Usually, I agree with your comments, or at least find some validity in them. Unfortunately, I did not agree with your last comment comparing the Fort Wayne Airport to the Warsaw Airport.
It might behoove you to do a little more investigation for accuracy prior to making any comments regarding our airport. For example, you stated it was worth noting that Warsaw has more jets based here than Fort Wayne! A call to Scott Linderman, Operations Manager, at the Fort Wayne airport revealed they have 20 to 22 jets and prop jets based there. He also stated that in a few months they are receiving 20 A-10 military aircraft. Warsaw has 13 planes in airworthy condition, and one not flyable for a total of 14. I am not sure the relevance of who has the most!
Another comment was made stating a situation where one aircraft slid off the end of the runway. That is somewhat factual. In my 28 years of piloting out of Warsaw I can think of three:
1. One jet skidded off the end due to bird ingestion.
2. One turbo jet skidded off the end due to the pilot not deicing his aircraft.
3. One turbo jet ground looped on landing due to an aircraft maintenance issue and an ice covered runway. That particular event had no damage at all.
Obviously none of these had anything to do with the length of the runway. Next time you need factual information, give me a call.
As always, happy to help.
Tony Miller
Warsaw, via e-mail
Note: In the mid-1970s Arnold A. Dornfield, of the Chicago City News Bureau, was credited with coining the oft-repeated jounalism adage, "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." I failed to apply that level of scrutiny to comments made to me by two separate and highly credible sources regarding the number of jets at the Warsaw aiport. I don't blame the sources. It is my responsiblity to make sure what I write is accurate.
