FlyWalt Posted February 19, 2017 Report Posted February 19, 2017 As much as I like visiting neighboring airports, I hate the thought of hangar shopping: http://goldenisles.news/news/local_news/closure-date-set-for-st-marys-airport/article_3b5af781-b602-5917-9e4e-70d795c46d2f.html They have been babbling over this political football for 16 years. They have driven away and all business that they could. It is sickening to have watched this from a front row seat. The local city council has NO CLUE about this economic asset. Especially when they need the jobs that this airport could create. Do any of you have experience in fighting this kind of action? Fly Safe, W Quote
bonal Posted February 19, 2017 Report Posted February 19, 2017 You might forward the information to AOPA and EAA I know they have folks that help fight this sort of thing unfortunately it's a tough fight. 1 Quote
takair Posted February 19, 2017 Report Posted February 19, 2017 Walt, sorry to see this. Did they decide against the relocation? I keep seeing this happen. I think we and the airports are a victim of the times. One aspect is the improved roadway infrastructure. With the I95 corridor and longer range planes, St Mary's probably doesn't see the same traffic as when it was first built. The security issue is quite obvious, but I think another factor is that the Navy and its contractors don't see the benefit. This comes to a sore subject with me. I suspect that at one time, the Navy and its contractors saw great benefit of being able to fly in right next door. I also suspect, that many of those same military contractors no longer allow their employees to use personal aircraft. So now, the folks who could best lobby for its retention no longer see the benefit or demand a local airport. The economics just don't work. I would be curious to know the history and if it originally catered to the base? I could not find anything on line. I beleive that the key to keeping these airports open is to increase the pilot population again. I think the industry is going about it wrong. the key is the middle class and for the middle class to see benefits beyond the $100 burger. To me, that would mean using the plane for regular and reasonable business. Many corporations, where many of the middle class work, no longer allow this. I know I didn't answer your question in a way to provide fast results, but the answer is to show the benefit of the airport. 10 movements a day probably won't justify it. Rob Quote
FlyWalt Posted February 19, 2017 Author Report Posted February 19, 2017 There are 20 aircraft here. My Mooney is operated as a corporate machine and moves at least every two weeks for a business purpose. There are 6 other aircraft used for the owners business or sole source of income. The local city has a surplus of land that they have possession of that is non productive and not on the tax roles as well, This airport will add 280 acres to bring the tally to about 1000 acres. They do not have a clue as to what to do with it. Quote
Danb Posted February 19, 2017 Report Posted February 19, 2017 Seems lie whatever our enjoyment is it's taken away, we've had our fourth golf course in the last few years,along with the airports, certain parks in affluent neighborhoods, tennis courts whatever there all closing for malls, housing or other things. The country club I've been in since 1983 is closing. Quote
FlyWalt Posted February 19, 2017 Author Report Posted February 19, 2017 I would feel differently if there was a plan to produce something with the land. It is going to be a 280 patch of empty land surrounded by blighted neighborhoods in a town that has more for lease signs than successful businesses. Quote
takair Posted February 19, 2017 Report Posted February 19, 2017 How many people are employed at theNaval Base? Quote
FlyWalt Posted February 20, 2017 Author Report Posted February 20, 2017 14 hours ago, takair said: How many people are employed at theNaval Base? It's big. About 5000 people. The whole issue is that the Navy is nervous about an airport and a runway pointed straight at their nuclear submarines only 1/2 a mile from their prohibited area. They are the ones who want it closed. Quote
LANCECASPER Posted February 20, 2017 Report Posted February 20, 2017 The way the FAA recently caved in at Santa Monica CA probably made this closure easier. How about if they build the replacement airport first, then close this airport? 1 Quote
Mark89114 Posted February 20, 2017 Report Posted February 20, 2017 I think the security thing is nonsense, not just in this case but in almost all thinking regarding general aviation. If someone really wanted to they would just loiter down the P-50 area and just plow on in. No need to be based at the airport. I suspect the bigger reason is economics, with only 20 planes there how do you support it? I think we will be seeing a lot more airport closures over the years. 1 Quote
Guest Mike261 Posted February 20, 2017 Report Posted February 20, 2017 Another airport bit the dust here near my home drome. It was privately owned and the owner was offered 3 million for the land. I think we are the last generation that will have somewhat reasonable access to general aviation, and it may end in our lifetimes. There is a lot conspiring against general aviation, most of the general public could care less about pilots that they perceive as one percenters, and they are footing some of the bill for the small airport, or worse yet annoyed by it. Add the self driving car into the mix here, it will affect the whole of aviation...point the car at your destination at bed time and wake up with your own car 700 miles away in the morning, for two tanks of gas. how great is that? enjoy it while we can. Mike Quote
takair Posted February 21, 2017 Report Posted February 21, 2017 2 hours ago, Mike261 said: Another airport bit the dust here near my home drome. It was privately owned and the owner was offered 3 million for the land. I think we are the last generation that will have somewhat reasonable access to general aviation, and it may end in our lifetimes. There is a lot conspiring against general aviation, most of the general public could care less about pilots that they perceive as one percenters, and they are footing some of the bill for the small airport, or worse yet annoyed by it. Add the self driving car into the mix here, it will affect the whole of aviation...point the car at your destination at bed time and wake up with your own car 700 miles away in the morning, for two tanks of gas. how great is that? enjoy it while we can. Mike Mike...which airport closed up there? This gets more discouraging every day and I fear you are correct... Quote
Guest Mike261 Posted February 21, 2017 Report Posted February 21, 2017 it hasnt closed yet...but i heard it was sold to developers for 3m. marlborough airport in mass. mike Quote
carusoam Posted February 21, 2017 Report Posted February 21, 2017 Marlborough is a pretty active GA airport, no? Based on old memories... Best regards, -a- Quote
Guest Mike261 Posted February 21, 2017 Report Posted February 21, 2017 http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20170104/marlborough-airport-on-market-for-3-million Quote
carusoam Posted February 21, 2017 Report Posted February 21, 2017 Thanks for the story, Mike. we have an airport in NJ known as Sky Manor that was recently bought by it's users. One of its members is an MSer here. If you guys need some additional ideas about grass roots things and finance....? Best regards, -a- Quote
FlyWalt Posted August 29, 2017 Author Report Posted August 29, 2017 Hi guys, I just found this news story on this subject. What I find amazing is a clueless city official who can not tell us what the plan is for a job creation center combined with a Navy representative who could tell us specifically what the threat is. http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/georgia/st-mary-s-airport-being-shut-down-due-to-navy-security/460022162 I am just appalled that I pay the heavy taxes that I do for these people to have a job. Fly Safe, W Quote
Raptor05121 Posted August 29, 2017 Report Posted August 29, 2017 I've flown in there before for a breakfast run. Why can't they just "X" the runway aimed at the base? Quote
Mcstealth Posted August 29, 2017 Report Posted August 29, 2017 On February 20, 2017 at 11:33 PM, carusoam said: Marlborough is a pretty active GA airport, no? Based on old memories... Best regards, -a- You are old ? 1 Quote
Raptor05121 Posted August 30, 2017 Report Posted August 30, 2017 Anyone remember Tew-Mac Airport in Lowell, MA? Quote
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