Every aviator knows that our nation’s airports are misunderstood.What we typically hear is what airports cost, versus what they provide to the community. Here is a great article in General Aviation News (GAN) on what Sun and Fun means to the community monetarily. When studies are done, airports are better seen as a stimulus for the local economy.
The dollars and sense of Sun ‘n Fun
It was nearly 40 years ago when a spry young fellow named Billy Henderson gathered with a small band of like-minded aviation nuts, and decided to put on a show. They planned, and they prepared, and they sent out invitations, and they did indeed hold a reasonably well attended fly-in. They called it the Mid-Winter Sun ‘n Fun. It went well enough that they did it again the next year.
Shortly the skies over North America will be filled with pilots and airplanes headed to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in central Florida for this year’s event. For those who have been to this massive event, they know what it’s all about. It’s about aviation, community, education, fraternity, sorority, mentoring, advocacy, and corn. Admittedly, the corn thing is something you have to be a participant in to truly get it. But it’s there, and it’s good. You can take my word on that.
It’s also about money – Read more…
Jamie Beckett is a CFI and A&P mechanic who stepped into the political arena in an effort to promote and protect GA at his local airport. He is also a founding partner and regular contributor to FlightMonkeys.com.
