In August, 2008, I visited Steamboat Springs, CO, to speak for their big annual airport open house. I was impressed with the airport, the group who put the event together, and the hot air balloon ride they arranged for me. Joe Birkenbine—the fellow who hired me—told me they would treat me well, and by golly they did.
Now I have found out that the airport has received the 2008 General Aviation Recognition Award for the state of Colorado. Hey, can I pick ‘em, or not?
Does your state have a GA airport award?
Folks, the way things happen in Colorado is a good example for all General Aviation (GA) folks to study. In the first place, the award was bestowed by the Colorado Pilots Association, which has 700 members. Seven hundred members! Does the pilot association in your state have 700 members? That alone is a noble goal for all of us.
The club cited the long, tough road for survival the airport faced and won against many efforts to close it down. Airport manager Mel Barker was also cited for service above and beyond. The economic importance of the airport to the Steamboat Springs area was stressed and pilots who use the airport were quoted. The local newspaper wrote a great article on the award.
This is a great example of enthusiastic pilots joining together to recognize, honor, and publicize GA, and to educate the public about the GA role.
Would that it were so in every state.
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