Saving airports a top priority
By AOPA ePublishing staff
About 50 AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers kicked off their day on AOPA Day at Sun ’n Fun by working on ways to protect and promote general aviation airports in their communities.
“Early involvement in airport issues is key. We want to head off the panic that pilots have when they find out their city council will be voting tomorrow to put a housing development under their airport’s traffic pattern,” said Stacy Swigart, AOPA Airport Support Network director.
Volunteers—and all pilots—have access to state economic impact studies that they can use to show state and city officials the value of community airports.
Another tool Swigart presented to volunteers was the handbook Participating in the planning process: A guide for airport advocates. Using the tips in the handbook helps volunteers take a proactive approach to protecting airports.
“If you attend the zoning meeting about the housing development proposed near the airport, chances are you can prevent or mitigate the threat before it gets to a city council vote,” Swigart explained.
Interested in helping to protect your airport? Sign up to become an ASN volunteer.
April 11, 2008
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