Jan 20, 2007: City Councilor Flight Day

How one measures success in life is almost always a personal question. So when we asked fourteen city officials if they'd like an airplane ride over their city and only five took us up on it, it just goes to prove that success is at least a relative thing. However,  since all we really wanted to do is raise the visibility of the Flying Club in the eyes of the local politicians - we probably did ok. Those folks who did show up, just had a great time!

You see, back in November, 2005 the City of Kingston brought in some consultants in to help their staff develop a meaningful Airport Development Plan going forward for the next 20 years. The folks at the Flying Club heard about the public meeting and we all attended in droves. We were like bees on honey. All evening we heard not a word about General Aviation (GA) or personal flying, but instead, it was all about how many Jazz flights were coming or going. This was not a good sign for the Flying Club.

We were simply not in a good position to ask for anything from the planning committee when they barely knew we existed. It was time for a change.

So, a Councilor Flight Day was planned where we invited city councilors and the Mayor, as well as the head of the local Economic Development Board (KEDCO), up for a 20-minute airplane ride. Each was allowed to bring a guest.

The January Flight Day showed up bright, cold and breezy. Each of our five pilots were provided with a flight plan route to follow over the city and we gave a copy to our local FSS folks. Our Club president (Darren Rich), gave a small preamble to the assembled group in the Club as to why we were hosting the event and Dave Tisdale joined in comparing it to the Young Eagle program. The similarity being an appreciation of personal flying.

Well, it turned out the pilots and the riders really enjoyed it.  So much so, that we thought we might do it again when the weather is a bit warmer. Our take-away feeling from the event was that the councilors really did get an understanding of why our Club existed, as well as an appreciation of the social benefits of the Club.

Now whether this one event will translate into a greater voice in the development process of the Airport Development Plan is another question. However, the next public information session for the Airport Development Plan will be held this Thursday - and again, we'll be there - in droves.