Ross: Vote to keep Aspen airport safe

Yes, our deteriorating runway needs to be rebuilt to avoid having to resurface it every few years. And we need a new, larger efficient terminal. But now that the airlines have acquired newer planes (to replace the retiring ones) that still fit within our runway limitations, there is no longer a need to widen the runway.

83% of all ASE traffic are private planes, mostly jets. No matter how clean, quiet, and efficient future commercial aircraft are going to be, they will still always be a small minority here. Widening the runway will just allow even more private jets, including G-650s and B-737s. We’re already overwhelmed with their increased air traffic causing outbound commercial airline travelers to miss their connections in Denver, while many inbound flights are forced to circle for so long, waiting for landing clearance, that they get low on fuel and and have to return to Denver.

Allowing more private jets will NOT help tourism!

How will allowing bigger planes make it “safer?” The larger the aircraft, the faster the airspeed and the wider the turning radius. Besides being the highest elevation commercial airport in North America, ASE has other unique challenges, including the proximity of mountains, strong crosswinds, and rapidly changing weather. A missed approach or a go-around by a huge jet could be disastrous, as we just don’t have the maneuvering space in our little valley.

Please help Aspen keep our airport safe, get the visitors in and out easily, and preserve some of our town’s rapidly eroding character and soul.

Vote “Yes” on #200 and “No” on #1C in November!

Polly Ross
Aspen