— from Russ Borgnin —

Dear Port of Orcas and Airport Commission,

Yesterday I learned of the airport Master Plan and that public comment was ending today, October 5.

I’m a pilot that has been an aviation user of Orcas Island Airport for 20 years. Starting in 1998 I was the initial organizer of the annual Cascade Flyers Fly-In every July.

I’d like to offer input and comments to the Master Plan proposal since I eventually hope to become a resident of the Island and perhaps a tie-down or hanger tenant.

1. Firstly, the public comment period was grossly under advertised. I understand there were a few hand written signs, some postcards, a notice and that was about it, for a very short and non-inclusive comment period.

The notices certainly did not include extended airport users or the local aviation community. I implore that the comment period be significantly extended and much more thoroughly advertised.

Were notices sent to all the area flying clubs, aviation organizations such as EAA and local AOPA chapters, and general aviation airplane owners in the area? Such notices could have easily and readily been sent using such organizations, the public aviation database, and social media.

It’s actions such as this – the apparent ram-rodding through of huge proposals – that destroy the credibility of public facility managers and public commissions such as yours.

2. I’m sure the Master Plan did take a lot of work and time –but this does not mean it is any good. In fact the full plan appears to be completely overdeveloped and soulless without any consideration or enhancement to the Orcas airport as a geographic place or a community.

3. A question is if any stage of the plan will reduce the airport’s instrument approach minimums? Reduced minimums will certainly have a significant effect on the type and quantity of airplane traffic.

4. I’m all for the purchase of the north end private land between the runway and the beach, especially if this becomes open space.

5. I’m extremely troubled by the 240’ taxiway expansion on the east side. It appears a new taxiway would go through the existing terminal and destroy the large grass tie down area between the fuel pump and the AWOS/beacon.

6. The grass tied down area is where we hold our annual fly-in and camp-under-the-wing event. It’s also where the EAA holds their annual aviation event. Where would these functions occur if the Master Plan is implemented?

7. The grass tied down area actually is one of the very few such places that exist in the state, country and indeed the world – for such low key fly in camping under the wing. I would vote to improve this area rather than destroy it – it’s a rare jewel in the aviation community .

8. I’m also very troubled by the large new hanger and terminal area in the SE corner of the airport. The widening of the airport to such an extent and the creation of such a new commercial area goes completely against the idea of keeping Orcas a rural area full of open space. The design of the paving, hangers and terminal by the plan – do nothing to enhance Orcas Island in anyway but degrade the airport, landscape and island into a nasty commercial operation.

9. Orcas Island is a rural island. The fact that it’s hard to get to is keeping Orcas Orcas. This is becoming ever so difficult because it’s sandwiched between the Seattle and Vancouver megapolises. The rural, environmental, small town, country feel of Orcas should be preserved in every way. It does not appear this was a consideration in the Master plan.

10. Also, there are rumors of Oprah coming in and “buying up the town.” Is this influence somehow effecting the development of the airport? This should be thoroughly investigated and realized to the public.

11. The large new hangers proposed in the master plan seem to be targeted toward large turbine and jet powered aircraft. Jet aircraft in particular would vastly change the nature and the environment of Orcas Island, the Airport and the San Juan Islands. The Very Light Jet (VLJ) trend is continuing and perhaps accelerating. The VLJ’s are under 12,500 pounds criteria that would be allowed at Orcas and include such models as:

Cessna Citation Mustang
Eclipse 500
Embraer Phenom 100
Cessna
Honda HA-420 Honda Jet
Cirrus Vision SF50

The new SE corner and terminal area it appears is all designed to be commercial and a turbine & jet operating area. This is not keeping with what Orcas currently represents.

12. I’m totally against the 240’ taxi expansion on the east side. I would support tearing down the existing terminal and building a very small, simple well-designed terminal in its place. This would greatly facilitate the addition of more commercial single engine planes, turbine powered Caravans and passenger traffic.

13. If the cargo tenant needs a bigger facility the port should support a new facility for them at or near their existing location as well.

14. I would support some enhancement to the grass tie down area that can be better used for fly in camping and transient aircraft .

15. And of course any enhancement to the airport perimeter to enhance the environmental quality of the area is definitely supported.

There is much more to say and to consider with this Master Plan. I hope the airport will extend the time for input and vastly expand and explain the plan to the aviation community, residents of Orcas and the San Juan Islands, and to the citizens of the Northwest at large.

Kind Regards,
Russ Borgnin
Portland, Oregon
Cessna 172
Boeing 737-BBJ

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**