I was pleased to see the most recent FAA study (see story below - FAA study eyes more capacity in 2025 ) finally does what Illinois studies have failed to do for 20 years.

The latest report considers Milwaukee, Gary, and Rockford, as well O'Hare and Midway along with their planned improvements, in its analysis of regional capacity. It is about time.

Had the 1987 Chicago Airport Capacity Study done that, it is doubtful that another airport would have been so sought after for the next two decades.

It is mind-boggling to think of what has been wasted in all that time. And how much money has been squanderd in this state’s quest to build its field of dreams?

It was also interesting to note that although there were inferences to a new airport in the recent FAA report, Peotone was not named in it.

Yet despite the lack of evidence that Peotone is imminent, large media outlets continue to claim that the report gives Peotone a real boost.

Some have gone so far as to insinuate that Midway’s future is limited so Peotone can then take over.

This is the same group of media outlets that changes reporters, editors, and owners like pairs of socks. Few have followed the progress of this proposal from those early days to the present. And even for those who did, how much was actually put into the research. How many have questioned agencies, examined the motives of supporters, or investigated faulty claims?

This has certainly not been a print the press release kind of issue, yet that is exactly what many have done.

While the FAA study of capacity in the Chicagoland region appears to be a good one, on its face, it too contains the same flaw as do many government studies.

The type of computer modeling that spits out reports such as this often uses future data that does not reflect reality.

Often times, projections are used to make determinations. This is not unlike gazing into a crystal ball. And, computer modeling is a practice that easily allows cherry-picking selective data which results in a desired outcome.

In addition, government studies take time. Current data soon becomes past history. In an ever-changing marketplace, current trends and updated information is crucial.

Yet, studies often omit current information because it just isn’t possible to keep up with an ever-changing scenario in time for some committee to make a decision.

I recall that just after Sept. 11, 2001, it was business as usual in the aviation industry with respect to Peotone. Just days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks a deal was cut by former Gov. George Ryan in Springfield to support O'Hare expansion and building Peotone. Though the level of flying activity following that horrific event faltered greatly, industry stocks plummeted and airlines began filing bankruptcy, Peotone supporters remained highly optimistic.

Today, we suffer from ever-increasing fuel prices. Yet, according to the FAA report, the aviation industry assumes a rosy future.

Perhaps the next report, in a year or two, will then reflect today's high gas prices and the higher ticket costs that will likely follow, altering the trend and thus, adjusting capacity needs.