Happy anniversary, ASN!

The program was immediately successful, with Airport Support Network volunteers providing critical information at threatened airports across the nation. These timely updates helped AOPA staff intervene with information to airport sponsors about the value of the airport, the airport’s grant obligations if it had received federal or state funds, and guidance on best practices for land use or airport management that would keep the airport free of operational restrictions.

AOPA has a long history of fighting to save the country’s public-use airports from closure, but a lack of timely information is a serious impediment to effective airport advocacy. Too often, local pilots called the association for help just as the local government was meeting that evening, or in the next few days, to discuss closing the airport. Receiving information early and partnering with local pilots is more effective. Engaging local members in the fight is vital to a positive outcome. Local politicians are much more likely to respond to the concerns of their constituents. Providing a series of how-to guides on everything from airport open houses and understanding planning and zoning to talking to the media, AOPA equips its Airport Support Network volunteers and other airport supporters with the tools they need to become effective advocates for their airports.

The AOPA Airport Support Network, now with 2,000 volunteers, has successfully engaged with, promoted, and protected airports since 1997. Pressure on public and privately owned airports continues to mount. This pressure takes many forms, including curfews, noise restrictions, lack of improvements, residential encroachment, and even calls to close the airport. Our goal is to have an ASN volunteer at every public-use airport in the United States.