[Dan]

This is just my perspective on some of the problems (or should I say, missed oportunities) for enhancing the interest in general aviation. I work as a mechainic in G.A. and I am not business genius, but some things just dont make sence to me. First, If I was running an FBO it would seem logical to me to advritise my business, by means of radio or t.v. tell people about the flying school availible, the rental planes, have 15$ intorductory flights to get people interested, more fly-in breakfasts, and overall - just encourage people to get in their car, and drive out to the airport to look around, I felt very uneasy about being at the airport when I was just starting out because I didnt even know if i was allowed in the termial building. Put up a VISITORS WELCOME sign at the fron entrance to let people know its THEIR airport as much as anyones. Most people dont even know THEY are paying for the runway with thier tax dollars!
If you want to keep your kids off drugs, get thier butts out of the house, put them in the car and take them places they have NEVER been, so they can see what life has to offer.
My dad did this, by getting me involved in Civil Air Patrol at a young age, this single act ignited my immagination to the possibilities that life had to offer. Now im not pushing CAP, just taking the kids to the airport once a week for ten minutes will do. Another problem, Ive seen FBO's that were not supposed to tun a profit, THATS RIGHT! The owner made sure of it. CAN YOU SAY TAX WRITEOFF?? this sure aint gonna do general aviaition in that town any good billy bob!! The owner fighting against fly-in breakfasts because the club wants to use his maintenence hangar for a day to put the exhibits and food on display. Its things like this that make me sick. I dont give a crap what kind of rental aircraft are availible, If its got wings, I'll fly it! Its the bigger problems that bother me.
Society in general feels intimidated by airports they live right next to.