AOPA advises pilots to tout benefits of general aviation facilities
April 30, 2010, 11:55 pm
Many communities may not be aware of the fact that their area has a general aviation airport, and it is the responsibility of pilots to let them know they are there.
A recent story from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association featured a presentation made by Bill Dunn, the group's vice president of Local Airport Advocacy. Dunn made his remarks while speaking at the annual meeting of the North Carolina Airports Association on April 22.
Giving examples such as Florida's Albert Whitted Airport and Maine's Biddeford Municipal Airport, Dunn said informing citizens can keep fields from closing or being reduced to make way for development.
"An airport that isn't known by its community can be in as much danger as one that generates noise complaints," Dunn said.
Dunn said one effective measure for keeping airports running is to have an open house, where community members can get achance to look around and develop an appreciation for the service airfields provide.
Last year, the AOPA started a campaign to stress the important role general aviation plays in the nation's economy. For example, the organization notes that smaller-scale airline businesses and pilots contribute roughly $150 billion every year.
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