Disappearing GA Airports

Like a receding fog, GA airports are disappearing. Are our country’s general aviation airports disappearing like a misty fog in the morning light? In the early 1970’s there were close to 7,000 GA public use airports around the country. Today that number has shrunk to about 5,000. We are losing a GA airport at the rate of two per month.

If not for the GA where would the approximately 620,000 registered pilots fly/land? Where would aircraft like the Monneys, and Maules, hangar, not to mention the Cessnas and Pipers? What about the jobs of the thousands of FBO employees, airport managers and maintenance workers?

With myopic vision, many cities and smaller towns are eagerly allow urban sprawl to crowd around the long standing airports and then complain about the noise, traffic and lack of a strip mall close by. Many GA are neglected by the city and dying a slow death because of lack of funding and thus proper maintenance. Many surrender to technology advances and operating restrictions.

How important are these GA airports to the community? Besides convenient computer service, mail service, let’s not forget to mention life-saving services like Angel Flight, Wings of Hope and the Civil Air Patrol, jobs and significant tax revenue. GA is a vital part of our transportation system and global economy. Take notice!