety and Object Free Area at the south end of Runway 17L/35R,

• Constructing 2,900 feet of 75-foot wide pavement and Taxiway Safety and Object Free Safety Areas for Taxiway "A" and requisite taxiway connector,

• Constructing 300 feet of new 150-foot wide runway pavement and Runway Safety and Object Free Area at the north end of Runway 17L/35R,

• Construction of 200-foot by 200-foot blast pads at each runway end,

• Modifying portions of approach lighting systems,

• Creation of 500-foot wide by 1,000-foot long Runway Safety Areas at each end of the runway, and

• Use of displaced threshold and declared distance criteria for Runway 17L and 35R.

return to top

Question 81-
Let me ask you a personal question. When do you run for re-election?

Elections for Commission Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 will be held November 2004. Elections for districts 2, 4, and 6 will be in November 2006.

return to top

Question 82-
If you solve the noise problems, and there are ways to do it but you are going to have to get to the root cause and nobody is talking about it here, but if you solve the noise problems, you will take away 90 percent of your problems. Now why don’t you do that

The root cause of the noise is from the source (the aircraft). There is no way to eliminate all effects of aircraft noise without closing the airport. Further exploration of expanding noise abatement procedures and use of upcoming flight technology may offer more solutions to reduce noise. Through the years aircraft engine technology is also getting quieter and more efficient.

return to top

Question 83-
And I want to find out if there has been any discussions with the people running that program with regard to night operations, formations flying over populated areas, what kind of altitudes they are going to have to maintain? I know the FAA minimum may not apply when you’ve got a squad of helicopters going out over to the beaches to buzz the beaches. Is that going to be allowed by the County? Or are we going to find over water routes for people to take their flight training classes?

The FAA does not allow the County to regulate where aircraft and helicopters fly. The airspace above and around PIE is controlled exclusively by the FAA. There are flight rules and minimum altitudes to which the aircraft must adhere. However, these are enforced through the FAA-Flight Standards District Office. The USCG and U.S. Army are aware of the noise sensitive areas around the airport. They seek to avoid flying over noise sensitive areas for routine flight patterns.

return to top

Question 84-
My question is, can you tell me the name of the four top freight carriers that you are now negotiating with, whether you have contracts or not?

We are not negotiating with any cargo carriers.

return to top

Question 85-
Can you tell me the names?

We are not negotiating with any cargo carriers; therefore there are no names.

return to top

Question 86-
Have you talked to them since July 18?

No.

return to top

Question 87-
Okay. So the answer is that you are not dealing with any cargo carriers, any-- like Ryan or one of those?

Correct.

return to top

Question 88-
Can you list out the I guess it’s charter international carriers that you want to deal with?

Travel City Direct, Condor, Martin Air, and Southeast Airlines have expressed an interest in providing service to PIE.

return to top

Question 89-
So what is your back-up plan?

Market the facility with potential international carriers and tour operators.

return to top

Question 90-
Okay. You build it, they don’t come. What are you going to do? What is your back-up plan? You’re still not answering the question.

Because the runway extension is not expected to be completed prior to 2006, there is always a possibility due to changes in the airline industry, the economy and many other uncontrollable events, that we may not have immediate utilization of the extension. However, based on current demand, the FAA has approved the airport to move forward on the project. Our plan is to continue to meet demand for new air service that will utilize all our airport facilities including the extended runway. It is important to also note that a runway extension not only accommodates new long haul air service, but it also adds to the safety of our carriers on take-offs and landings. It also can help with noise abatement because aircraft can reach higher altitudes faster with an extended runway. Additional demand analysis is being performed to have the best possible market information.

return to top

Question 91-
Does anybody know about the Seabird Sanctuary?

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is located at 18328 Gulf Blvd., in Indian Shores, Florida. The Sanctuary has been dedicated to the rescue repair, rehabilitation, and release of indigenous wild birds. Founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph T. Heath, the Sanctuary is world renowned for its innovative rehabilitation techniques, and was the first facility to breed Eastern brown pelicans in captivity.

return to top

Question 92-
The next question I want to ask is when is the master plan going to be available for the public?

