Supported by members of the Geauga County Airport Authority, Patty Fulop laid out her plan to increase community awareness about the benefits of having a local airport July 16.
Supported by members of the Geauga County Airport Authority, Patty Fulop laid out her plan to increase community awareness about the benefits of having a local airport July 16.
“I’m extremely excited to be home at the Geauga airport,” said Fulop, who recently accepted the position of part-time outreach coordinator for the facility, built in 1968 on Old State Road in Middlefield.
In a presentation in Hangar 3, Fulop outlined an ambitious agenda, including upgrading the airport’s website and social media presence, helping the community understand the impact of the airport on local business and tourism, and working to advance a project to add a parallel runway on the 100-acre site.
The project would greatly increase airport usage, she said
Essential to her program is enlisting ambassadors to carry the word to a long list of organizations, focusing on what the airport has to offer, Fulop said.
“We need to create presentations with PowerPoints and videos and we need people to pitch those presentations,” she said.
Presentations could be made at educational facilities, events across the county and at the airport, to senior citizens, first responders, at political gatherings and to social organizations such as scout troops, libraries, Rotary clubs, as well as government-related organizations, Fulop said.
“We will be looking to find individuals to train on the lingo and strong points that can relay to their libraries, groups and media the vast benefits of the Geauga County Airport,” she said in a recent email. “I will also be looking for supporters with skillsets that will assist me in creating data bases for civic organizations, schools, businesses interests, government and much more.”
Fulop plans to monitor social media to address misconceptions and tell the story of the airport and its affiliates, such as the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5 based in Hangar 3.
“We are looking for ideas and input from media groups and leaders in our county that have been involved in economic and tourism development that will effectively portray a positive image and promote the airport’s value,” she said.
Fulop’s campaign comes in the wake of a months-long dispute between the airport and the Geauga County Commissioners over funds for a new T-hangar, during which heated discussions about the airport’s impact and value to the greater community ensued.
During her presentation July 16, Fulop emphasized the Geauga County Airport charges fees for use of its runway and hangars and any other activities there, covering its operational costs.
“We are one of the few airports operating in the black,” she said.
However, grants are necessary for capital improvements. Most come from the Federal Aviation Authority and Ohio Department of Transportation, Fulop said.
She credited airport Manager Ric Blamer with securing more than $6 million in funding over the last six years, noting the county provides a 5% match for some of the grants.
“County residents are getting a big bang for their buck,” Fulop said.
There are 52 aircraft owners leasing space in the hangars and about 36 potential users on a waiting list, she said, adding an eighth hangar is in process.
The EEA Chapter has events at the airport year round, including a summer youth aviation camp, Young Eagles programs, rides and flights with pilots. Flying lessons are also available.
The aviation industry has a shortage of pilots and mechanics, and the youth programs at the airport include all aspects of flight, Fulop said.
“There’s a lot of teaching going on here,” she said, adding the FAA has scholarships for mechanics in the aviation field.
“I truly believe that, though the airport is deeded to the board of county commissioners, it belongs to all the people of Geauga County and it is a great asset that many residents can use and become involved (with),” she said. “I want to get the word out there.”
