Roderick Abela, Birkirkara
Airstrip: Gozo's downfall or deliverance? (2)
I do not know what kind of evil spirit possessed my Irish "friend" Jimmy Tyrrell to single me out for an unprovoked attack simply because I have voiced my club's position on the long dragging Gozo airstrip proposal.
Probably, it is because in the past we had a heated exchange about the matter on The Times online service, where I had stood my ground and shredded his pitiful and puerile arguments to pieces.
Yes, it must be some form of retribution! Well, I do not really mind that but I have to clarify some matters now that he has dragged me into the fray once again.
First of all, my "friend" from Ulster has to realise that I represent a non-commercial, non-profit making sport club and nothing else. I assure him that contrary to his perception none of our members, or chums as he prefers to call them, are the hungry speculators he has nightmares about!
None of our members will gain financially or otherwise should the government decide to go ahead with the airstrip project. I hope that is now clear enough.
Secondly, I would like to inform him that as a club we do not need a private little airport at all because our little aircraft have absolutely no problem to operate from the existing runway strip at the Gozo Heliport - got it now? We have been operating over Gozo for many years and since last September the authorities have given us permission to land at the "heliport". There has not been one single complaint from residents living around the heliport! Any by the way, the crossing to Sicily takes us only 45 minutes and there we can really have some fun, believe me.
I never said that the entire future of Gozo lies in the further destruction of land in order to build an airstrip. There will always be a future for Gozo with or without the airstrip.
We just think it would be a better future if Gozo developed an air link.
And it is here that Mr Tyrell gets it all wrong! We are not just encouraging the authorities to build an airstrip to link Gozo with Malta, but we are pushing it further - link Gozo to other towns and cities lying within a 400km radius from Gozo.
We firmly believe that Gozo needs a direct aerial gateway to facilitate the movement not only of tourists (he thinks only of tourists), but of Gozitans themselves, their products, export opportunities, and their import needs.
What is wrong in widening the market opportunities for Gozitans by means of a simple runway strip not exceeding 800 metres? Nothing else is needed because all other infrastructure that is required is already in place.
What is the reason behind this scaremongering campaign? Is it really believed that a properly laid runway strip of 800 metres will be an ugly scar?
Shall we compare the visual impact of a low lying runway strip with the monstrosity of high rise apartments that have ruined, for example, Xlendi bay forever?
By giving the go-ahead to the airstrip project, the government would not be in any way backtracking on its pledge to the eco-Gozo concept.
On the other hand, I believe the development of the airstrip will complement this concept.
The eco-Gozo concept is not something intended to freeze the island of Gozo into some form of time machine but it is intended to keep a feasible balance between a tangible improvement in the Gozitan way of life and economic prosperity and preserving the natural and culture beauty of the island.
In conclusion, I have to admit that the mere construction of an airstrip on Gozo will not solve all its economic and financial problems but it will surely be of great assistance to the fragile Gozitan economy and its population.
The construction of a small airstrip would go a good way to peel off a substantial part of the outer layer of double insularity that Gozo suffers from.
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Rod Abela
Mar 2nd 2010, 20:20
@Carmen Galea
Hello Carmen...unfortunately you are not right. Contrary to your impression most airfields or aerodromes have only ONE runway strip. It is only in major installations such as international airports that there is the need for more than one runway strip. The idea of having two or even three runways originated at a time when aircraft were more prone to wind conditions than today. Most of the military airfield built in the UK during the so called 'expansion period' mid-30 to early 40's were built to this triangular layout.
Nowadays the larger commercial airports have to two PARALLEL runways (eg heathrow) - one used for take-off and the other for landing traffic. In fact heathrow's third runway cutting across the parallel ones is no longer in use. Obviously the cost (financial, environmental, etc) of building a second parallel runway must be justified by the volume of traffic. This is certainly not the case for Gozo.
Carmen, I invite you to have a look on youtube to see single runway airstrips in operation - such as the Twin Otter landing on Saba Island's 394 metre runway and at Twin Otters landing at Lukla 500 metre runway in the Himalayas!!!
carmen galea
Mar 1st 2010, 23:00
@ Rod Abela.When you have a runway for a plane you have to have not only one but two crossing each other like a cross so the planes can land at any type of wind .
What I am saying here is that one air strip is not enough and as soon as the first one that will be done soon we will be told that we need the other one because aircraft cannot land at all types of wind.
