Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO, Utah (AP) -- More planes landing at Provo's airport will be approaching from over Utah Lake instead of over west side neighborhoods.
Residents have complained about the noise and expressed fear that a plane might plow into their homes or schools.
Starting Jan. 24, pilots will be using the new approach as ordered by city officials.
"It's probably not quite as safe for pilots, but the change will be safer for people who live on the west side, and less noisy," said Councilman Paul Warner.
Resident Guy Fuller likes the change.
"I know I'll sleep a lot better just knowing planes are not flying right over my apartment," Fuller said. "I used to live right next to the airport in Phoenix, and I eventually had to move. There was too much noise and I was always afraid."
Provo's airport averages about 410 takeoffs and landings per day, many of them from Utah Valley State College's 350 aviation students who practice takeoffs and landings.
The new approach pattern will only affect planes preparing to land from the north on Runways 13 or 18.
Pilot Greg Soter told council members at their last meeting that the change could put two planes in the same pattern on a collision course.
Airport manager Steve Gleason said, "We feel we can make this switch safely. During the initial phases of the change, everyone will need to be alert."
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