It is available at every public library, city hall and on the county’s web site, www.pinellascounty.org and the airports web site, www.fly2pie.com

Airport Master Plan Update - Direct Link

return to top

Question 93-
But when is that going to be available to the public?

It is available now.

return to top

Question 94-
You have all received copies of it, I believe. Yes?

Yes.

return to top

Question 95-
Why do we need it here in Pinellas?

Our airport is an integral part of our community's economic base, and of the Tampa Bay area’s air service capacity. Besides the jobs and income it provides directly, the airport is instrumental in the creation of community income by business and industry that use general aviation (i.e., non-airline) transportation to facilitate their operations. Many corporations would never locate a plant, headquarters, or distribution center in a community without a nearby airport. In addition to direct spending by airport users, businesses, and local industry, the "multiplier effect" of airport economic benefits spread throughout the community. In study after study, airports' positive economic impacts far outweigh any local public funding an airport may receive. Additionally, our airport receives no property tax subsidy.

Because virtually all airports, large and small, are important elements of the national air transportation system, special taxes on the flying public fund grants-in-aid for construction and maintenance of runways and other infrastructure. This brings more money into the community, making the airport one of the best economic contributors available.

return to top

Question 96-
And another one made several comments that I need to find the person who said, don’t you think that it would be better for us to use this money some other way?

The Federal, state and airport funds are designated aviation transportation funds and cannot be diverted from that use.

return to top

Question 97-
But where are you going to put these people when they come here?

The Airport works very closely with our tourism industry businesses within the Tampa Bay region and at this time there is no indication that the hotel, motel and rental condo properties are at capacity and could not handle additional tourists visiting the area. We frequently work closely with our tourism industry partners to recruit new business opportunities.

return to top

Question 98-
You have closed the golf course. Why has it been closed? Oh well, I am told nobody plays there anymore. Why doesn’t anybody play there anymore?

Airco Golf Course is open for public use daily.

return to top

Question 99-
So everyone knows what the definition of the DNL line is?

“Day-Night Average Sound Level” (DNL) contours represent the average cumulative noise produced by an annual average 24-hour day of aircraft operations.

return to top

Question 100-
So here is my question. The letters of intent that you have to do business from the international community, I would like to know who they’re from. Who are the letters of intent and as the public, can we find out who those are? Secondly, as a business owner, I would like to know what are the 1,700 jobs that are going to be created here and as a business owner, how can I get a piece of that action?

The letters of intent were received from the Managing Director of Travel City Direct, the Head of International Co-operations and Governmental Affairs of Condor, the Passenger Sales Manager of Martinair, and the President/CEO of Southeast Airlines. The additional, new passengers that long haul, transatlantic flights would bring directly into Pinellas County would increase local jobs within the tourism industry. Some examples of those types of jobs would be airlines services, ground transportation services, accommodation services, restaurant services, attraction services, and retail.

return to top

Question 101-
So what gives, okay? So answer those two questions, what are the letters of intent for the businesses that want to do business with us, who are they from, and how do you do due diligence on those companies, and secondly, what are the 1,700 jobs that are going to be created here in Pinellas County?

The letters of intent were received from the Managing Director of Travel City Direct, the Head of International Co-operations and Governmental Affairs of Condor, the Passenger Sales Manager of Martinair, and the President/CEO of Southeast Airlines. Letters of Intent are not binding or contractual, they basically are a minimum show of demand that the FAA requires within the Cost/Benefit Analysis of the request for approval of a runway extension. Those letters are within the Cost/Benefit Analysis of our Runway Extension request for approval, which is a public record document. We continue to communicate with these carriers and new potential users of the runway extension, by visiting with them annually and discussing their needs and interests for future service. The additional, new passengers that long haul, transatlantic flights would bring directly into Pinellas County would increase local jobs within the tourism industry. Some examples of those types of jobs would be airlines services, ground transportation services, accommodation services, restaurant services, attraction services, and retail.

return to top

Question 102-
But I’m saying, is it worth it? Is it worth it to waste all the energy in this room? Up here probably some great leadership. And up here some great energy. But do you want to waste it?

