Daley unrepentant in face of FAA's (belated) Meigs wrath | Aviation International News

Daley unrepentant in face of FAA's (belated) Meigs wrath

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, a veteran of the bare-knuckle school of politics, is defiantly defending his destruction of Meigs Field last year despite thre

By AIN Staff • AIN Staff

December 18, 2007

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, a veteran of the bare-knuckle school of politics, is defiantly defending his destruction of Meigs Field last year despite threats from the FAA to fine the city $33,000 for closing the lakefront airport and another $4.5 million for illegally diverting revenues from O’Hare to pay for closing the downtown airport.

The FAA announced October 1 that it is taking legal action over the March 31, 2003, deactivation of Meigs, when Daley sent heavy equipment under cover of darkness to gouge trenches across the field’s single runway, citing the threat of terrorism as his reason. Daley remains unbowed by the FAA action. “We know we acted properly and legally when we closed Meigs Field last year,” he said. “I don’t think small airplanes should be flying whatsoever in the metropolitan area, especially in the city of Chicago.”

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

HAV Offers Sentinel Hawk Airship In New Bid For ISR Roles

New joint venture aims to deliver missionized Airlander 10 aircraft

Article preview image

Osprey Warns of Increased Security Risk and Fuel Prices

Attacks by Houthi forces in Saudi Arabia pose new threats

Saudi Arabian map

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11: The Impact on Airlines

The terror attacks in the U.S. inflicted significant damage on commercial airlines

9/11 airlines

NBAA Panel: Ops, Security Must Improve Communications

Flight and security departments have shared goals but different perspectives

business jet on ramp

Aircraft Operators Face Rising Threats in Gulf and Russia

Security consultants are warning clients to increase vigilance

Thinking on the fly: Unprecedented times, leadership during 9/11

A recount of the days following the 9/11 terror attacks

NBAA general aviation desk FAA Command Center 9/11

Leipzig Drone Threat Raises Security Risk in Europe

Russia widely believed to have gotten an explosives-carrying drone into the German airport

Leipzig-Halle Airport

Canada Targets Increased Domestic Defense Production

Saab offers Gripen with future fighter choice still to be decided

CAE and Saab at Farnborough Airshow 2026