OEI (One Engine Inoperative) is an acronym used to describe the takeoff ability of an airplane that has lost an engine. Why is this important? This is important because airlines, not the FAA look at building heights in the flight path of planes taking off, to determine if it is viable to fly out of certain airports or not. If buildings are too high, the FAA rules tell airlines to cut the cargo weight. If airlines have to cut cargo weight off planes, it isn't economically viable to fly. San Jose has sunk a lot of public money into transforming our airport into a world class airport. Do we want to protect future flights by restricting building heights or continue to build without considering the consequences?
- City of San Jose Memorandum: Deferral of Airport Obstruction Study Recomendation to Council
The following exhibits help illustrate the issue: [click images to enlarge]
