Kalispell City Airport (18)Hi All,
I have said in the past I would let everyone know when we need the full
support of the aviation community on the Kalispell City Airport issue.
Now is that time. The City Council is scheduled for a work session on
the 8th of February and we need to let them know what our thoughts are.
This won't be the last time we need the support....but it is an
important first step.
Please pass this on to anyone you know that can help.
If some of you are not aware of the issues.....there is a group called
Quiet Skies in Kalispell that is trying to close the Kalispell City
Airport S27. These people are a vocal group and are gaining support by
spreading false information about the usage and value of the airport.
One of the concerns they are raising is "safety" to the residents and
that aircraft are dangerous. They also say that Kalispell City airport
is the ONLY airport that has aircraft taking off and landing over a
city. I guess they have never been to Missoula, Great Falls, Helena or
Billings.
The location of this airport is one of its greatest assets to us as
pilots. It is great to get out of your plane and walk to the grocery
store, restaurant or hotel.
Another concern of this group is that this airport is only for the LOCAL
few pilots and a burden to the taxpayers of Kalispell. The fact of the
matter is that this airport is an Enterprise Fund and is entirely funded
by the activities, taxes and leases on the airport not the residents and
is in the black.
Here is a link to the City of Kalispell's "Hot Topics" which lists all
the questions raised at e first Scoping Session and the answers provided
to them..... http://kalispell.com/downloads/airportinformation.pdf
Also here is a link to the Kalispell City Airport Site for the history
and me other facts related to the "Upgrades" to the airport......
http://kalispellcityairport.com <http://kalispellcityairport.com/>
So......what is needed? We need EVERYONE to send an email listing the
values of the Kalispell City Airport to the aviation community.
citycouncil@kalispell.com
Below are some points that need to be emphasized:
Location----------Near businesses, restaurants and hotels in town
Safety-------------Upgrading is a key point to improving safety (VASI,
lengthening, safety zones, width)
Noise--------------Realignment of the runway and traffic patterns will
lessen the noise footprint
Financial---------The impact of closing or moving the airport to local
businesses, The costs to the City to close the airport
Employment----Current employment from the businesses on the airport,
future employment opportunities from these businesses, the employment
from the construction of the improvements.
Pubic Service---Young Eagles, Emergency Medical, Mail/Fed Ex and UPS
Access-----------Access to the parking areas and aircraft without prior
security screening (Rafting trips, Fly-ins, Young Eagles, Gliders,
Camping)
I am asking for your help in this matter because it is extremely
important that the City Council hear from the Aviation Community about
the value of this Asset. If any of you know the council members
personally.....give them a call and talk to them.
PLEASE EMAIL TO THE COUNCIL BEFORE FEBRUARY 4th
Have a great day,
--
Jim Pierce
Montana Pilot's Association
Flathead Hangar
1880 Hwy 93 South
Kalispell, MT
59901
<flathead.hangar@gmail.com>
406-755-2376