Is airport a good neighbor?

To the editor:

It is time for the residents of Osceola County to express our concerns regarding the abuse we are getting from the airlines and the Orlando International Airport (OIA). Yes, the airport existed long before there were additional housing developments south of the airport, especially in the northeast corner of Osceola County along Boggy Creek and Narcoossee Road. But a good neighborhood should take these changes into consideration when operating a business.

When we moved here in 2005, a majority of the planes departing southeast from the airport took a path that brought them directly south over airport property, farmland and then over East Lake Tohopekaliga before the planes turned to the east. But, over time the OIA has allowed the airlines departing to the southeast to cut corners early to the east and fly over more residential areas instead of flying straight out over Lake Toho. The airlines wanted to save some fuel so the OIA, at the expense of homeowners, has allowed this to happen. Is this what a good neighbor would do?

When planes are taking off they are heavy with fuel, so the engines are louder and the pollution is greater. What we are experiencing, in the Fells Cove area, is continuous noise from planes not being directed to fly straight out over Lake Toho but being allowed to turn early to the east. This happens at a rate of one every three minutes. By the time one plane goes overhead and the noise subsides, you can hear another plane approaching. There is continuous noise and pollution from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. — 16 hours a day.

I have spoken with many homeowners who have expressed great annoyance with the aircraft noise but they do not know what they can do about it. Well, the OIA has a Noise Abatement Committee that must report all complaints to the OIA operations and the FAA. If you have a complaint or suggestion, please contact Cyrus Cullum, the Noise Abatement Officer at 407-825-2674 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There are many flight path alternatives available to OIA that would alleviate some of the noise and pollution that is affecting homeowners in Osceola County, but they have been delaying implementing them for years. The focus seems to be more on what the airlines want and what is best for the OIA and Orange County. So, please also contact our Osceola County representatives at Osceola.org, and let them know that Osceola County homeowners are not the dumping ground for noise and airplane exhaust pollution. OIA must be made aware that we live here and have rights, we want them to be a respectful neighbor and that we want our concerns addressed.

Robert Simmons
Kissimmee