I am writing following the recent aeroplane mid-air collision over Marsamxett harbour.

I live in Luqa, one of the villages in the vicinity of the airport, where the airshow is held annually. Each time, everybody assures us that we are safe and we do not need to worry. These people have the airshow as their hobby, while I and the villagers around have our families and property at stake.

Of course, they keep saying, everything is calculated and that the event over Marsamxett is different. Well, the accident happened to professional pilots. And physics says that a projectile at speed filled with fuel has got energy which, if out of control, can create havoc.

Well, sir, I do not intend to become an airshow victim as happened overseas. I intend to carry on living normally as life permits. If these airplane enthusiasts want to enjoy their hobby, let them buy a video game or go overseas to watch such events.

This has nothing to do with living in the vicinity of normal passenger traffic, which is a necessity, and the pilots of these planes use the aircraft in established safety rules and do not show off their bravado to sightseers.

I am expecting the local councils of these villages and the politicians to do something about this event.

This is simply protecting the innocent. The incident over the harbour is a warning that no amount of assurances from these expert organisers is enough to protect the villages over which the airshow planes criss-cross in the air. After the event, well... it’s no use crying over coffins or ruined property, as it will be a complete waste of time and purely hypocritical.

J. Cassar

Luqa