The U.S. Congress allocated funding for the runway extension project three years ago. Pinellas County was required by the FAA to perform a Benefit Cost Analysis following Federal guidelines established by the Federal Department of Transportation. The Benefit Cost Analysis clearly confirmed that the benefits of extending the runway exceed the costs by a factor of 4:1, up to 10:1. The Benefit Cost Analysis was approved by the FAA and allows for Federal participation.

return to top

Question 103-
Number two, why do we even have a St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport to begin with?

Pinellas County International Airport (now named St. Petersburg-Clearwater International) had its inception in a resolution passed by the Board of County Commissioners of Pinellas County, Florida, adopted in 1940, having as its purpose to provide the Pinellas area with a major airport. The site was selected with the full cooperation and aid of the Civilian Aeronautics Administration as being most strategically located to serve the Florida West Coast Area in a development of local and foreign air commerce.

Following approval by President Franklin Roosevelt on February 5, 1941, Federal officials and the Board of County Commissioners of Pinellas County appropriated the sum of $492,210 as an initial fund for the building of Pinellas County Airport. The County purchased 939 acres of land upon which this project was started in March 1941.

After the war, our Airport became Tampa Bay’s first and only commercial passenger airport for both domestic and international flights. Since the 40’s the airport has been used to serve the aviation needs of the Tampa Bay area in both domestic and international commercial passenger service, military aviation, cargo, corporate and general aviation services.

return to top

Question 104-
Alright, let’s not borrow trouble but what would happen if one of those things would spin out of control, why wouldn’t they go down over the garbage dump for heaven’s sake and then come back to do their touch and goes?

For some, a subconscious fear accentuates the perception of aircraft safety, but in fact, aviation's safety record today is excellent. Even in non-scheduled general aviation, there are only 350 fatal accidents a year in the course of 35 million flights annually. Given these numbers, the odds of injury to persons on the ground are minute. The chances of someone in a residence or building being killed or seriously injured by a general aviation airplane are about one in 30 million, or about 50 times less likely than being struck by lightning.

return to top

Question 105-
Why wouldn’t they go down over the garbage dump for heaven’s sake and then come back to do their touch and goes?

Aircraft performing touch and goes remain in a traffic pattern of a specific runway.

return to top

Question 106-
But I can’t understand why these helicopters fly the last week of the month around the clock one aircraft with one set of call numbers on it has got to make 18 touch and goes.
One of the questions that I have is, if I understand correctly, the master plan will be ready in about two weeks. Is that correct?

Yes.

return to top

Question 107-
After the master plan is complete and finished, what would the process, what would the next step be in terms of moving towards approval of that master plan?

The FAA and the FDOT will review the draft Master Plan. This process should take up to sixty days. After that process the Board of County Commissioners will be presented the draft Master Plan for review, possible modification and adoption.

return to top

Question 108-
What about our input?

All testimony and comments from the public are being compiled and considered as part of the decision making progress. We continue to review additional public input.

return to top

Question 109-
From the process standpoint, do you think it takes you all to digest all of these suggestions, concerns that the public has put in tonight and over the past few weeks? How long with that take you all?

All suggestions and comments will be reviewed and provided to the Board of County Commissioners prior to presenting the draft Master Plan Update to the Board of County Commissioners for adoption.

return to top

Question 110-
My question is, if as you all said this is not a done deal and it needs to be approved, if that master plan is completed in two weeks, how does that take into consideration some of the concerns and suggestions and questions that we have raised tonight?

