'Key Officials' Were Not Available, No Firm New Date Set

The FAA says "key officials" are not available for a planned October 23 meeting in Seattle to discuss changes in flight patterns over the city. The agency has not yet confirmed a new date for the meeting.

The meeting was called after residents in several Seattle neighborhoods loudly protested the agency's reticence in addressing public concerns over new flight corridors mandated by the "Greener Skies Over Seattle" program. The Seattle Times reports that some residents campaigned to block the implementation of the plan that would change flight paths for airplanes arriving at Sea-Tac International Airport.

A grass-roots organization also asked that the public comment period for the "Greener Skies" program be extended until the FAA held a meeting with people living in the affected areas. The agency did not honor that request, but did agree to hold the meeting October 23rd, and include representatives from the Port of Seattle ... the meeting that was cancelled.

In a statement, the FAA said it is talking with leaders in the community in an effort to find a new time and location convenient to everyone involved in the process.

FMI: www.faa.gov