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March 4, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: I absolutely stand firm on the opportunity to bring a small general aviation airport to the county. I live locally and work as a flight instructor and commercial pilot in the region. I have first-hand experience on how even a small airport can positively impact the community and present opportunities our county can’t experience without one. These airports are invaluable assets to communities, fostering local economies, connectivity, and community involvement.
Airports serve as gathering places for aviation enthusiasts, fly-ins, and educational events that inspire future generations of pilots and other STEM careers. Furthermore, they facilitate recreational flying, flight training, air tours, and other educational opportunities like aviation clubs with local schools. Within the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to fly with the VMI Aviation Club and provide them flight experiences. Unfortunately, this requires a drive up to Weyers Cave and is a barrier to entry for other local schools to experience aviation and getting involved in STEM.
Small GA airports also promote connectivity and accessibility. They provide gateways for clients, colleges, and our businesses. Most importantly, they serve as vital links to remote or underserved areas, enabling medical flights, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions. This most recently impacted our community during the Matts Creek Fire, which inundated our communities with thick smoke for days. Firefighting helicopters and aircraft had to stage farther to refuel at the nearest airport. In these times, airports become lifelines, offering swift and efficient transportation of valuable resources.
In conclusion, small general aviation airports are far more than small airstrips; they are dynamic engines that drive economic development, facilitate connectivity, and nurture community spirit. As vital components of the local infrastructure, these airports enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike, embodying the resilience and ingenuity of the communities they serve. ANDREW M. DANAS Rockbridge County
