Yes, that means what it implies–VOLUNTARY. However, Palomar commissioned this study itself and they came to the conclusion that it was the safest route! They advise pilots to follow that route and as I said, the majority do.
Since Palomar is the busiest single runway airport in the nation and since the accident rate is so high, and since there ARE so many homes in the area (regardless of whether or not they should have been built), don’t you believe that NOT following the safety conclusion to the report that the airport commissioned is a bit dangerous? Come on, people…this is not rocket science. My children and neighbors are living in a potential deadly zone. It is not a question of IF but of WHEN a plane will hit a neighborhood.
Look at the accident stats and you will see that compared to other airports in the nation Palomar has staggering odds. The FAA will not do anything about this unless the county (airport owner) tells them something needs to be done. The Palomar Airport Advisory Committee (PAAC) needs to step up to the plate and get the FAA to do so. They will not listen to our pleas.