Am I right Mr Abela
Rod Abela
Mar 1st 2010, 10:03
@James A Tyrrell
You must understand that I do not have the space here to expose all my arguments in favour of the proposed airstrip and how this would be beneficial to the 'ordinary Gozitan'. But I would be glad to participate in any public discussion about the matter any where any time with you present.
Oh James - both you and Ms Kreupl got it completely wrong! It was not referring to the lady's phyisical size - I never saw here in my life.. but I was referring to her acute lack of knowledge about the the technical aspect to the project. This was manifested clearly when she confuses an austere airstrip (like the one we are proposing) with an airport! Only "cabbages" do not understand the difference.
Finally James you must know that the MLP Gozo Regional Committee represents almost half of the Gozitan electorate - so you would better hear what they have to say and not just ignore it because it is not consonant with your stance. You may find confirmation by their Chairperson in the article I indicated - and also refer to this Sunday Malta Today issue pages 1 and 4.
James A. Tyrrell
Feb 28th 2010, 14:15
@Rod Abela. Once again you have failed to answer the question regarding how this proposed airstrip would be of benefit to the ordinary Gozitan citizen in their daily lives? Why are you avoiding this question Rod?
Can I also remind you of the remark you made regarding Ms. Kreupl's size? You said; "How much produce can fit in a small fixed wing plane you dare ask? If the cabbages are as big as you are - not much will fit." That was not speculation Rod but a very specific remark. I have no idea what size Ms. Kreupl is Rod but I fail to see why you or anyone else would make such an ignorant remark in support of an argument. Don't you think you owe the lady an apology?
As for the Malta Labour Party Gozo Regional Committee's stance on an airstrip, I have no idea what it is and don't care much either. Like most political parties they will support what the majority supports in order to gain votes. If they presently support an airstrip, and perhaps one of their spokespersons can confirm or deny this, their stance will change if the people dictate it.
Rod Abela
Feb 27th 2010, 19:15
@James Tyrrell
Why are are repeating the same mistake James? We have already said it before but you keep ignoring it...we are not only suggesting an airlink between Malta and Gozo and stop there. We are proposing to use Gozo as a hub for a network of connections sorely needed by the Gozitans for various needs such business, entertainment, communications, export, import, etc To make the operation feasible the operator must provide these links...aircraft earn cash in the air not while parked on the ground.
James I already told you - my club members do not need an extended runway to land on Gozo. We can land there easily. We have the Racecourse with an even longer grass strip. Besides our true challenges lie beyond Gozo.
Well as regards Ms Kreupl's size - I was only 'speculating' and it seems I got it right.!
James you have not commented about the Malta Labour Party Gozo Regional Committee stance in favour of the airstrip... they do represent a large cross section of Gozitans.
lesley kreupl
Feb 27th 2010, 17:30
@abela
Geography is obviously not your strong point if you are trying to compare the African landscape with Gozo.
James A. Tyrrell
Feb 27th 2010, 12:58
@Rod Abela. The point about the private airstrip was made to address the issue of what would happen to this latest scar on the Gozitan landscape once the idea of a fixed wing air link between Malta and Gozo was found to be unworkable. Are you saying that once this scar became unusable you and your friends wouldn't step in and use it yourselves?
As you point out Rod MAC failed, but then this had already been predicted in the surveys and feasibility studies carried out by Air Malta and Malta Air Charter. The conclusion they came to along with a number of international operators was that an aerial operation to Gozo couldn’t be financially viable because the transfer numbers would never reach the point to make it such.
Once again you have failed to answer the question regarding how this proposed airstrip would be of benefit to the ordinary Gozitan citizen in their daily lives? You have also failed to answer the question from Lesley Kreupl as to how you know she is a large lady.
Rod Abela
Feb 27th 2010, 08:56
@James Tyrrell
Everyone knows that I support the Gozo airstrip proposal but it is only you that came up with the 'invention' that I want 'a private airport' and it is only you that accused me of screening speculators. Pure inventions and nothing else.
The fact that MAC failed does not imply that there should not be a fresh approach on this matter! There are many reasons why MAC failed and I do not have the space here to discuss it (although I am prepared to go any media to do so). The failure of MAC proved ONLY one thing - helicopter airlink gozo-malta is unsustainable!
And if you think I am alone in supporting the Gozo airstrip than have a look on the maltese daily Orizzont of 23/2/2010 page 8 - where you will find the official position about the matter by the Chairperson of the MLP Gozo Regional Committee. I do not have the time to translate it for you but I wish I could...
