Colleran/Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc. SupportsM�s» 421 Aviation Way
^�q Frederick, Maryland 21701
AL AltabEft Am
T. 301-695-2000
SAR F.301-695-2375
www.aopa.org
January 28, 2010
The Honorable Tammi Fisher
Mayor
502 Second Avenue East
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Dear Mayor Fisher:
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) represents the general aviation interests of more than 415,000 members, more
than two-thirds of the nation's pilots, including 2,600 members in the State of Montana. AOPA is committed to ensuring the future
viability and economic development of general aviation airports and their facilities as a vital part of a state and national
transportation system.
We understand that there is some local debate over the possibility of locating a new airport near Kalispell to replace the existing
airport and that there has been some opposition to accepting new federal funds at the current airport to facilitate necessary
improvements. On behalf of our members we are writing to join the local pilots and the members of the Montana Pilots
Association in encouraging the continued operation of Kalispell City Airport. We believe that the city should seriously consider
accepting the airport improvement grant funds available from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue improving
the safety and economical viability of the airport. We would suggest that the current location adds great value to the local economy
and provides a public service to the community through the emergency medical operations.
Safety —Kalispell City Airport has a tremendous safety record with only one fatal accident in the last 15 years. In addition to this
exemplary record, the open space surrounding the airport not only is important to airport safety, but provides the community with
more than 70 acres of open green. space. Upgrading the airport will increase safety at Kalispell.
Noise —AOPA encourages pilots to be good neighbors and fly friendly. Voluntary noise abatement procedures can easily be
adapted to mininuze the impact of aircraft operations on surrounding communities. Pilots always support being good neighbors. In
addition, modem day aircraft incorporate numerous means of mitigating noise and air pollution.
Financial —Not only does the Kalispell airport operate in the black, but it provides for 359 jobs in the community. As you are
aware, the Enterprise Fund does not accept money from the public and generates its revenue from the users through commercial
fees, land leases and fuel taxes. Kalispell City Airport is a model of how all general aviation airports should operate, We
encourage the City Council to take into consideration the true asset the airport is to the entire community during its February 81h
hearing.
I will be in Montana for the Montana Aviation Conference and would like to take an opportunity to come visit with you personally
in Kalispell the week of March i . I will follow-up with a call to your office to set that up, or if you have any questions, please feel
free to contact me directly at 301-695-2201.
Since - ly,
J Cole n
rrector of Advocacy
'.L "
cc: /Jim A}kinson, Council Member
Kari Gabriel, Council Member
Robert Hafferman, Council Member
Randy Kenyon, Council Member
Tim Kuesiier, Council Member
M. Duane Larson, Council Member
Jeff Zauner, Council Member
Wayne Saverud, Council Member
Jane Howington, City Manager
AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION