I have read the excellent April 15 article about how we are trying, again, to bring air service to our fine Moore County airport. History of the past efforts was reviewed, with the same negative results.

In reviewing the many past articles on the project I find the names of highly qualified business executives, qualified in their particular fields, yet I didn't recognize a name of a local "grassroots" transportation "pro."

For those who remember Pinehurst's own internationally renowned travel industry authority, the late Voit Gilmore, I share a short observation of his during similar airline negotiations many years ago: "Make sure we use a different approach to the problem."

Yes, we are a golf-oriented community much of the year, and desired flight times should take this into consideration. But this incoming one-time market should not be the salient objective for success.

I would assume that the percentage of the stable market far exceeds the seasonals, yet that seems to be our sales point. For example, ACT II, Newcomers and the Senior Enrichment Center membership lists have over 1,000 names with "roots" in most of the 50 states, and there are obviously thousands more. These residents are a latent year-round source of outbound travel with inbound family and friends to be added.

I respectfully suggest that at least one of the local working old-time travel professionals, not a "travel dabbler," be consulted. Apparently none have been in the past. Their advice, plus a resident-oriented questionnaire, will furnish useable hard facts.

Perhaps I am being presumptuous and may find that much has been done, unpublicized. Again, to quote Voit: "Make sure we use a different approach to the problem."

Norman Sherman

Pinehurst