Eyeinthesky I guess iam not coming across very well.
These are my feelings-
Is the airport good for the local area- YES
Does it support local communities with employment- YES
Does it offer a wider range of travel oppertunities for local people -YES
Should airlines which operate from EMA be able to do training flights from EMA- YES Why? Because as an airline operating from EMA they are adding to the development of the airport and local businesses bringing prosperity to the community which the community should accept with open arms.
Should airlines which dont operate flights from EMA (or base there) be able to do training flights from EMA? NO why? because by simply training and then leaving the airline is offering very little to the local economy etc.It brings no passengers to the local area or provides work for local people. It brings no freight so other than money in the pocket of the airport it brings nothing other than stress for local people.
I dont class myself as a NIMBY Not In My Back Yard as I class the airport as very important for the local area and have defended the airport in local newspapers from the many people who would like it closed down so iam pro the airport but just with reservations. I wouldnt use the place myself as they do not operate to anywhere I would like to travel to. It just strikes me that allowing so many training flights is bad business-yes it gives a quick and easy fix of cash but in later times when the airport wants more expansion which is greatly important it's then that local people rock the boat which in many respects is the airports own fault with short term greed-you reap what you sow.
On the bare council front having just been to a local council meeting the very thought makes me feel quite ill. Interestingly there were some Leicester councillors at the meeting. The airport cropped up in conversation after the meeting-to say they were unhappy is an under statement.
May I assure you of my best intentions.