Noisy DHL cargo planes flying in the middle of the night have proved to be a nuisance in Riverside County, so now, officials there are thinking of sending the planes over Rialto, Colton and Bloomington instead. Does that sound fair to you?

The March Joint Powers Authority, the public agency overseeing the reuse of March Air Force Base, is looking at ways to relieve the noise currently suffered by residents in Riverside County cities. So, it is considering testing new flight paths that would take the aging cargo planes over the southern tips of the three San Bernardino County cities before they turn west.

That could mean 75,000 local residents would be subjected to the noise, to the tune of about 75 decibels per plane.

It's an outrage that March JPA would even consider such a switcheroo as a way around the problem.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales isn't happy about it, and she's leading the charge to right this warped way of thinking. She has asked county officials to investigate the repercussions and wants March JPA to consider other measures instead.

Besides the noise factor, Gonzales also is concerned about the increase in air traffic that could jam air space used by L.A./Ontario International and San Bernardino International airports.

Rep. Joe Baca, D-Rialto, also is "vehemently opposed" to a redirection of cargo planes over heavily populated San Bernardino County.

Baca said Riverside County officials and the Federal Aviation Administration must explore adjusting hours of operation and upgrading DHL technology to use cleaner, quieter planes.

Up to eight DC-9 cargo jets fly as low as 1,000 feet above homes between 2:30 and 4 a.m. several days a week, which has caused an uproar by Riverside County residents.

At least, the FAA says it doesn't arbitrarily shift flight patterns for the sake of noise alone, but looks at safety and efficiency as well.

"Generally speaking, any proposal to shift noise from one area to a lower-income area would encounter some serious environmental-justice issues," said FAA spokesman Ian Gregor.

Thank goodness for that epiphany.

While we feel sorry for residents in Riverside County who have had to put up with the sound of huge planes lumbering overhead at all hours, we sure don't want to see local residents similarly victimized, especially when Riverside County is reeling in the benefits from DHL operations.

Thankfully, Riverside County Supervisor Bob Buster, who is on the March Joint Powers Commission and who voted against the 2004 environmental document bringing DHL to March, is on our side. He has said the night flights must stop until alternate routes are thoroughly studied. Yet he also has said he'd work with Gonzales to make sure the situation isn't dumped on San Bernardino County.

It would be ludicrous to see that happen.



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BS Ranch Perspective

You know this argument is just sick, it is a sickness really over money! They both want to get their International Airports Started, San Bernardino International Airport sought help from LAX, However they were not to impressed since they have ONTario to help with any overflow problem. After all that was why The City of Los Angeles Purchased and made the ONTario International Airport what it is Today! I appreaceate what L.A. did by opening Ontario International Airport, it is only 15 to 20 minutes to the airport, and now that that the Ontario was Remodeled it makes it much easier and faster to drop off friends and family to flights!

However, San Bernardino needs to have some Commerce for their Efforts to get the Airport started! The DHL Contract would be Great, they would be Able to fix up the Runways and get the Hangers up to what ever DHL Wants them to have them to be, it would be a great hand shake between two people.


As for the sounds of Jets Landing and Taking off, they would be landing  from the East and  taking off  to the West! Just like Ontario Airport! The Air force used to do touch and goes all day and most of the night, and I don't believe that there was any problems. During the "Operation Desert Shield" The war was run by the Big C-130 Cargo planes and they took off and landed at San Bernardino all day and night. They were taking off and landing every half hour to every hour. No one complained then either. However I believe that they were doing a great cause and so every one was so used to the planes. The only way you are going to know if anyone is used to it or not is to use the airports and try them out. 

Either trade for a short period of time, maybe a month and have DHL use March and see if that Airport is better suited for them then San Bernardino, or the likes of San Bernardino. If they were to choose San Bernardino they would be in a more populated area and closer to San Bernardino, Riverside, Rialto, Ranchio Cucamonga, Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Norco, etc etc.... If they land in March they are close to Riverside, but they will be fighting traffic to San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Ranchio, etc etc.. They would be closer to that of San Bernardino, Lake Elsenore, etc etc...

My Self, I believe that the better choice of the two is that of San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA).

BS Ranch