The runway extension and the Master Plan are two different items. The Runway project will first be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for approval of a design consultant and permitting and again later for a construction contract. The draft Master Plan is an attempt to forecast demands and provide a “blueprint” of how the facility could accommodate needs in a well-organized manner. Proper planning is essential to give improvements to facilities and staying ahead of projected growth. The draft Master Plan has not been adopted and will only be done so after full consideration of the public input and deliberation by the County Commission.

return to top

Question 111-
Now is the master plan going to have one in there or is it not? And if there is going to be a new assessment done, how can we have the master plan completed in two weeks without these assessments?

The draft Master Plan is a work in progress, which provides planning for future growth. It will not be finalized in two weeks and not until additional demand analysis is done.

return to top

Question 112-
Was that going to be in the draft of the master plan?

The master plan update has been developed for the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to help the County Commissioners, and regulators at the state and federal levels identify possible improvements to increase the safety and utility of the facility. It provides a prioritized list so that decision makers can make informed judgments about potential impacts and funding of these projects.

Airport development initiatives in the proposed plan are prioritized to enhance the safety of operations, provide the type of airport and services required to meet the needs of the types of aircraft that now or will use the facility, and achieve the greatest flexibility in meeting future aviation needs.

The draft Master Plan envisions a series of projects that will improve virtually all aspects of the airport operation as well as its compatibility in the community. These projects will enhance the safety and lower the sound levels of aircraft departures while increasing the safety and efficiency of all aircraft operations. They include improved runways and taxiways, the construction and paving of future cargo areas, new hangar space and tie-down areas, and navigational aids.

return to top

Question 113-
Does the master plan itself include statements about the buffer zone?

The draft Master Plan does not. A revision to the draft plan will most likely address this.

return to top

Question 114-
Can the airport officials of the County dictate to the Coast Guard or the Black Hawk crew when they can perform touch and goes or how many or what flight path they take for their touch and goes?

The Airport cannot dictate the activities of the military. The FAA does prescribe certain operating practices while they are in controlled airspace.

return to top

Question 115-
Is there any way that the County or the airport can do anything about that?

The Airport staff regularly meets with the military to address training practices and flight paths, in an effort to minimize noise impacts to surrounding noise sensitive communities.

return to top

Question 116-
Somewhere else where they could go do touch and goes?

The U.S. Army does not conduct their training exercises at PIE. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts approximately 60% of the training outside PIE or at other airports such as MacDill Air Force Base.

return to top

Question 117-
Has anybody looked at the flooding potential once Airco gets paved over with concrete and buildings and where all the water runoff goes and that type of thing? Has that been addressed at all?

This will be looked at during the formal site review of any proposed development.

return to top

Question 118-
So what you are saying is, is that the building is built and grass is paved over at Airco which right now absorbs it, that none of that runoff is going to go into the canal?

Flooding will not be a problem as a result of the development of the Airco site since adequate flood control and drainage will have to be provided in accordance with County and State guidelines.

return to top

Question 119-
My first question is how many tons of unspent jet effluent are deposited out at that airport on a yearly basis? Question number two, if your master plan is effectuated and works the way that you have it planned, what percentage increase do you anticipate, and does your environmental study contemplate the flow rate or the mechanism by which this material is dispersed over the habituated areas adjacent to the airport. Who can answer that? How many tons of jet effluent?

There is no “unspent jet effluent” being deposited at the airport. Planned improvements to the airport have forecasted an overall increase in emissions of approximately three (3) percent over ten years. However, it is important to note that all of the emissions associated with PIE are less than one (1) percent of the county's emission totals and this trend is not expected to change substantially over the next several years. The slight increase is due largely to the corresponding increase in airport activity levels.

The small amount of emissions is not expected to have any measurable impacts on the areas adjacent to the airport. A complete emissions inventory of PIE for existing and future-year conditions (both with and without the planned improvements) is contained in the Environmental Assessment.

return to top

Question 120-
Would you agree that that is certainly something that needs to be looked into? As far as the EPA study?

