They're like the energizer bunny...

Jay, ya got my sympathy. I went through one airport closure, and am
in a group that stopped a 2nd airport closure. The latter only
because of a very influential and connected pilot in our group.

Doesn't sound like you have such a person, so yeah, maybe you're
screwed. Here's some possible ideas.

I know this is your first thought, but, did the airport accept FAA
funds for improvement?

Maybe you can get the airport "moved." No kidding, in the last 10
years two airports in N. California have been moved, the longest move
being just 2 miles away. By move I mean a brand-new airport was built
with FAA money and the old one closed down.

Good luck and hang in there.

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:lyCzc.35797$2i5.490@attbi_s52...
That truly sux...

Here's the main local paper's coverage:

http://www.press-citizen.com/news/061504airport.htm
--

Why is the city providing any funds for the airport? That seems to be the
main reason why they want to take over the commission. Just raise the
hanger rental rates and start charging landing fees. Run the airport like a
business. Let the market decide the rates. Forget the city money. If the
airport is profitable then the city benefits. If it can't survive without
city assistance then close it. Let the market decide.

Earl G

So, you're advocating shutting down O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) in
Chicago? Both of them receive funds from the City of Chicago.

And I doubt if you will find very many US airports that do not receive money
from one governmental unit or another.

And airport revenues cannot be measured simply in terms of fuel sales and
hangar rentals. A city that invests enough money to enable their airport to
accommodate biz jets can attract companies that their neighbors down the
road can't attract with their 2,500 foot grass runway. And it's companies
like these that bring the tax revenues and payrolls than can make the
difference between the survival and demise of a town or small city.



"Earl Grieda" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:lyCzc.35797$2i5.490@attbi_s52...
That truly sux...

Here's the main local paper's coverage:

http://www.press-citizen.com/news/061504airport.htm
--

Why is the city providing any funds for the airport? That seems to be the
main reason why they want to take over the commission. Just raise the
hanger rental rates and start charging landing fees. Run the airport like
a
business. Let the market decide the rates. Forget the city money. If
the
airport is profitable then the city benefits. If it can't survive without
city assistance then close it. Let the market decide.

Earl G

What part of "run for office" haven't you heard? NObody has the time to do it,
that's why idiots and a$$#0les rule the roost. Generally speaking, of course.

Jim


- On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 03:51:11 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
wrote:
-
-Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.



Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

In article , Jim Weir
wrote:

What part of "run for office" haven't you heard? NObody has the time to do
it, that's why idiots and a$$#0les rule the roost.
Generally speaking, of course.

Pearls of wisdom, from the Master?
Just think Jay, you would own a business, run the local govenment, and
fly... just like Jim! Who knows, maybe even become governor one day!
:-))
(Those would be some scary stories around the cooler at AirVenture.)

Why is the city providing any funds for the airport?

Why does government build roads? Or sidewalks? How is a runway different
from a road?

Jesus, man, what kind of a stupid question is that? Is there a city road in
any city in America that isn't built with public funds?

Is there a municipal airport in America that DOESN'T take public funds?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

I know this is your first thought, but, did the airport accept FAA
funds for improvement?

Yes. As a result, there is no immediate danger of closing.

However, I'm not worried about tomorrow. I'm worried about 2020.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:MpCzc.58240$Sw.6979@attbi_s51...

THIS is what we must somehow communicate to the council.


And communicate to the voters that elect them. You may want to try to stir
up some publicity about the airport, it's history, and what it does for the
community. And what it's loss would mean in dollars to the community.

Jay,

It's probably little consolation, but municipal governments everywhere are
corrupt and stupid.

Like everyone else here, I feel for you . . . but tonight I have to go to my
own Town Board meeting as part of a group trying to stop the massive
down-zoning of our Town to appease greedy developers who control the
block-voting, special interest, "religious" constituency.

Also, my home County is the ONLY County in the State of New York with NO
airport. Closed in 1985, and now there is a Costco and an office park named
(get this) "Airport Executive Park". :-(

I could post for the next 2 hours . . . . but I'll spare everyone . . .



www.Rosspilot.com

Kathy wrote:

Anything that makes the airport seem like a special part
of the community may help in the long run.

Kathy


Excellent point.....

How many TV stations, newspapers, clubs & organizations do you have in
your neck of the woods.

Everything from the Rotary to the 4H I'll bet.

Find a friendly hangar and start inviting them for a friendly B-B-Q
and flight around the patch.

Get to know everyone in your local media from the owner, manager,
to the news director, and writers, on air talent.

Make sure they are all individually invited out at different times on an
on going basis for complimentary flights.

Find owners, FBO's, and pilots who will make themselves available on
short term emergency notice for when you have a local story that could
be enhanced by aerial shots.

Let the media know that people COULD be available to take them up for a
one hour local to cover some of these events.

Give, give, give..... and then give some more..... get the media on your
side and sooner or later you shal receive.

I've never met a media outlet, or media personality, or photographer,
that would turnd down a one hour local....... Have you...??????

SPEAKING OF GIVING..... Your own a hotel with a dining room don't you.

When's the next Rotary meeting.... MAKE SURE YOU HOST IT - at a price
the can't refuse. In return ask for permission to speak for a few
minutes about what the local council and mayor are trying to do.

Make sure you got lots of aviation stuffy there for them to see.

Have a couple of free draws for a YOU GUESSED IT - a one hour local
flight.

Get everybody up in the air that you can.... State and local police
chiefs, the big cheeses, head of your hospitals, invite a bunch of
local lawyers, ( I know you will have to hold your nose but do it
anyways ), your biggest local building contractors, realtors, ( show
them why the airport is a jewel and why tearing it down for short term
gain is a poor idea )........ and on and on and on.

You keep talking about all the flying that you and Mary do.

Make a commitment that from now on you will not make any local flights
where you do not have an invited guest as a passanger.

I'm sure your kids will give up their seats for the good of the cause.

Try to get the operators at the airport to make the same commitment, as
well as private pilots..... NO EMPTY SEATS.

When's your next civic election....... Who wants to run for office.

Treat them and their family to a burger and a flight.

Explain the importance of having the airport open, and let their
political ambitions take over.

Nothing like a wanabee mayoral candidate in waiting, to start attacking
the incumbent.

JAY I COULD GO AND ON ALL DAY.

Welcome to marketing 101.