On Dec. 4th a team of airport staff made a presentation to the Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion meeting.

While the presentation had some technical weak points, it was very significant that the first flight from the third runway was a TAKE OFF by an Alaska Airlines 737 and not a landing.

Extensive time was given to describe the training of staff for takeoffs and landings. Three known takeoffs were described followed by a disclaimer that takeoffs are not planned.

With the exception of a commissioner under recall, the commissioners have always stated that the third runway was to be used for LANDINGS ONLY.

It would appear that airport staff intends to use the runway for takeoffs in addition to landing WITH OR WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE ELECTED COMMISSIONERS and the taxpayers they represent.

The question of a sound barrier fence was raised. The port staff appears to confuse the concrete fences used to keep sound in and pedestrians out of freeways.

A freeway-type concrete wall would destroy an out of control jet. The need is for a higher wood and fiberglass or equivalent crushable fencing on the extreme west edge of the third runway.

This deflector should be relatively open to air passage and higher than the level of the engines of on-the-ground aircraft. A simple 8,300- foot blast fence is needed to reflect noise straight up like those used on foreign and military fields.

The fence would protect Normandy Park, Des Moines and Burien homes, schools and businesses from some airport noise.

If designed properly, the fences could also provide a level of wind control to protect landing aircraft from the hazards of a southwest wind shear. It must be remembered that this is the same wind that blew down the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Dan Caldwell

Des Moines