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United States Pilots Association |
I noted Andy Cebula's comments on page 11 of America’s Flyways’ June issue. Mr. Cebula and AOPA are totally off the mark here.
Tatum airport, located about 40 miles north of Hobbs, NM, is a very sparsely used, if used at all airport that has long ago outlived its purpose. Tatum is a town that sits atop a potential superfund site, and its population is declining. Simply stated, the town has no need for an airport. The State of New Mexico would probably be glad to return any airport improvement money to cease having to maintain an airport nobody uses.
There are no planes hangared in Tatum. Other than being close to the oilfields, Tatum has no attractions.
Yes, it is true that Eunice, NM, had an airport that was closed in 2006. There were no buildings on the field and very few people used it for anything more than a practice location to do touch and go's.
Mr. Cebula knows all of this. To hold AOPA out as the last bastion of hope to save airports around the country is ludicrous. Mr. Cebula also knows that New Mexico built and opened a new airport in Vaughan, NM, which is being used on a regular basis.
Until Mesa Airlines pulled out of New Mexico, it was not inconvenient for folks to drive to Hobbs (HOB) Lea Regional Airport, where they could board flights to either Dallas or Albuquerque. Also, currently there are three airports in Lea County that remain open. These are Hobbs, Lovington, and Jal, NM. Small plane traffic can utilize all.
I believe AOPA's time could be much better spent on FAA funding, user fees, fuel prices etc. Do not expect us who live and fly in this region to get upset when an airport has outlived its usefulness.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Odessa, TX