Regional Access Issues

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Supporting Members in their home communities and at general aviation airports across the country is among NBAA’s primary objectives. NBAA’s group of highly qualified, experienced regional representatives work with community leaders, NBAA Members and the larger business aviation community throughout the year on a range of local, state and regional issues.

NBAA’s regional efforts involve work on policies affecting business aviation access including, airport and land use, security, taxation, aircraft noise and emissions, and other priorities. For more detailed information on specific local issues, review NBAA's coverage of regional issues below.

For the latest in regional news, subscribe to NBAA Update, a free e-newsletter providing a synopsis of the latest operational, regulatory and legislative news for the business aviation community.

North Dakota Community Moves Toward Reopening Airport
May 14, 2012
Located north of Killdeer, ND, Weydahl Field (9Y1) has been essentially closed for about two years due to deteriorating conditions and a lack of support for maintaining the facility. However, new oil exploration has driven a statewide economic boom and could soon bring the airport back to life. "Where else do you have an airport where an oil boom is occurring right next to it?" asked Kyle Wanner, aviation planner with the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. "This is an opportunity to re-plan the entire airport, a new and better airport, to adjust to the oil traffic while also allowing for additional business development." Read more about this North Dakota airport.
Wyoming to Build First New Airport in State Since 2004
April 13, 2012
For nearly 60 years, the small airfield serving the community of Thermopolis, WY has been something of a compromise. The airport is constrained by geography, with no room to grow and little in the way of safe overrun areas. It may have been enough for the piston-powered aircraft flown by the oilmen who originally built the field, but it's inadequate for many of today's larger, heavier and faster airplanes. Soon, however, Thermopolis will benefit from the first brand-new airport built in the state since 2004. Learn more about the new Wyoming airport.
Louisiana Airport Seeks More Business Aviation Traffic
January 4, 2012
Recognizing the role of business aviation in supporting jobs, economic activity and local investment, St. John the Baptist Parish in south Louisiana will be lengthening its runway by almost 30 percent, so that the facility can accommodate a wider variety of airplanes. "Our businesses and industries here in St. John's have been asking for this runway extension for quite some time," said Joel Chaisson, director of the Port of South Louisiana, which oversees St. John the Baptist Parish Airport. "Some of the smaller company airplanes could use the existing 4,000-foot runway, but this 1,100-foot extension will allow more types of business airplanes and provide better safety for everyone." Learn more about St. John the Baptist Parish Airport.
St. Louis GA Airport, a Boon to the City, Aims to Boost Operations
December 5, 2011
Only three miles from the city's famed Gateway Arch, St. Louis Downtown Airport has just completed an improvement project – repaving and widening the primary runway from 100 to 150 feet and installing an advanced lighting system – that officials hope will attract even more business aircraft flying into the city. With an annual economic impact of $300 million, the airport also has an important civic and humanitarian value. "There's not a day that goes by that we don't have at least a couple of ambulances on the ramp for organs for transplant and patient transfers," said airport director Bob McDaniel. Learn more about St. Louis Downtown Airport.
Local Advocacy Improves Approaches in Denver Area
September 2, 2011
NBAA members in the Denver area have been raising the bar when it comes to working cooperatively with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials on airspace access issues; and their efforts have been paying off in terms of better access and more business-aviation friendly approaches into area airports. Learn more.
Local Advocacy Prompts Customs Policy Changes in Columbus
August 31, 2011
A recent, collaborative effort between government and industry in Columbus, OH, prompted improvements to clearance policies from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for business aviation at the Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio. "It was the perfect example of a partnership of industry and government getting something accomplished," reported NBAA Security Council Chairman Greg Kulis. The situation highlights the importance of industry mobilization on policies impacting business aviation. Learn more.
Business Aviation Voices, Others Weigh in on Republic Airport Planning
August 15, 2011
Business aviation supporters were among those present when officials at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY, on Long Island, held a recent open house to gather input on a Vision Plan airport officials are drafting to define the airport's role for decades to come. The meeting comes as the first phase concludes in a two-phase production process for the Vision Plan. "We're getting input from everyone, and then we'll come up with a plan that satisfies everybody as much as possible," said Michael Geiger, Republic Airport director. Learn more.
Business Aviation Voices, Others Weigh in on Republic Airport Planning
August 15, 2011
Business aviation supporters were among those present when officials at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY, on Long Island, held a recent open house to gather input on a Vision Plan airport officials are drafting to define the airport's role for decades to come. The meeting comes as the first phase concludes in a two-phase production process for the Vision Plan. "We're getting input from everyone, and then we'll come up with a plan that satisfies everybody as much as possible," said Michael Geiger, Republic Airport director. Learn more.
Brooksville's Hernando County Airport Takes Top Florida Honors
August 1, 2011
A West Florida airport with plans to expand its already-solid appeal to business aviation was recently honored as the state's 2011 Community Airport of the Year. Hernando County Airport (BKV) in Brooksville offers expansive facilities and quick access to the Tampa Bay area. BKV Marketing and Property Coordinator Kimberly Poppke says, "It's a great place to base! We are 37 nautical miles due north of Tampa, and driving there takes 40 minutes on the Sun Coast Parkway. We offer a pair of long concrete runways to accommodate any kind of aircraft, and great ingress and egress to Tampa. Learn more.
New NBAA Brochure Series Advocates for Airports
June 27, 2011
Two full-color brochures to assist NBAA Members with noise issues at airports have been produced by the Association, and a third, on converting a surplus military airport to civilian use, has also just been released. The three brochures start a special series for use as tools by NBAA Members working with critical airport issues. Learn more.
NBAA Concerned Over New Airport Use Fees in Oregon
June 13, 2011
The NBAA has been made aware of a new airport use fee schedule enacted recently at the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend, OR. Association representatives are in communication with counterparts at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which has recently sent inquiries to the Airport Manager seeking further information regarding the methodology used in developing the fee schedule. NBAA is currently reviewing the information and will be meeting with the FAA Airport Compliance Division this week to better understand whether the new rate structure meets FAA grant assurances. Please contact NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org for additional information or questions. Reviev the new airport use fee schedule.
A New Airport Opens, Deep in the Heart of Texas
June 8, 2011
Although it's been open for nearly a month now, Austin Executive staged its official grand opening on June 8, welcoming general aviation with a runway expanded to more than 6,000 feet and an FBO dedicated to providing premium customer service. In typical Texas fashion, last week’s grand opening event featured a barbecue, open house and speech-making by local officials. NBAA Southwest Regional Representative Steve Hadley also took part in the grand opening program. Learn more.

