Much has been written, and will continue to be written, on the dangers or non-dangers (according to some) of air shows and air “sports”. Charles Sammut of Targa Gap, took your newspaper to task over the report regarding the fatal accident at Marsamxett Harbour during the Aero-GP.

While it is true that an air show is different to the Aero-GP, the concept of having flying antics over people’s heads – not to mention precious properties – is common to both, albeit at different levels.

It is ridiculous to speak about security and safety measures, because up in the sky, there is no knowing what will happen and human error being what it is, a fatality will occur if things continue in this way.

It is equally ludicrous to compare air “sports” with the Formula 1GP. In the latter, only spectators who physically go to watch and participate may be in danger – the rest of the world gets peacefully, and safely on, with its business. What I mean to say is that the Formula 1GP is contained, while any kind of air-“sports” over Malta is not. Full stop.

According to Mr Sammut, it is all right for someone to get hurt or even worse, in the process, because the Aero-GP is still a new sport and things are bound to go wrong – his words. Would he be singing the same song if, heaven forbid, someone close or precious to him were to fall foul of such “sport”?

I suggest that the councils of the localities which are more in danger than other areas such as Targa Gap in Mosta, where your correspondent lives, should come together, long before another air-show, and work on a plan of action on to how to effectively and reasonably discuss with the local authorities the future of such events.

And by “effectively” and “reasonably”, I mean avoiding arguments such as noise pollution emanating from the planes. Thumbs down to the local councils for coming out with such a stupid and dumb argument, which ridiculed them and brought down their otherwise worthy message of their recent protestations!

Franco Farrugia

PIETA’