Update to airport minimum standards for commercial aeronautical activities first in the nation

The home airport for the Experimental Aircraft Association has become the first airfield in the nation to include standards for light-sport aircraft operations, as Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh has adopted those guidelines in its newly updated minimum standards for commercial aeronautical activities.

The Winnebago County (Wis.) board of supervisors approved the light-sport aircraft provisions, opening the door to provide services for this new recreational aircraft category.  The new standards will be published later this month.

"It's fitting that the airport that is home to the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in, where so much aviation innovation is unveiled, also became the first airport in the nation to welcome light-sport aircraft activities," said Earl Lawrence, EAA vice president of industry and regulatory affairs. 

"Most of the country's local airports are underutilized and many confront constant financial challenges.  Sport pilot and light-sport aircraft will offer a chance for these local airports to become more of an economic force in their communities."

The Wittman Regional Airport guidelines establish minimum standards for businesses that emphasize light-sport aircraft operations such as flight training, aircraft rental, maintenance and fueling.  They are similar to specifications developed for airports throughout the country, but with practical modifications that account for the smaller scale needed for light-sport aircraft activities.

"The guidelines established for Wittman Regional Airport, perhaps because the nation's best-known general aviation airport of its close relationship with EAA, can serve as an excellent template for other airport officials who see the potential in light-sport aircraft operations," Lawrence said.  "The general aviation community anticipates an influx of new participants, attracted by the new sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rules.  Consequently, airports that make light-sport aircraft part of their mix of operations will see increased revenue and visibility.  Now is the time for local communities to prepare for these economic opportunities."

The airport standards were developed by a team that included airport management, Winnebago County board members and airport business representatives.  The new guidelines will also serve as one resource for a nationwide aviation-industry committee that is working on specific light-sport aircraft standards for local airports.  That process is administered by ASTM International, one of the largest voluntary standards-developing organizations in the world.  Known for their high technical quality and market relevance, ASTM standards are an important part of the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing, and trade in the global economy.

Wittman Regional Airport has been the home of EAA AirVenture, the world's largest fly-in event, since 1970.  It is named for the late Steve Wittman, a native of Wisconsin's Fox River Valley who became nationally renowned as an aircraft designer, air racer, flight instructor and airport administrator during his 70-year flying career.

FMI: www.eaa.org