This issue has been looked into and is addressed in the Environmental Assessment.

return to top

Question 121-
And did it also contemplate the estuarial breeding grounds and shrimp in the Old Tampa Bay area? And the effect the hydrocarbons have on them?

The National Marine Fisheries Service did not consider the habitat of the estuarial breeding grounds to be endangered.

return to top

Question 122-
And it would tell me precisely tons and dispersal rates for your hydrocarbons?

Yes, for Volatile Organic Compounds – 18 tons per year. This is between 0.1%-0.4% of Pinellas County’s total emission level. See earlier response.

return to top

Question 123-
What is your elevation from mean sea level at the apron of your prime runway? And what floodplain is that? 100, 200, 500 year floodplain?

The airport’s main apron is at elevation of 11.50 feet (average). This is above the 100 year floodplain.

return to top

Question 124-
So both are below the 100 year floodplain?

No, the runway averages 8 feet.

return to top

Question 125-
Is that correct, which is eight feet?

The runway.

return to top

Question 126-
Is that airport runway, does the sub-base of that material, is that asphalt or concrete?

Crushed shell and crushed limerock.

return to top

Question 127-
In Florida, that’s marled rock. Have you done any studies to show what happens to marled rock sub-base when it is inundated with brackish water over a 24-hour period?

No.

return to top

Question 128-
However, the shoaling effect in Old Tampa Bay would put that right underwater. Is that true?

Parts of the runway may be under water depending upon the rise of Tampa Bay during a storm, as would most coastal areas.

return to top

Question 129-
And that’s the area where you are planning to invest $223 million.

No, the improvements are throughout the airport, which includes the terminal, other buildings, aprons, and adjacent land development.

return to top

Question 130-
How will this expanded airport help or assist in that matter?

An approved Airport Master Plan provides long-range recommendations for development of an airport and is essential for an airport to qualify for federal and or state assistance. Government assistance is provided in the form of financial grants to the airport sponsor (Pinellas County), provided by the FAA through the Aviation Trust Fund, and by the FDOT budgetary processes via Joint Participation Agreements (JPA).

Due to significant changes at PIE, the Board of County Commissioners has taken the initiative to plan for those changes, which will impact not only the Airport, but Pinellas County, as well. In this way, Pinellas will become more capable of meeting future demands from the aviation industry. Through continuous and effective planning, the Board will both maintain and increase the airport’s role as an important economic asset to both Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay Area.

return to top

Question 131-
Has an Economic Impact Statement been completed? If so, what were the results?

A cost/benefit analysis was required as part of this study and the project was determined to meet cost feasibility standards to advance.

return to top

Question 132-
Why pave over one golf course to build a new one a few miles away in Toy Town?

The Airco property is the last 150-acre site for a Class A Business Park to meet future high wage job needs for Pinellas County. The parcel of land known as Airco was acquired by the Federal Government for future development to help financially support the Airport. While the concept has been discussed, there are no approved plans to build a golf course at Toy Town.

return to top

Question 133-
The airlines/airport are not going to change their hours of operations to satisfy the
community. The county is in conversation with the airlines on their scheduled flights and have committed not to add any flights in the early or late hours.
What are the safety issues of so much air traffic? Already we have had 4 plane crashes at and immediately around PIE in addition to the recent tragedy at the Clearwater Airpark. This is the airport where a 16 year old was able to fly a plan out of and into a downtown Tampa office building.

During the Environmental Assessment Study, the FAA did not indicate any safety concerns associated with additional traffic related with the runway extension.

There have not been any fatal aircraft accidents at PIE in over 10 years. Nor have there been any recent accidents as a result to air traffic congestion in the Tampa Bay area.

Air carriers have expressed willingness to modify schedules where possible to address noise issues. These efforts continue.

return to top

Question 134-
If Airco is paved over, is the golf course at Toy Town a definite plan? If so, when would that happen?

