Concern about proposed cell tower near Manitoba flight school [Video]

A plane approaches the grass runway at Harv’s Air School south of Steinbach.

Nothing is getting in the way of a clear, smooth landing, but owner Harv Penner worries, that could soon change.

“It’s an obstruction,” said Penner.

While not the primary runway, this grass airstrip is well-used at Penner’s flight school for takeoffs and landings. Not far away, there’s a proposal for a 65-metre cell tower beside Steinbach’s landfill. Penner said the tower is in the direct path of the runway and could cause problems for his pilots.

“Our pilots would definitely be concerned about this.”

He said the tower is simply too tall, and the location is an issue.

“Anything that sticks up at that height, and that proximity of the approach to the runway is something that’s a safety hazard.”

The tower proposal is in a public consultation phase, so Penner sent word to Steinbach city council asking for help. The city has no say over the tower, but council …