OS X 10.6.2 AirPort Scanning

I recently purchased a MacBook Pro 17". When I select the AirPort, on the right hand side of the menu, it expands to show AirPort: On ... etc. With my MBP, about every 15 seconds this "On" status changes to "Scanning for networks..."
Is this behavior normal for OS X 10.6.2?
Is this behavior normal for MBP?

I find that surprising. It definitely impacts network performance.
If you start a continuous ping you can clearly see the effect on the results.
Any idea why this is the case?
BTW, my initial post omitted the fact that I am already connected to my preferred wireless network.
Message was edited by: orrwell

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    this has been discussed in other threads as well, probably most extensively here
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1397364&start=0&tstart=0
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