Pilot builds community at an Arizona airport
Many people say they would do anything for what they love. But what does that really mean? For Guy Roginson of Prescott, Arizona, it means taking time away from his family and his business. It means extra money out of his pocket each month, and it means challenging the status quo.
Roginson pours his heart and soul into being an advocate for Ernest A. Love Field-Prescott Regional Airport while finding new ways to promote the airport's interests to local government agencies and the general public.
Name: Guy Roginson |
He left the "rat race" in San Diego, California, in May 2004 with his wife and daughter to live where the sun shines 300 days a year, 95 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park, amid the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world. Even better, Roginson said, is to be in the center of aviation in northern Arizona. Located in the state's central mountains, the airport hosts flight training facilities both for fixed-wing airplanes and high-altitude helicopter flying.
This is why Roginson, upon moving into his home just four miles from the airport, felt frustrated that there was no real airport community as he envisioned it. "There was no place to go for aviation-related events and I had a hard time meeting people," he said. "There was no known advocate group and nobody was talking about what's going on at the airport."
It was hard for Roginson to understand how there was such a disconnect. "Our airport was growing and commercial flight services were being introduced that would change how things would happen at the airport," he said. "Plus, I just wanted to get out and fly with other guys and gals, and have some fun."
So Roginson followed the famous phrase, "If you build it, they will come," to support and promote aviation beyond what had traditionally been done. And he does it using the power of different technologies, combining a blend of media-his Web site (www.flyprescott.com), YouTube, and Facebook. He has developed an online resource including everything from airport news and events, a flying club and visitors' page, to a pilot's portal with an abundance of aviation safety, training, and security information. He has upgraded from snail mail to Web-based newsletters with Internet links. Through social networking sites, he can interact with fellow aviators-specifically future pilots from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which has a campus in Prescott-and showcase what the airport has to offer.
"I am instantaneously able to get in touch with students and keep them up to date on events," said Roginson, who was quickly added as a friend by 100 or so students upon launching his Facebook page. He likes to post high-end, action-packed videos on YouTube of what's happening at the airport to create excitement and enthusiasm. "My Web site alone went from zero to more than 2,000 hits that I can measure monthly," he said.
Roginson understands that regardless of who's in charge, the continuity of advocacy should continue.
"There are good people who want to bring good change to the airport. It's about getting people on the same page and giving them a voice," said Roginson, adding that to help achieve his goal, he's developed relationships with the city council, the mayor, the Arizona Pilots Association, and major businesses on and around the airport.
"I want to get more airplanes flying. I want to generate more revenue and ensure economic development. I want to make a difference."
Kathryn Opalewski is a former editorial assistant for AOPA Flight Training magazine.
