Regional and smaller airports are under constant pressure from encroaching development, noise complaints, environmental issues, and over/under utilization, with the ultimate goal of adversaries to close or curtail operations. An effective step airports and the aviation community can take to protect its interests is to create a non-profit organization to become an effective voice and representative for the airport.
Unfortunately, most airports and their respective GA communities don’t organize until a crisis threatens — often too late to be an effective counter force to the opposition’s efforts formed months or even years earlier in pursuit of its anti-aviation agendas.
How to organize effectively
The Westchester Aviation Association, a not-for-profit organization, is an excellent example of how this kind of organization which represents the general aviation community at Westchester County Airport (HPN), just outside of New York City, has helped that airport thrive.
Founded in 1982, the WAA has been a consistent and vocal voice for GA at the airport. They have made great strides in community outreach to address resident concerns, and have maintained strong ties to local, state and federal officials. The WAA has been successful in communicating the benefits the airport provides to the community by direct and indirect revenue, convenience and safety.
Combined efforts block anti-aviation legislation
Recently, a New York Congresswoman backed legislation that would implement a permanent ban on nighttime flights at the airport. The WAA was instrumental in reacting quickly to the proposed legislation, and was successful in getting it blocked. The WAA’s success illustrates the value of an active airport association in place before a crisis threatens the aviation community.
Through diligent community organization, communication and education, the WAA also serves as a model for others to counter attempts to curtail aviation growth for airports and deal with encroaching development, noise complaints, and other issues.
This May, the WAA co-sponsored a major event at Westchester County Airport with Hawker Beechcraft. The event was well attended by politicians, corporations, media, local businesses, civic organizations, and even a former astronaut to illustrate the economic benefits of regional airports.
“Our airport is clearly a tool that promotes economic development,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “The airport is home to more than 80 businesses, employs 1300 people and contributes $649 million to the local economy.”
Regional airports would do well to follow the WAA model.
Jeff Lee, President of the WAA, said the partnership between the organization, local government and community residents has been key to the development of the airport.
“The airport spurs jobs and brings business to the area,” said Lee. “So we reached out to the community and tried to find common ground between local citizens’ concerns and airport operations.”
The WAA proves the success accomplished by a fully developed and sustained community-aviation relationship providing a healthy, local economy to benefit all communities neighboring a regional airport.
Listen in on WAA community/business event
Click here to listen to a brief podcast of this effective aviation event WAA May Event, Westchester Business Takes Flight.
If you wish to join the Westchester Aviation Association and be a part of its on-going efforts in supporting GA at HPN, click here for an application form.
