US pilots call Chicago's defence 'insulting and revisionist' as Greek flyers wait for verdict

 Using Federal airport improvement programme (AIP) funds to demolish the downtown Meigs Field business aviation airport was legally justified, the City of Chicago has claimed in a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration. Meanwhile, in Greece's capital Athens another downtown general aviation airport faces salvation or annihilation depending on a government decision to be made by the end of the month, says the Greek department of transport and communications.

 The US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has called Chicago's 43-page legal brief arguing that Meigs' demolition was a valid use of AIP funds "an insulting, revisionist explanation that warps the truth". The sum involved is $1.5 million that had, according to AOPA, been earmarked for development at Chicago's O'Hare airport. Further AIP funds were destined to aid Midway, the city's smaller domestic airport, it says. If the FAA determines that the city has acted inappropriately it could impose a fine totalling as much as $4.5 million.

 At Athens, the transport department says it will make a decision on the future of Athens' former international airport Hellenikon by the end of December. Since it is on the seafront the main argument for Hellenikon's alternative use is as a park, but local people fear it will be sold to developers as a prime site.

 Superseded by Eleftherio Venizelos airport in March 2001, it still has 1,600m (5,300ft) of runway and its control tower. If it is to close permanently, the nearest airfield for restricted use by private pilots is a military base 100km (60 miles) north of Athens. Business aviation would have to operate to Eleftherio Venizelos, which is 30km from Athens (Flight International, 7-13 December).

David Learmount / London

Source: Flight International