Affected By Aircraft Noise ... It could get a lot worse!

Paul from Mapua

I recently made a lively post about the apparently increasing level of light aircraft activity over the area. I was convinced it had got worse in recent months.

In the comments a couple of people raised a valid point in that I was just venting and I’d not really done my homework. So before I posted this, I did!

Motuekea airport is owned by Tasman council and the operations are funded by ratepayers. There is a shortfall and therefore, to break even the council has drafted a long-term plan to generate MORE revenue by actually INCREASING activity over the area. I was told the plans were published online but I’m unable to find them. Here is the relevant publication regarding the airport.

www.tasman.govt.nz...

I’ve just returned from a meeting with Mark Johannsen who is the person in charge of operations at Tasman Council.

I voiced a number of concerns all of which have been put forward by many people over the years ... and been ignored. Essentially, all those people have the same, simple concerns:

“Why are a small number of people allowed to joyride throughout Tasman (probably the most beautiful place on Earth) generating enormous noise pollution and affecting thousands upon thousands of people?”

Amazingly, a light aircraft has a noise footprint of over 100ha yet they are the ONLY machine or noise emitting object EXEMPT from strict noise pollution laws … the council plans to grow this activity.

There is actually a Memorandum of Understanding which covers many of the issues caused by planes but it's voluntary and self policed. The airport is unmanned and there is no accountability.

Aircraft are supposed to fly a path of least impact, they are not supposed to practise stalls and fly loops. Aircraft are not allowed to fly below 1,000 feet over residential areas. We live on the ridge and because pilots do not increase their altitude, inevitably breach that limit. We are told to report these craft but as the registration numbers are not legible from the ground that can’t happen and there's no one to report it to.

There is a meeting next week between the aircraft operators and the council to discuss the future and I presume ways to grow their activities.

I have made the following submissions:

I am concerned that there is a duty of care to ratepayers that far outweighs any commercial benefit to the area by this activity.

I am concerned that there is no investigation or consultation as to how these aircraft affect residents' health and well being.

I am concerned that any plans for expansion are being progressed under the radar

I am concerned that learner pilots are allowed to practise over residential areas

I am concerned that the Memorandum of understanding is not policed and there is no accountability.

And I am most concerned that my rates are being used without my permission and against my will to support a small number of businesses that generate more noise pollution and intrusion than any other in the entire district

If you have any concerns you'd like to voice then please make submissions to mark.johannsen@tasman.govt.nz