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PARKERSBURG -- A couple of organizations dedicated to general aviation want to be able to support and advocate for aviation services and events at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.
Representatives of the Mid-Ohio Valley Aviation Association (MOVAA) the Airport Support Network and River Town Aviation appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to discuss their hopes for the airport and things they want to see happen there.
The non-profit association was formed to enhance the abilities, and support the activities of general aviation in the Mid-Ohio Valley Airport and its benefits within the community, including but not limited to schools, businesses, political entities and the general public.
"We will promote and advocate for airports in the Mid-Ohio Valley, both public and private," said MOVAA President Seth Bertram reading from the group's mission statement. "We will work with local, state, federal and private agencies on issues concerning general aviation within our community."
The group wants to help reduce expenses for general aviation, increase safety, improve public awareness and usage of local general aviation assets as well as promote a family friendly atmosphere that both general aviation enthusiasts and the general public can benefit from.
Bertram said they have set up an email account for pilots and other to report safety issues at the airport and work with airport officials to address them, including improved lighting near a gas pumping station, FAA seminars and more. They want to work to help improve facilities at the airport, including upgrades and general maintenance at some of the hangers.
They also want to look at business development to help sustain the airport and help it grow.
"We have a large group of people who are pillars of our community, they run businesses and employ people that can help us help you bring business to the airport," Bertram said. "The community needs to see the value in our airport, they need to see why this area needs an airport,
"We need that airport because it brings business into that airport."
Corporate aviation saw an increase in flights on corporate jets as COVID limited commercial flights, said Josh Wilson of the Airport Support Network.
One idea to bring people out to the airport is to have another air show. It has been a number of years since the last air show. Commissioners said it is difficult to put such a show on with all the regulations.
"It is a lot of moving pieces to do an air show," Commission President Blair Couch said, adding it was a huge financial commitment from the county and the airport authority.
Another idea was to host fly-ins where different individual aircraft can be brought in and shown so the groups can see what needed to be done with the intention of working up to an air show.
The commission does want to support the airport, he said.
"We all know it is important," Couch said.
They talked about available space at the airport, where additional hangers could be placed, what hangers can be renovated and more.
County officials have tried to include more of the region in promoting the airport, but government entities in Washington County could not contribute much because the airport is physically in West Virginia and some of the surrounding counties couldn't do much because of commitments to their own areas, county officials said.
"We have tried a lot of things," Couch said, adding he appreciated both groups taking an interest in the airport and would like to find ways they all can work together on different projects that can enhance the airport's local standing.
Will Turner of River Town Aviation, based at the airport, provides pilot training through flying lessons. They also purchase around 17 percent of the airport's fuel.
"We are growing and expanding monthly," he said of plans to increase business. They teach people from 17 to over 70 and have a number of students who fly twice a week to at least once a month.
"We want to grow here," Turner said. "I love aviation and I love this airport."
He believes something needs to be done to improve it and allow it to expand to bring in more business.
The airport has had a leadership shakeup with the retirement of former Airport Manager Glen Kelly and the short tenure and recent resignation of the last manager Denise Myers. The airport authority is meeting and discussing possible names for the manager's position.
Both groups and the commission want to see someone with aviation experience in the position. The commission wants someone in the position before they start talking long-term plans.
"That is really key for us," Couch said.
A special meeting of the Wood County Airport Authority will be held 1 p.m. today in the terminal conference room at the airport. On the agenda is a "Executive Session for Personnel Matters and To Consider Matters affecting Purchase or Lease. Pursuant to WVC 6-9A-4-(b) (2) (A) and WVC 6-9A-4-9."
Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com