With respect to the government’s recent call for input into the proposal for a Gozo airstrip, there are several serious flaws in the plan currently being put forward. The plan centres on the idea that a runway should be built at the existing helipad, west-east to a length of 500 metres. This might appear to be practical. But, in fact, it isn’t.

First, the length of 500 metres does not allow for a sufficient margin of error for an aircraft to operate safely in all weather conditions. Typically, in Gozo, when the summer heat reaches over 35°C, which also coincides with peak tourist travel, a light aircraft needs an extra 10 to 15 per cent of runway in order to gain lift.

Second, the prevailing wind is north-west/south-east and any runway should ideally point directly into it; the current east-west proposal is not ideal for this reason and it would also necessitate the building of a three-metre-high ramp directly across the existing access road, requiring its diversion. East-west also routes aircraft towards Xewkija. We are informed there is land available enabling a longer, correctly oriented runway.

Third, the type of aircraft suited to a 500-metre strip are not particularly ideal for the type of commercial traffic that Gozo needs. The Twin Otter and Pilatus PC-6 that have been mooted thus far are expensive to operate and are, also, very cramped internally. On the other hand, the widely used Britten-Norman Islander and Trislander are simple and inexpensive to operate, very easy to board and have a quick turn-around time.

Fourth, the current scheme does not allow for aircraft parking. This means only one aircraft at a time can be accepted.

This would be an unnecessary restriction on, for instance, Gozo’s connections with the world outside Luqa. It would also mean that, should an aircraft become unserviceable, all routes in and out would be blocked.

There are other benefits to be derived from a properly designed aerodrome facility such as recreational events and private air traffic, all of which could be revenue earners for Gozo but these can be debated at another time. In the meantime, please, let the powers-that-be make their decisions on practical common sense – both technical and commercial – rather than on expedient “quick-fixes”!