We All Too Often Hear About The Big Airshows But Miss The Stories About Small Airports That Have Learned How To Put Their Best Foot Forward In Their Communities
General aviation airports can’t expect non-aviators to understand their value. These airports need to be visible and active within the community, and it doesn’t take a splashy airshow to get the job done. Cushing Regional Airport in Cushing, Oklahoma and Davidson County Airport in Lexington, North Carolina are a couple of examples of GA airports that found ways to blend with their community without breaking the bank.
These are just two stories of the many small airports around the country that open their doors to their communities, but their stories just don’t make the headlines. Many small airports are surrounded by thousands of residents that really don’t understand their value. Does general aviation just tend to stand in its own shadow and not be seen? If so, we need to step out into the light.
Cushing Regional Airport Celebrates The 4th Of July With An Open House
Cushing Regional Airport has just concluded their second annual 4th of July open house. Businesses in the community along with an airport support group and local pilots worked together to provide events that brought members of the community out to see what the airport has to offer.
The Cushing Airport Board realized this event can’t be complicated or expensive but it can be entertaining. Local pilots displayed their airplanes which included the standard fare along with some homebuilt airplanes and the corporate jet and a few warbirds.
A group known as the Airport Support Wing is a 501c3 organization that offered scenic rides for a small fee. The funds collected help support the airport and are applied to future events. An all-volunteer group ran the show from about 2 o’clock in the afternoon until the early evening.
The event was advertised in the community and surrounding towns through posters donated by the local newspaper. A food court was set up and operated by local charities, and entertainment was provided for the small children.
We couldn’t get a count of how many people attended, but the place was packed and well over 100 people took airplane rides. It helped show local residents the importance of their airport. (The lower image is a homebuilt replica of a circa 1930 Corbin Cabin Ace flown in from Ponca City, Oklahoma to support the Cushing open house.)
Davidson County Airport In Lexington North Carolina Is Planning To Hold Their 5th Annual Big Toy Day On August 23
Much like the event in Cushing Oklahoma, the Big Toy Day event places the local airport in a positive light to the community. It was reported on The-Dispatch.com that the family-friendly, outdoor event will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., rain or shine, at the Davidson County Airport.
Since 2010, Big Toy Day has grown and draws more than 1,200 people and features over 50 unique vehicles such as planes, boats, race cars, antique trucks and construction, military and emergency equipment.
A Fly-In event hosted by Fly High Lexington, the airport FBO, will again coincide with Big Toy Day, giving attendees the chance to see multiple take-offs and landings by small passenger aircraft. Chapter 1083 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will also offer free flights through the Young Eagles program. Children ages 8 to 17 will have the opportunity to take a short flight over Davidson County with a certified pilot.
It’s events like these that help to mold a positive image of general aviation.
(Images of Cushing event provided by Ed Downs)
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