Dee: Louder than all the planes

Thanks for nothing, Pitkin County Commissioners, United, SkyWest, Aspen Airport, and anyone involved in the selection and permission for the Embraer E-175 to fly into Aspen. I have lived in the flight path of all aircraft that come and go into Aspen for many years. Frankly, my husband and I have always enjoyed watching them fly. We marvel at air travel and what planes do.

For nearly all the 35 years that we’ve lived here, we’ve listened to the discussion of the rebuilding of the airport, bringing in better, quieter, and more efficient aircraft. And also, the pleas from residents about noise. 

I feel like we have been duped. The Embraer E-175 departs at a much steeper trajectory and is SIGNIFICANTLY LOUDER than the CRJ-700. Louder than any private plane flying here, as well. It has completely destroyed the peace of the area that we live. Since they started flying here, I’ve racked my brain to remember what we were told about this aircraft. But couldn’t seem to remember anyone addressing the noise aspect. This week, I visited the Aspen Airport website and found what I was looking for. Buried in a very lengthy document, this is what I found:

Status of Embraer E-175. If ASE retains its current 95′ wingspan restriction, the Embraer E-175 could become the only regional commercial aircraft with more than 50 passengers capable of landing in Aspen after the current Bombardier CRJ-700 retires. Because the Embraer E-175 is heavier than the CRJ-700 and lacks sufficient power to serve ASE year-round with a full load of passengers and fuel, it would have to carry fewer passengers than the CRJ-700, be limited to a shorter range, and serve fewer destinations. This is why the E-175, despite being one of the most popular regional airliners today, has not been used for ASE. The E-175 is a noisier and more polluting aircraft then the CRJ-700. 

Did you catch that last sentence?! Noisier AND more polluting!! And it’s only United that is using them right now. Wait until American and Delta have them, too. Feeling very disappointed in those people. But should I be surprised? I think not.

Augie Dee

Aspen