Discussion moot until questions answered

Subject: FAA-Sandpoint Airport-Bonner County conflict

On KSPT on Feb. 23, it was reported that the FAA equipment supplied many years ago and county-maintained by FAA suggested and recommended commercial company wasn’t working to FAA’s satisfaction.

Apparently, a problem the FAA caused or at least contributed to, many years ago is creating a problem for someone unidentified. The FAA wants it fixed right away at county expense.

I believe the problem wouldn’t exist if the equipment was installed properly in the original FAA selected site, i.e., I am saying that the FAA originally selected a pretty good location, attempted a very poor installation that failed. The FAA selected the present location. The present location has problems that might be corrected by a simple antenna change, or a relocation to the original site selected and a proper installation. Prior to suggesting a fix, I would like for our FAA experts to provide some accurate information.

A. Is the problem caused by the primary, secondary or tertiary lobe reflection?

B. Are other transmitting antennae ever been considered?

C. Have fence grounding techniques ever been tried?

Until these simple questions are answered, discussion is moot, especially with the FAA Northwest Region, which appears to be the true culprit in the problem arena.

JAMES A. BLAKE

Sandpoint