Regional Affairs

Airport needs pilot support for master plan update

Long-range airport plans are a wise move, but even the best plans need to be updated. Valkaria Airport in Valkaria, Fla., hasn't had an updated airport master plan for nearly two decades. Now, after 17 years, an update is ready for approval by the Brevard County Commission. But airport opponents could get in the way. AOPA encourages local pilots to attend the county commission meeting on Wednesday, August 29, to show their support for the airport. This update would help guide development at the airport through 2026. "The FAA considers Valkaria a significant general aviation airport in its National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, but the local community also must recognize its value to the area," said John Collins, AOPA airports senior liaison. "Pilot support for the airport can go a long way toward influencing community members and leaders to develop the facility to its fullest potential." The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Brevard County Commission Chambers, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. C, 1st Floor, Viera, FL 32940.

August 24, 2007