Letters – September 2014

Two Gurkha films in the archives

Lorna Krawchuk reports (July) that Gurkha Welfare Appeal (Canada) archives have been housed in the Tanager Ave. home of the late Major Michael Burke and his widow, Carol.

Two items in that archive may be videos of films that I blocked out and scripted, following conversations with Major Burke.

The producer and cameraman, Vic Sarin, was born in northern India and had a Gurkhali amah (nanny) in his childhood. Sarin, whose film credits must cover several thousand items for CBC, as well as features for independents, shot 1,120 minutes of 16 mm film at his own expense to make those Gurkha-related films.

I hope the archives house them. Few prints were made, so copies are rare.

Robert Fripp,
Southvale Dr.

More on noise – 1

John Parker’s column “Make some noise to fight the airplane noise” requires some additional information to understand better how aircraft and the air traffic control system function.

Flights arriving in Toronto are flying a flight plan approved before departure. To some extent, these procedures take into account the economics of aircraft operations – keep airplanes higher rather than lower to conserve fuel (jet engines are more efficient at altitude) and allow planes to land promptly for the same reason.

As a general rule, the closer you are to the airport, the shorter the flight will be. If the standard arrival were out over the lake, turning north up the Don Valley, airplanes would be in the air longer and more fuel would be burned. This has environmental and cost consequences.

In clear weather with no traffic, you could keep the aircraft high and close to minimize the noise footprint.

Lastly, although overnight operations are permitted, noise abatement procedures are in place so that, winds and weather permitting, runways are used to minimize noise for people living near the airport. And every departure, day or night, flies a path and requires engine settings to minimize noise.

Tony Koch,
Randolph Rd.

More on noise – 2

This is a reply to Councillor Parker’s column on aircraft noise over Leaside. Despite your discussion of agencies like NAV Canada, they derive their authority from the federal government that is responsible for air traffic issues. The provincial government is involved because of significant health problems being generated. In general, noise control is a municipal matter.

The Leaside Property Owners’ Association, Toronto Aircraft Noise Group and many local residents (3,500 signed a petition) have tried to modify this situation. Politicians consulted include Lisa Raitt (federal transport minister) who is the key person.

Air traffic at the Toronto Island Airport is voted on by Toronto City Council,  with much debate. Do Leasiders not deserve similar consideration, especially since we chose to live 30 km from Pearson? There is a direct conflict between the financial interests of commercial airlines and Leasiders’ right to live in a healthy and reasonably quiet environment and we sure are not winning.

Dan Buckley,
Roxville Ave.