@lesley kreupl
Congratulations....so if you have been touring Africa on safari, then you must really know the value of an 'airstrip'!! But you should not have used airstrips if they ruin african landscape!
lesley kreupl
Feb 26th 2010, 22:58
@ Rod Abela
I don't think I know you, at least I hope I don't, but it would be interesting to know, how you know, that I am large!
In addition, I am certainly not your 'dear', and I have probably clocked up more miles flying photos safari groups from bushcamp to bushcamp in Africa than you could dream of.
James A. Tyrrell
Feb 26th 2010, 14:03
@Rod Abela. So I'm inventing stuff now am I? Is it an invention of mine that you support the idea of an airstrip on Gozo? Is it an invention of mine that such an airstrip would create a situation on the island the nature of which would destroy the very thing that people come to Gozo for? Is it an invention of mine that you have steadfastly refused to explain how this proposed airstrip would be of benefit to the ordinary Gozitan citizen in their daily lives? Is it an invention of mine that the ideas you are proposing have already been looked at in various studies as explained to you by Charles Buttigieg, and found to be totally unworkable?
I don't have to invent anything Rod. On the contrary you are the one who has to invent stupid reasons to try and justify this white elephant idea.
Rod Abela
Feb 26th 2010, 12:37
@James A Tyrrell
I certainly would not want to have friends who insist on inventing silly and stupid arguments to defend their position. Here we go again James -
1) I do not need an 'airport' on Gozo to play with my 'wee toy'... I can easily use the heliport runway strip as it is today...got that now? So stop repeating it if you want to sount like an idiot!
2) I do not have any desire to ruin Gozo's beauty, character or culture...I just want it more accessible for many reasons that seems you cannot understand
3) I am not so rude to tell you not to interfere in our local issues just as much someone from the 'anti-lobby' had the unethical gall to tell my friend Roy Perry some time ago
4) I am not a speculator and I stand to gain no financial gain when the 'airstrip' is built on Gozo
5) I am not proposing to build a twelve storey monster in Marsalforn - why don't you buy one James you would be contributing to the Gozitan economy...and destruction
James A. Tyrrell
Feb 25th 2010, 21:17
First of all Roderick I'm not your friend, nor indeed am I your enemy. I don't know you but given the views you express in this paper I wouldn't want to know you. I have as much right to an opinion as you do and judging by the comments below a lot of people agree with what I have to say. Secondly my name is not Jimmy and I'm not Irish.
The reason behind the scare mongering campaign as you call it is because people like yourself seem hell bent on destroying the peace and quiet of a beautiful little island just so you can play with your wee toys. An airstrip would be of no benefit to the ordinary Gozitan whether he or she is an ordinary worker travelling to Malta or a businessman importing or exporting. I mean this is all just pie in the sky rubbish to try and justify your desires.
By the way I can't remember having my arguments shredded by you in the Times at any point in the past. No doubt I found your silly arguments as interesting then as I do now.
Rod Abela
Feb 25th 2010, 20:45
@lesley kreupl
You cannot understand the very obvious differences between an 'airport' and an 'airstrip'
For your information, my support for the airstrip on Gozo is not motivated by personal gain at all. I do not need an airstrip on Gozo for multiple landings and take-offs as I can freely do that at Luqa! And I do not need to stop over on Gozo on my way to Sicily my friend! There is nothing of personal gain for me in this project. Period.
My support for an airstrip on Gozo is motivated by a genuine interest in the well being of Gozitans who know very well that they do need an aerial gateway. It is only thanks to people like you dear Lesley that their aspirations for a better living standard is being stiffled.
How much produce can fit in a small fixed wing plane you dare ask? If the cabbages are as big as you are - not much will fit, but you can fit thousands of euros worth of high value added IT chips....can you understand that?
Alfred Grech
Feb 25th 2010, 20:08
I think the best way of solving the problem is by adding new ferry service from somewhere else, like for example, Bugibba. If planes re used, they can only take about 25, 30 passengers which is a drop in the bucket.
lesley kreupl
Feb 25th 2010, 18:20
Mr. Abela, it really is about time that you realised that the Gozitans do not need an airport! You should be happy that you can use the MIA, why the hell do you want another airport? Surely you can find your way to Italy from Malta without making a stop-over in Gozo? If you are so desperate for multiple take-offs and landings, buy yourself a float-plane. Just like the fact that Gozo is not a golf-destination, it is not a baby-aircraft destination either. It will do nothing for the economy and neither for the promotion of industry – how much produce can fit on a small fixed-wing plane?
