On Dec. 18, you published a letter from Joseph Tipler concerning the conversion of McChord Field into a commercial airport. I wasn’t aware that McChord is being shut down. But, I can say that the mechanics of converting a military field to civilian operation is not as simple as turning over the keys.
It is done, but it is an expensive process.
I know that March Air Force Base was converted into a civilian field several years ago, and I got some second-hand information concerning the process. Back in the old days, the military wasn’t overly careful with their handling of waste material. Fuel bowsers were typically just poured out at the edge of the tarmac. Oil was swept in the same direction. There are many fluids that are used in aircraft, and it was much worse in the 40s into the 70s.
Waste disposal has been a huge expense in order to make the airfield safe for civilian use. Expediency was the word of the day back then, especially when there were aircraft like the B-58 that took days to turn around after a flight. Even B-52s were labor intensive back then to turn around, and often the plane was needed for alert or other short-notice duties. So the crew chiefs often did what was expedient to get the aircraft ready for its next duty.
I know that the need for another large airport is high on the priority list in this state, and nobody wants one. Airports are noisy, ugly and somewhat smelly, and who wants that as a next-door neighbor? But I seriously doubt that the cost to convert McChord, even if Uncle Sam is willing to turn over the keys, is going to be worth it. And, don’t forget that Fort Lewis has a large air contingent as well which would also interfere with civilian flight operations out of McChord.
Bruce Peterson
Centralia
