The Chesapeake Regional Airport is a small airport that operates in Chesapeake, Virginia.  It was built in 1978 and has a rather nice 5500 foot runway.  It is essential to the city, bringing in plenty of tourists and jobs to the area.

In 1990, a small sub-division called the West Landing Estates was built about a mile and a half from the end of the runway in the flight path of the incoming and outgoing flights.  Can anyone see where this is going? 

In 2004, the residents of the subdivision decided that the airport was responsible for "low flights they contend destroyed the tranquil, rural atmosphere of their community." 

They of course sued the airport, who did not actually own any of the planes that allegedly caused the 'destruction'. This week a circuit judge has ruled that the property was damaged without just compensation by the airport.

Lets look at the time line.  Airport was built in 1978.  Homes were built in 1990 or later.  Suit was filed in 2004 when the 'tranquil, rural atmosphere' was destroyed.  Judge finds the airport is at fault.  Does this seem right?

So, residents of West Landing Estates, exactly whose fault is it that you bought a home under a flight path?

A.  The city for approving the housing development.
B.  The developer who designed the subdivision.
C.  The builder who built the house.
D.  The realtor who didn't disclose the nearby airport.
E.  The airport who had the GALL to build 12 years before you got there.
F.  The airlines who fly their noisy jets.
G.  It's your own damn fault for buying a house where you did.

Did you ever wonder why the price was so good in the first place?  Did you happen to notice the numerous recent successful litigations against airports for their alleged noise pollution?  Are you perhaps a little irritated by falling property values and maybe see a chance at a quick buck?  Ever heard of 'personal responsibility'?  I thought not.