Goodwin/Re the Kalispell City AirportDear Kalispell City Council
I am sending you this note in support of the Kalispell City Airport.
Do you know this airport is a real treasure?
We first visited your airport in 1989 when We lead a tour of 30 light
aircraft from Alberta. We were on a tour of Montana and the City Airport
was one of our stops. We spent several days visiting your city and were
treated as royalty by the Montana Aeronautics Division and the local
Montana Pilots Association. All the aircraft pilots would have purchased
fuel at your local fbo's and we all stayed in local motels such as the
Areo Inn, The Outlaw Inn and Diamond Lils.
The Aero Inn has the great feature of being able to tie your aircraft
right behind their motel. There are not many airports where you can do
this and it is a great feature. The rest of the accommodations are
within easy walking distance. Do you realize how rare this is?
The lodging alone also left a lot of money in your city and don't forget
all the food and adult beverages. (remember these are Canadians) We also
rented tour buses to transport everyone around. (after all the adult
beverages) We went to Glacier Park, Bigfork Playhouse and many of the
ladies went shopping leaving more money in your city.
I know as a fact that many of these people have returned to the City
Airport over the years as we were treated so well by your local airport
businesses. Some have had aircraft repairs done, some have returned to
buy aircraft and a lot have returned over the years just to visit and
enjoy your great city.
When a person fly's into an airport such as yours they tend to spend a
lot more than someone that drives in. They not only spend money at the
local FBO, they tend to rent a car or use a taxi and they have to pay
for all their food and lodging.
Since that time we have returned many times and stayed in your hotels
and motels. We have rented cars. My wife has done more than her share of
shopping. We also returned with our local flying club twice and that
included about 8 aircraft each time, as well as several of our members
drove both times. If it wasn't for the City Airport being so convenient
to all the amenities of your city we probably would not have returned so
many times.
Personally we enjoyed it so much that we bought property, built a house,
bought a hanger and try to spend some time down in your city every
month. All because of you having such a great airport.
During many of our trips down we have noticed a lot of aviation groups
such as the Cessna 170 Club and the Myers Aircraft Owners group holding
conventions at the City Airport, again because of it's great location
and surrounding services. All these groups would be spending money at
your local businesses.
Instead of thinking of closing the City Airport you should be thinking
of ways to get the word out to more flying folks about what you have at
this airport.
A lot of things have changed around the City Airport since we first flew
in. Look at all the new businesses that are now within easy walking
distance. RV dealers, farm supply stores, restaurants, new motels and
hotels just to mention a few. Lots of farmers have aircraft and just
think what a benefit it is for them to be able to make a quick flying
trip to Murdoch's for their vet supplies rather than driving for several
hours. The city should be promoting this kind of service not shutting it
down.
Most people who fly light aircraft are not rich like a lot people think.
A light aircraft costs less than most motor homes and RV's. With all the
problems facing light aircraft owners such as the high fuel prices, high
insurance rates and the new Homeland Security rules we don't need to
worry about having some of the best airports closed because some people
don't realize the value that an airport adds to the community.
There is no other airport in the valley that has all the amenities that
the City Airport has.
Please think before you close such a great asset to your city.
Bruce and Mary Goodwin
Sundre, Alberta - 403-638-3215
Bigfork, Montana - 406-837-3215