There are 4 new helicopter squadrons coming to NAS North Island with about 50 additional helos, according to a recent Union Tribune article. The Navy says it will have NO environmental impact here in Coronado. DUH!
There is already an impact with the helos flying down the beach or along ocean breakers near the beach to qualify as "flying over the ocean ", when it is against the flight rules for both of these procedures under "visual conditions" (VFR), unless practicing an instrument approach to NAS. There are RULES that are not being adhered to and the NAS Tower is not exercising their authority to properly control the aircraft in the local area. I have spent time at the Shores apartments and the helos fly down the beach and along the ocean breakers there as well to the end of runway 29. Their standard approach is not to the end of runway 29, but to intersection of runway 29 and 18 at angle of about 30 degrees to the beach from over the ocean, and then to their hangar. If the helos made a straight route from their practice field at Imperial Beach to runway 29/18 intersection, instead of down the beach, they would be well over the ocean all the way.
It is also dangerous to fly over beachgoers at low altitude when they sometimes number in the hundreds should an engine or tail rotor fail, which does happen.
People living along the beach have a right to complain to the NAS Commanding Officer, if they find the "unauthorized helo flight procedures" interfering with their home environment . . . unnecessary noise!
Earle Callahan, CDR USN(Ret), x-naval aviator at NASNI
Buy earplugs...move...get over it.
Posted by: local guy | August 30, 2011 at 06:46 AM