listen in at local airport on 88.1
April 24th, 2006
I just ran across an article titled “Aviation’s airwaves” by Alexa James in the Times Herald-Record. The story is about retired U.S. Navy Capt. Frederick “Fritz” J. Kass, Jr., an airport director in Montgomery, New York. Along with running a successful airport, Kass set up a transmitter that broadcasts pilot communications on an FM frequency of 88.1. He maintains the low-power transmitter as a tool to educate and entertain the airport’s neighbors. “I wanted to demystify the airport, and help the local people enjoy an asset they ultimately own,” he said.
What a fantastic story! As AOPA and others in the aviation industry focus on reaching out to new pilot prospects to strengthen our sport, Kass has already started. Small efforts such as this will lead to big results. Can you imagine if every general aviation airport in the country did this? I bet the one or two observers that I see parked at my local airport on a nice Saturday morning would start to multiply…
Nice work Captain Kass! We need more ideas like this.
[tags]General Aviation, AOPA[/tags]
Entry Filed under: aopa, general aviation
2 Comments Add your own
1. B.P. | April 30th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
I wonder if any organization has a good handle on how to really expand the LSA and GA market. It seems to me manufactures and professional organizations target existing pilots and do very little to expand the pool of pilots. They should find out what issues keep pilot want-a-bes from actually becoming pilots and put effort into creating more want-a-bes. A significant issue for me was the lack of access to small (affordable) airports. Driving for hours to get to and from the airport was/is a hassle. Also, I think the perceived risk in flying is an issue. I think the recent trend to put ballistic parachutes on small aircraft goes a long way to alleviate that.
2. Jeff Coffey | May 15th, 2006 at 10:52 pm
I think you’re right. With the new sport pilot rule, I think awareness is the biggest issue. More could and should be done to get the word out to the non-pilot community. Manufacturers are doing very little and organizations such as AOPA seem very passive about sport pilot in their outreach efforts.
Once word gets out, I think quite a bit can be said about new safety features such as aircraft parachutes, seatbelt airbags, and advanced avionics.
Cost will always be a factor for many. Regardless, sport pilot has brought the cost of both training and ownership of a new factory-built aircraft down considerably. That certainly makes the sport affordable to more individuals today than ever before.
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