EDITORIAL: Another sound of freedom: The buzz of a vintage plane over Destin

For weeks, The Log’s editorial page has been abuzz with commentary about the noise produced by World War II-era planes that soar over Destin. At times the outcry seemed like it could give Valparaiso a run for its money as city leaders seek to derail the F-35 bed-down with a lawsuit against the Air Force.

But as the F-35 touched down at Eglin Wednesday, our smaller local debate reminds us that there is another sound of freedom than just the roar of our military jets.

American life is based largely on the pursuit of happiness. And if that pursuit takes you high above Destin in an old plane, then that is your “inalienable right” — just as long as you don’t break the law by buzzing homes too closely or endangering others with risky maneuvers.

Still, some apparently dismiss the planes as merely the high-priced toys of a wealthy few. This shallow view overlooks the philanthropy that these men and their planes perform. While they are a staple at air shows, the pilots have also donated their time to do flyovers for local funerals and missing man formations for other somber ceremonies.

Not to mention the fact that they entertain tourists with their flights of fancy.

But what of the noise?

We at The Log are very familiar with the distinct roar that accompanies these planes, but it is no louder than many of the personal jets that land and take off at Destin Airport throughout the day and night — and they fly far less frequently.

The comparisons with Val-P are inevitable. But if Destin were to become a no-fly zone to vintage planes, that action would infringe on the personal liberties of a few pilots. The risks are far greater — and self-evident — in the F-35 dispute. The Joint Strike Fighter is a program with the capacity to diversify our economy beyond the seasonal one that betrays us as recession keeps our tourists at home.

In uncertain times, the F-35 is the best thing the region has going for it, and Val-P would be wise to shelf its lawsuit before the city ends up costing the region millions of dollars.

In light of all that, our little airport squabble should rightly stay as a blip on the radar.

But our roar of support for the bed-down should equal the decibel level that the F-35 emits as it streaks back home.

FROM PLANES TO PLANNING: NEW POLL ONLINE
Recently The Log asked readers “Should the city or county better regulate noise from antique planes that often fly over Destin?” With hundreds of votes cast, 48 percent wanted officials to crack down on the World War II era planes, while 30 percent of respondents wanted the local air shows to continue. About 10 percent just don’t care about the issue.  
This week’s question is “Should Destin city councilors grant developers a break and restart the clock on development orders?” Answer online at thedestinlog.com