Using words rather than aircraft, pilots in Arizona were able to stop plans to build a cell tower near the White Mountain Lake Airpark. The facility’s owner/operator, Tony Tangalos, used his AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) connections to get the word out to fellow aviators. As AOPA reports, the flyers shared his concerns about a proposed cell tower near the airpark and quickly lobbied forces to campaign against it.
Citing safety as their primary concern, the cell tower opponents attended the most recent meeting of the Navajo County Planning Commission to explain the objections. The proposal called for a 5G cell tower to be placed approximately 1,500 feet from a runway. The telecom initiating the proposal was not named. Pointing to information gathered by the FAA, Airbus, and various trade associations, the group argued that the proximity to the airport could see the 5G frequencies interfering with altimeter radio communications transmissions.
The Planning Commission unanimously voted in favor of the AOPA contingent’s recommendation.
“This was a major victory for the long-term success of PHI [a local helicopter operator that provides search-and-rescue and emergency services] and our valued property owners at White Mountain Lake Airport,” stated Tangalos. “The key testimony provided by PHI staff was the pivotal factor in swaying the Commission members to vote against the proposed development.”
Reader Interactions