At this time, there has been no formal direction or decision from the Board of County Commissioners authorizing the development of the Toy Town site into a golf course facility.

return to top

Question 135-
If the Toy Town golf course is built, would federal funds or County funds pay for it? If the Airco golf course were not profitable, what makes the County think that another one in Toy Town would be?

If there were a decision to build a golf course at Toy Town, the current County Administration would expect private investors to provide the capital required to develop the site.

As a result of the economic downturn and extremely rainy weather conditions this past summer, every golf course in the Tampa Bay area has been affected economically. There has not been a new golf course built in the area since Mangrove Bay Golf Course was built on an old landfill 25 years ago.

return to top

Question 136-
The State of Florida has more golf courses than any other in the U.S. Why is it that Airco can’t seem to make any money when others seem to? Could the County better manage and market Airco Golf Course to generate revenue as St. Pete has done with Mangrove Bay Golf Course? Marketing efforts for Airco are nil. For example, there are no arrangements with many area hotels. Golf course publications do not even give correct information about the address.

Airco golf course is a 42-year-old product that was in poor condition when the County took over operations two years ago. The first full year (2002) after the County assumed control of the property, there was a 26.2% increase in golf rounds over the previous year. This year, the national and local golf markets have all seen a decline in golf rounds being played due to economic downturn and extremely rainy season (at an average loss between 10% - 20% below the previous years totals).

Previous marketing programs include publication in Golfers Guide of the Tampa Bay area, Griffin Productions, and The St. Petersburg Times. Additional marketing efforts included countywide distribution using utility bill inserts, upgrading billboards, and numerous cable TV and radio spots.

return to top

Question 137-
Do planes from overseas airlines have to comply with noise abatement policies, air pollution regulations and other controls established in the USA or in local areas?

Foreign aircraft will be required to follow the same noise abatement procedures as domestic airlines. Aircraft engine sound suppression requirements for international carriers are similar to those required by domestic carriers.

return to top

Question 138-
The Army Reserve Black Hawk training center is completing a maintenance/repair facility in the former Boatyard Village area. We now have 6 Black Hawks and will soon have 2 more. How many more will be coming in?

The only maintenance and repair scheduled to take place will be for the eight Black Hawk helicopters that are based at the Airport. At the present time, there are no more helicopters scheduled for PIE.

return to top

Question 139-
I echo the concerns raised at the meeting. Save the golf course. Reduce air cargo noise. Vote “no” on expanding PIE, especially with TIA nearby (I’m a frequent business traveler.) There is a lot of vacant office space in the neighborhood, why build more office buildings?

The mid-County overall vacancy rate is 7.5%. The office vacancy rate for Pinellas is 10.9%, compared to 16.1% for the Tampa Bay Areas (source: Colliers-Arnold Market Report Q1, Q2 2003). The parcel of land, known as Airco, was acquired by the Federal Government for future development to help financially support the Airport. An office/business park, not manufacturing, has been identified as an appropriate future use for this parcel.

return to top

Question 140-
What is the Airport’s response to the following problem areas ?

a. Noise abatement procedures are VFR and “voluntary” only.

Noise Abatement Procedures are mandatory for air carrier aircraft over 60,000 lbs.and voluntary for corporate and military aircraft. It is correct that the North Bay Visual Approach procedure for aircraft landing to the south is a VFR procedure only. It can only be flown during daylight hours, when the tower is open, and visual flight conditions exist. However, the St. Pete-2 Departure for aircraft departing to the north is not VFR restricted and may be used during hours of darkness and during inclement weather. The county is working with the FAA in developing a noise abatement approach, which can be flown in instrument conditions.

b. After the expansion of 17L, aircraft will fly over residential neighborhoods at an altitude of 800’ (or less) between sunset and sunrise.

The aircraft descent altitudes will not change after the runway is extended. Aircraft using the Instrument Landing System (ILS) descend at an angle of 3-4 degrees. Aircraft are at an altitude of approximately 800’ as they pass over the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

c. Worst violators at any time are USCG H-60s. The USCG often refuse to follow daytime noise abatement procedures. We would expect the Army Blackhawks to follow the same pattern.

