Commonwealth Has 266 Private-Use Airfields, In Addition To 66 Public Airports

When it comes to efforts to protect general aviation, few states can rival the pilot and enthusiast community in the Commonwealth of Virginia. On the heels of state-level efforts to promote use of Virginia's 66 public airports, comes a group of private airport owners and aviation enthusiasts who recently formed the Virginia Airport Owners Association (VAOA) to address issues concerning privately-owned airports within the state.

The organization, thought to be the first of its kind in the US, aims to provide a united voice for this segment of the aviation industry. There are 226 private-owned airports currently registered in Virginia.

"The purpose of the VAOA is to become the recognized voice for all issues concerning privately-owned airports within the state," said John Mazza Jr., president of the VAOA.

VAOA was commended by the Airport Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) for its efforts to foster the continued growth and development of private airports in Virginia. VAOA is providing networking, communication, security awareness and economic opportunities for airport owners and aviation enthusiasts throughout the state.

Future plans for the VAOA include ensuring that local and state governments understand the value of privately owned airports. The VAOA will also work to streamline the zoning process of new, privately owned airports as well as work to ensure that neighbors of privately owned airports understand the operations and value of these airports.

"The creation of the VAOA is a great opportunity for the aviation community. It will improve communications between this segment of aviation and DOAV," said Randy Burdette, director of DOAV. "It will allow us to work together to promote a safer and more secure aviation system for the citizens of the Commonwealth."

As ANN reported last year, DOAV implemented the "Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program," which rewards general aviation pilots for trying new destinations around the commonwealth.

FMI: www.doav.virginia.gov/