Regional Access Issues News Archives

May 6, 2011
Connecticut Groups Keep New Aviation Taxes Out of State Budget
April 25, 2011
Maine Legislature Moves to Support General Aviation
April 18, 2011
Missouri Groups Join Together to Advocate for Aviation
April 11, 2011
Virginia Leaders Say: 'No Plane, No Gain'
February 28, 2011
NBAA: Nighttime Ban at California Airports Won't Fly
February 25, 2011
Customs Services Return Investment to Local Airports, Communities
February 25, 2011
NBAA Supports New Hampshire Group's Local Advocacy
February 4, 2011
Colorado Group Produces Video on Value of Business Aviation
February 1, 2011
Texas ‘Smackdown’ Mobilizes Local Safety Expertise
January 31, 2011
Podcast: Why the Court's Ruling Matters Beyond Santa Monica
January 24, 2011
Court Ruling Helps Preserve Access to Santa Monica Airport
January 24, 2011
Addison Airport Uses Online Radio for Effective Advocacy
January 21, 2011
Outlook Improves in Washington State Tax Battle
January 14, 2011
North Dakota Operators Organize Local Advocacy Group
January 3, 2011
NBAA Resources Key to Local Advocacy in Minnesota and Nationwide
December 27, 2010
Business Aviation Professionals Strengthen California Advocacy
November 15, 2010
Regional Representatives Help with Local Aviation Issues
August 12, 2010
NBAA Supports Formation of New York Aviation Caucus
August 2, 2010
Business Aviation Opponents in CA Take Their Case To Congress
June 23, 2010
Massachusetts Lawmakers Join Together to Support Business Aviation
April 12, 2010
Outlook Improves in Washington State Tax Battle
April 8, 2010
NBAA Member Action Needed to Pass Florida Sales and Use Tax Reform
April 6, 2010
Chicago Business Aviation Community Underscores Safety Focus
April 1, 2010
GAMA, NBAA Tell Washington Aviation Forum Attendees:
‘No Plane No Gain’
March 29, 2010
Washington State Aircraft Tax Still Unsettled
March 25, 2010
Missouri Aviation Joins Ranks; Makes, Keeps Friends at Aviation Day
March 22, 2010
Washington State Excise Tax Removed, But New Proposal ‘Can’t Be Called An Improvement’
March 18, 2010
Colorado “Aviation Saves” Event Will Highlight Industry's Value
March 17, 2010
NBAA Member FargoJet Steps Up In A Time of Need
March 15, 2010
PNBAA 2010 Safety Day Supports Professionals and Students
February 15, 2010
Grassroots Action Key In Opposing WA State Tax Proposal
January 21, 2010
Arizona Aviation Day at the AZ State Capitol
December 8, 2009
Pacific Northwest Regional Meeting Captures Local Synergy
November 23, 2009
Access Issues at BUR: An On-the-Ground Perspective
November 16, 2009
Scottsdale Airport Attracting Business Aviation After Community, Activist Outreach
November 4, 2009
FAA Rules Against Nighttime Curfew Proposal at Burbank Airport
October 23, 2009
NBAA's Regional Representatives Hear From Local Business Aviation Activists
October 16, 2009
Scottsdale City Council Approves Measure Welcoming Business Aircraft