Although noise abatement procedures are not mandatory for the military, the Airport encourages the U.S. Coast Guard to use these procedures. Both the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Reserve Unit currently minimize noise exposure by flying over corridors such as Ulmerton Road and East Bay Drive towards the beaches, as well as conducting a majority of their training exercises outside PIE airspace. The County Commission Chairperson, County Administrator and Airport staff have recently met with officials to ensure that their standard operating procedures avoid noise sensitive areas.

d. Airport officials continually refuse to provide adequate enforcement for noise abatement procedure violations.

If a deviation occurs by an air carrier aircraft that is not warranted by weather conditions or conflicting traffic, the Airport initiates an investigation to determine the cause. If controller error is determined to be at fault, the FAA requires that controller to attend retraining on noise abatement procedures. If the cause is due to pilot-error, the airline’s Chief Pilot is notified in writing and the pilot reprimanded for violating noise abatement procedures.

return to top

Question 141-
Why is PIE expanding at a time when both passenger and air cargo operation[s are in] the decline?

The low-cost seasonal carriers our Airport attracts have been doing very well, as a result of industry trends since 9/11. For example, while many of the major carriers are dropping non-stop service to highly competitive markets, low cost carriers and new carriers are able to move into these markets. These carriers were already operating on a tight budget, therefore, were able to make post 9/11 adjustments easier than the majors. These types of carriers prefer to operate out of smaller, secondary airports because they have lower fees and provide the carrier more flexibility when schedules change. Since June 2002, PIE has experienced a significant increase in traffic, exceeding pre-9/11 passenger traffic. As a result of new airlines and additional service from existing carriers, PIE served approximately 1 million passengers in 2003. This represents an increase of approximately 60% over last year.

return to top

Question 142-
Why does the BOCC want PIE to be a “reliever” to TIA when TIA is on the decline?

TIA is recovering, not declining. If Tampa Bay continues to be one of the world’s top vacation destinations and business centers, PIE’s future will be just as important as TIA in serving the region. It is critical that both airports continue to meet air service demand together to complement each other’s services.

return to top

Question 143-
Some of the impetus for this expansion depends on the potential High-Speed Rail and/or Monorail Systems. If these do not occur, what will be the impact?

The Airport expansion plans are not dependent upon the rail systems, but would obviously benefit.

return to top

Question 144-
What would be the volume of overseas traffic, both scheduled and charter, that would choose PIE over TIA and why would they choose to do so?

It is impossible to predict with certainty the actual volume of international traffic that would choose PIE over TIA. Based on vacation destination trends and existing Canadian service, PIE attracts more seasonal and charter service. Most European charters serving the Orlando area fly direct into Orlando/Sanford International Airport (SFB) as opposed to Orlando International Airport. Smaller, secondary airports provide lower fees and greater flexibility to adjust flight schedules. A significant number of second time visitors to Orlando, spend the majority of their time on our beaches rather than the theme parks. European charters have indicated that PIE would complement their need to offer vacation package prices that are currently unattainable to serve Tampa. PIE currently serves all the Canadian seasonal charters and low-cost scheduled service into Tampa Bay, through Canjet, Skyservice, Air Transat and Jetsgo.

return to top

Question 145-
What are the airport’s plans to attract additional military aviation units?

There are no current plans to attract additional military aviation units.

return to top

Question 146-
What guarantees to residents have that the airport will adhere to their “assurances”, once the plan is approved?

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, which is made up of elected officials chosen by county residents, must first approve all major airport plans. All new commercial airline contracts already contain noise abatement procedures that hold carriers accountable for violations. All new air carrier operating agreements approved since July 29, 2003 have flight schedules with operations outside of the county’s desired “quiet window” of 11p.m. – 6a.m.

return to top

Please check back with us again. Questions and answers will be updated regularly.

Top