Rod Abela
Feb 25th 2010, 16:08
@Igalea
You must be really out of your mind if you believe that the proposed 800mt airstrip on Gozo will be used for military pilot training and military operations. You do not know what you are talking about! Can you tell me which country would want to train its cadets here when there are hundreds of surplus and redundant airfields with super long runways around the Med rim? Can you tell me which country/organisation would want to use an austere airstrip on Gozo for military operations? Nato? Surely not when they have the underutilised Sigonella barely 120 miles away from Gozo... They can also use the ruscitated Comiso with its 2500 mt runway, or Trapani which is still partly under military control. Why are you trying to argue with this 'instil the fear' tactic? Let's argue without the need to scare people with phantoms that do not exist any more. Can you please reveal more about this evil 'plot' that is being fabricated by the proponents of the Gozo airstrip? You could possibly publish this plot in a book and surpass Stephen King sales... U ejja be serious and let's argue with some reason and purpose if we respect ourselves.
Franco Farrugia
Feb 25th 2010, 14:53
@ John Azzopardi: I am sorry, but you are not convincing without arguments. Is Gozo as a society falling behind? In what way is it doing so? Will Gozo and the Gozitans stand to benefit by having a fixed wing link? Somehow, I doubt it. What do you understand by Gozo being an advanced society? Again, how is a fixed airlink going to benefit the Gozitan individuals? And consider the environmental impact. Will this not increase the carbon footprint over the two islands?
Charles J. Buttigieg
Feb 25th 2010, 13:51
I would be extremely happy to attend a televised debate with all the members of the Gozo Business Chambers to debate this issue. Any date,time and medium will be acceptable to me except Xarabank.
lgalea
Feb 25th 2010, 13:42
Gozo does NOT need an airstrip. An airstrip will continue to destroy the Gozitan environment and the remaining archeological and cultural heritage which is found on site. This is apart from the revelation made inadvertently by a contributor earlier on about military aircraft training which I am certain will not stop at training but will include military operations and the exposure of Gozo to retaliation and terrorists attacks. Some proponents are either not seeing the implications or are acting as a screen for foreign military interests who want a Gozo airfield to be able to operate without so many prying eyes as there are in Malta due to Gozo's lower population levels and MIA being Malta's airport. I am sure the Gozitans do not want to be exposed to such dangers, both from military training and military operations and the possibility of retaliation. However this is not only a Gozitans matter because it concerns the security of the whole population of Malta apart from breaches of the Constitution.
John Azzopardi
Feb 25th 2010, 12:14
gozo does need an airstrip and Gozitans are not against it regardless of what is being said by some individuals. Gozo as a society cannot afford to fall behind as it has done in the past 10 years since the airlink has been stopped. People who do not live in Gozo and or live outside Malta must realize that Gozo ia an advanced society and wants to move forward with the times regarless of what outsiders feel. Gozo cannot afford to remain in a bubble for the shake of it's people and children. Forward we must move and an airlink we must have.
Vince DeBono
Feb 25th 2010, 10:45
QUOTE: 'We firmly believe that Gozo needs a direct aerial gateway to facilitate the movement not only of tourists (he thinks only of tourists), but of Gozitans themselves, their products, export opportunities, and their import needs.'
I am not sure if this still stands - ALL CARGO to and from Gozo used to be free. The time taken to reach the Malta airport to catch a regular or charter cargo is 2.5 hours. Much perishable cargo is even carried by Catamaran with no ill-effect. What sort of cargo only interests the Gozo consumer/producer and by-passing the 10x larger Maltese market?
If this is a microlight club and these planes can land in Gozo, then only a DCA decision is required... not an enlarged facility. Right?
Franco Farrugia
Feb 25th 2010, 09:42
That 'outer layer of double insularity' is Gozo's most important characteristic.
Franco Farrugia
Feb 25th 2010, 09:18
This is not a case of scaremongering. Gozo does not need an airstrip simply because the Gozitans do not need one. It is not only the airstrip itself - the infrastructure - that will be a 'scar' but the noise, and the ancillary services .... . Do you think people are naive enough to think that the 'development' of the airstrip will stop with a little bit of tarmac? Hardly! That would only be the beginning of the end of Gozo as we know it.
Do the Gozitans stand to benefit from an airstrip? Do the Gozitans think that they will be using fixed wing aircraft to transport them to and from Gozo? Come on: the Gozitan businessmen who are out in force to kill that goose that lays the golden eggs should say things as they are and admit what is foremost in their minds: they think that there is a tourism pie in Malta and they think that they can have a better share at it by having this airstrip.