News Archive

If you build it, GA will come

General aviation must be included in the planning for a new airport south of Chicago near Peotone. AOPA Regional Representative Bill Blake told a Will County Board committee Tuesday that the county must consider the needs of general aviation. "If you provide facilities for general aviation at an affordable cost, you're going to have a lot of business," Blake said. "General aviation customers would be available the day it opens."

Blake noted there was a strong demand for GA facilities in the south suburban area. And he emphasized that if the new airport forces the closure of existing facilities, there must be reasonable accommodations for pilots and aircraft owners at the new airport. Randal Huizenga, Airport Support Network volunteer for Sanger Airport (C56), also appeared at the meeting. Sanger Airport could be affected if the "South Suburban Airport" is built.

June 24, 2004