Jason Voorhees wrote on November 20, 2007 07:01 PM:


Really. Well, as a pilot I can tell you that there are very real reasons that tall buildings are restricted from the area in the line of or near the approaches of runways. The FARs were not created because a lot of pilots had nothing better to do with their time. The FARs are to improve flight safety.

It is unlikely that the FAA is acting in an arbitrary or capricious way in concluding that a maximum safe height exists for a man made structure in its proximity to the runways.

The mountains in the area are at a distance that can easily be navigated by departing and approaching aircraft.

Further, your former comments belie the putative thoughts in your latter statements. Let the professionals do their jobs.

Tom, Burbank wrote on November 20, 2007 05:52 PM: Jason, you've extrapolated a bit irrationally. I want the FAA to continue to do their job, but not to have control over anything else. We can have tall buildings AND safe air travel. Skyscrapers aren't aircraft magnets, they're just tall buildings. Las Vegas is surrounded by mountains and planes successfully fly in and out of the city every day - thanks to the FAA and well-trained pilots.

Jason Voorhees wrote on November 20, 2007 04:57 PM:

Sure. Unless, of course, you happen to be on one of the aircraft that is no longer subject to regulations, and you and your family have a fire filled death in a plane crash because no one makes sure flight safety rules are followed.

The scary part is that you people are for real. The positive aspect is that you represent part of the problem, not the solution, and most rational people see you for what you are.

Publius wrote on November 20, 2007 10:54 AM: Tom,

I like your spirit. This is the kind of thinking that our country needs more of. Instead of all the hand-wringing, "what can the government give me next" kind of attitude that's been encouraged since the early 90's (or earlier, depending on what part of the country you were living in.) I think 2 generations of independent thinkers have been destroyed by big government. What'll happen, FAA, when we can no longer afford to fly airplanes? What will become of your administration? How about figuring out a way to get out of the way?

Tom, Burbank wrote on November 20, 2007 10:17 AM: Why is the FAA allowed to determine the height of a building? It's just another government department regulating the U.S. into second rate world status. The tallest buildings in the world are in now Asia and Dubai while we cower in fear of the FAA. America used to be proud of the being the biggest and tallest. I hope Milam builds the tallest building in the world, and that he does it in Las Vegas. And that it's a true functioning building, not a useless tower like Stratosphere. Also, who cares what people who live in Turnberry Place think?