Abrupt End To Investigating Lengthened Runway At Hilton Head (SC)

Here's what's not going to happen at the Hilton Head Airport (SC): The study to examine lengthening the runway. The Beaufort County Aviation Board made that unanimous decision Thursday.

The Carolina Morning News reports a contract to draft an airport consulting contract at Hilton Head had been put on hold pending the decision. "The board doesn't feel (a study) is needed at this time," said board Vice Chairman Pete Buchanan, who chaired the meeting in Chairman Harvey Ewing's absence. "There are feelings that Hilton Head's general population doesn't want a larger runway."

The question is addressed on the airport's website. In the FAQ section, it says, "Why doesn't US Airways Express have non-stop service or jet service to/from the Hilton Head Airport?"

The answer: "Hilton Head Airport respects the wishes of the island's residents. Therefore, when Beaufort County promised that the runway would not be extended to accommodate larger and louder aircraft, the Hilton Head Airport became limited to smaller corporate jets and turboprop commuter planes. "US Airways serves Hilton Head Island with the De Havilland Dash 8, a 37-seat (or 50-seat) cabin-class aircraft, which is as large and provides as much seating space as most regional jets."

The problem, of course, is that US Airways and most other major carriers are converting their propjet fleets to regional jets. A 4,300-foot runway is not big enough for the regional jets that other commercial carriers use. "If Piedmont really parks (its Dash 8s) and is the only game in town, we're not going to have any passengers out there," Buchanan said. But he also said, "there may be people who come around and say, 'here's an opportunity,' and make up their own little carrier" service with turboprops.

Doesn't sound like Hilton Head is going to budge on this one.

FMI: www.hiltonheadairport.com