Airport Directory and Resources

AOPA Help for Saving Airports

Compiled by AOPA Communications Division (From AOPA Pilot, January 2002.)

For AOPA members concerned about the future of their local airport, dozens of "airport support" materials are available. Many are on the AOPA Web site. Those in hard copy are available by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).

Obtaining Community Support for Your Local Airport, a comprehensive how-to manual filled with facts, figures, and ideas. Available to AOPA members on the Web site.

Protecting Your Local Airport, a colorful brochure with an explanation of AOPA's Airport Support Network and examples of how ASN volunteers have protected local airports.

The AOPA Airport Support Program and the AOPA Airport Support Network, a full explanation of vital AOPA programs already in place for supporting local airports.

Airport Open House: The Complete Guide to Holding an Airport Open House, helps in planning and publicizing community support events for GA airports.

It's Your Airport, a brochure for pilots and the general public that presents clear, well-reasoned arguments for protecting GA airports.

AOPA's Public Relations Plan for Airports, helps in the developing and implementing an effective public relations plan for local airports. Available to AOPA members online.

Organizing Your Airport Group, step-by-step guidance and advice on effective ways to build public support for your airport. Available to AOPA members online.

AOPA's Guide to Airport Noise and Compatible Land Use, a primer for pilots whose airports may be facing resistance from airport neighbors. Available to AOPA members online.

Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities, a succinct review of FAA regulations regarding treatment of businesses operating on a GA airport.

What is General Aviation? is a richly illustrated brochure clearing up misconceptions about GA.

Take 'em Flying! offers guidelines and ideas to help pilots show important community leaders the value of their local airport by taking them for an orientation flight. An appropriate and well-planned flight in a general aviation aircraft is probably the quickest way to overcome misconceptions about general aviation (requires Adobe Reader).

Contacting Your Elected Representatives: A Citizen's Guide, is a how-to guide for pilots at airports already experiencing a threat.

AOPA Guide to Writing a Letter to the Editor, describes the dos and don'ts for effective communication with the local media. Available in hard copy from AOPA.

AOPA's How to Have a Successful Media Event, including facts about GA, ideas for involving reporters, and strategies for successful events promoting your local GA airport. Available in hard copy from AOPA.

AOPA Communications Resources for You, a comprehensive overview of AOPA publications and other resources available to help the public understand the value of general aviation.

Local Airports: Access to America, an updated 2006 DVD, now includes two versions of the program better suited to your needs based on audience. The full-length program is 31 minutes 40 seconds, while the condensed version runs 22 minutes 31 seconds. Both versions provide you with numerous facts, feature stories, and interviews with executives of businesses that clearly outline how general aviation airports make positive economic and service-oriented impacts on the communities they serve. (Available to ASN volunteers, elected officials, airport administrators, and organized airport support groups.)

Flying Friendly, a 20-minute videotape that urges pilots to be more considerate of people on the ground near airports. Among other things, it contains easy, proven tips for reducing airplane noise on takeoff and landing. (Available to ASN volunteers or organized airport support groups.)