Sozlet watched a pretty intense documentary about 9/11 on the 10th anniversary (I talked about it here at the time, it was shown by a substitute and was a) too much for these kids and b) not discussed properly IMO), and has been skittish about planes ever since.
She keeps being worried about "low flying" planes. The ones I've seen look fine to me. (Not that low.) She tells me that they're really loud, louder than usual, and I suggested that it had something to do with it being winter -- sound travels differently.
This has been going on for months. She gets really worried and isn't reassured by me.
I eventually, after another round of this, ended up using some "contact us" link on the Columbus airport page and asking something like, are there actually more low-flying planes than usual?
I did it with her there as a "see I'm doing what I can" sort of thing. I did NOT expect a reply.
But some very very very nice guy at the Columbus airport DID send a long, thorough, extremely thoughtful email in response. In part:
Quote:I looked at our flight data, looking to find any commercial airliner flights that would appear to be an atypical low flight operation, and I was not able to find any flights that were not following the prescribed fight procedures into Port Columbus International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, or Bolton Field Airport. All the aircraft were following existing flight procedures in place and were under the control of Columbus Approach and Columbus Tower. Also the flight patterns and procedures for Port Columbus International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, or Bolton Field Airport have not changed.
There were in the area of your residence a handful of small general aviation aircraft that were low flying, that were either departing and arriving into Ohio State University Airport. However, I am unaware if Ohio State University Airport has changed any of their flight procedures for arriving and departing aircraft.
Finally, your guess about sound traveling differently in winter time is correct. Due to numerous factors from the colder, dense winter air, lack of leaves on the trees, low cloud cover, and varying winds, sound waves behave differently than a nice, warm summer day.
I hope this information helps eliminate the concerns your daughter has with low flying aircraft in the area of your residence. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
How sweet is that?!
I was so impressed.
And she's been doing much better since. (We got the response about a week ago but the smile was a follow-up from him today. I've made sure his superiors know how helpful he was.)
