Venice Aviation Society, Inc.
Nick Carlucci
1335 Horizon Rd.
Venice, Florida 34293

March 9, 2007                

Honorable Vern Buchanan
1516 Longworth House Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Buchanan:

I am writing on behalf of the Venice Aviation Society, Inc. (VASI). VASI is a pilot and airport support organization in Venice, FL. We seek to serve as a voice for the Venice Airport tenants and pilots, work to support the Venice Airport and also encourage “Friendly Flight” procedures by our local pilots. “Friendly Flight” encourages pilots to, as appropriate and safe, fly in such a manner as to reduce the impact of flight operations on the neighborhoods adjacent to the airport. VASI has over 200 members and publishes a monthly newsletter that goes out to around 250 to 300.  Most of our members are also members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.  VASI has monthly meetings September through May. I have enclosed a copy of our “Friendly Flight” brochure.

My purpose in writing is to ask your help in getting funding to continue rehabilitation efforts at the Venice Airport. The best noise mitigation runway for Venice residents is 04/22. Jets taking off on runway 22 depart over the Gulf minimizing the noise footprint over populated areas. Unfortunately runway 04/22 is in very poor condition and needs to be resurfaced. Your committee position in the House of Representatives could be very influential in Venice Airport getting the needed funding for this runway work.

I have read about your efforts on behalf of the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. The Venice Airport is equally important and accommodates a large amount of traffic including both jets and piston powered aircraft. Your support would be sincerely appreciated.

Though this is not my main purpose in writing I also want to mention the FAA proposed fuel tax increase.  This fuel tax increase from 19.4 cents to 70.1 cents per gallon will have a deleterious impact on our members. Fuel costs are the main expense to most of our members. We do not believe this increase is necessary and I urge you to oppose it.

Also the FAA’s attempt to begin user fees for the air traffic control system will also hurt our members.  This appears to be an effort to shift fees from the airlines who are the primary users of the ATC system to smaller general aviation aircraft.  Please standup for general aviation and do not let the FAA get away with these changes.

Back to my main point, your support for the Venice Airport’s rehabilitation program is vital.  Our airport suffered for many years and was allowed to substantially deteriorate. The turnaround has begun but without your help much of what is needed may not get accomplished. Resurfacing of runway 4/22 improves flight safety and will substantially reduce complaints about noise from some who live near the airport. I would be happy to speak with you or any of your staff regarding these issues. I would also be pleased to take one of your staff members on a tour of our airport. My phone number is 941-716-5704; e-mail joecessna72@verizon.net. The over 200 members of VASI thank you.

Sincerely,
Nick Carlucci
President