At the meeting of Beaufort County Council and Hilton Head Island Town Council, average folks spoke against the proposed airport expansion in order to preserve the island’s environment, history and way of life. The local business interests, mayoral candidates and pilots spoke in favor of the expansion.

Turboprop planes will be available in the future without a lengthened runway, and we will not lose commercial air service. Bombardier shows a backlog of orders for their new Q400, which is capable of operating at the Hilton Head Island Airport. Additionally, US Airways reports they operate turboprop planes in 56 domestic airports.

In 2009, the airport tower reported 38,237 total aircraft operations: 9,353 commercial, 27,700 private and 1,184 military. Of those, the 4,002 private jet aircraft operations are the only ones that could benefit from an extended runway. In other words, 10.46 percent of aircraft operations would be the reason for lengthening the runway. It wouldn’t be for commercial aircraft.

The airport is, at best, a break-even operation, relying on the airlines and taxpayers for financial support. Although private planes pay for fuel, tie-down fees and hangar rentals, they do not pay landing fees. Greater financial support by the private users might even allow Hilton Head airfares to be lower, making our airport more competitive with the airport in Savannah.

Private plane owners, both itinerant and local, would reap the benefits of a longer runway. Who will ultimately pay for the runway extension? You, the taxpayer.

Donald J. Schwarz

Hilton Head Island