President should re-evaluate flight restrictions

Dear Mr. President:

I am sure you are aware that your presence created some major disruptions. Most folks were very happy to make the small sacrifices required to make your visit here safe. However, there were certain elements accompanying your visit that, I believe, are unnecessary and have outlived any perceived usefulness.

For example, the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that have been in place since your predecessor and the overreaching Patriot Act essentially shut down business and agricultural aviation in Eastern Iowa for the majority of the working day while you were in the area. In Monticello alone, your visit put aerial applicators, chemical providers and mechanics out of work for a full day during the height of their working season.

This letter is not from a disgruntled voter. I voted for you last time and will likely support you again. I have the greatest respect for the fact that you have tried to do what you thought was right and fair, even when it was unpopular.

With that in mind, I am asking that you re-evaluate the onerous flight restrictions that penalize business and ag pilots, but has little affect on commercial jet traffic. The reason for the flight restrictions started with 9/11 and it was not small prop planes that caused that issue. The Patriot Act flight restrictions were a “feel good” piece of legislation that accomplished very little in the way of actual safety.

I am asking that you stop hurting working class pilots and aviation support people with unneeded regulations.

Gary W. Fisher

Monticello