Letter: Runway Needed at Miller Air Park

Letter as submitted by Toms River resident Joseph A. Lypowy.

I agree with the Ocean County Board of Freeholders that a cross-wind runway is far overdue at the county owned Miller Airpark. Back in the 1980’s and 90’s I did a lot of aerial photography and used the airport often. One of the first things you learn as a frequent user of the airport is, that there is a fierce crosswind making it very dangerous to land on a windy day.  I remember going up once and the airport was closed due to heavy winds while we were up. Every time we attempted to land the plane was blown off the runway. After three attempts and a hair-raising landing we successfully landed.

I remember people saying 25 years ago that a cross-wind runway was overdue and anyone experienced with flying out of that airport would understand that need. I believe the main roadblock till now was the Pinelands Commission, and now, environmental extremists and penny pincher pundits. Some of the same penny pinchers say to just keep the airport closed on a windy day. What about the Civil Air Patrol who fly out of Miller? What if there is an emergency?  What about corporate flights, cargo, crop dusters, emergency landings, loss of work and money due to cancellations?

I do not know why the Robert Miller Airport was originally built without a cross-winds runway back in the 1960’s, but it is probably about 40 years overdue. A general aviation airport contributes to the vitality and infrastructure of a county and agrees with the Freeholder Board and the aviators that this is a much needed investment.

Joseph A. Lypowy

Toms River