Member Spotlight- McPherson Airport
The McPherson Airport is a “huge asset” to our community as Kelly Hoover pointed out. Not only a key component to local corporations but it also serves recreational pilots, medical transportation needs, pipeline pilots and the next generation of aviators. The McPherson Airport, in some way, affects everyone in the community. Whether your corporate team fly’s in/out for training (utilizing hotels, shopping and restaurants) not to mention the trickle effect the successful industries bring to our community. Maybe your family has taken part in the free EAA Young Eagles flights, enjoyed activities at the airport, or your loved one has needed an Angel Flight for health care. The McPherson Airport touches many lives.
During the Chamber Connections, Airport manager Cynthia Peterson said their main mission is safety. When googling airport terminology, safety means “measures taken in the airport area to prevent acts that may cause danger or inconvenience to traffic at the airport”. Peterson displayed a map of proposed wind turbines and their placement in relation to the airspace needed for take-off and landing at the McPherson Airport. Their concern is that the placement of some of the proposed wind turbines could potentially affect the safety of some aircraft. According to seasoned pilot, Gary Roper, the wind turbines or any tall obstacles, “basically have the effect of shortening the runway.” For more information contact airport manager Cynthia Peterson at 620-241-0684.
Learn more about youth programs, volunteer opportunities at the airport or upcoming events at www.mcphersonairport.com or follow them on Facebook. The McPherson Airport has several projects underway and Peterson mentioned a few more goals they have for future projects as well. Be watching the Chamber e-newsletter for details on a special event in October to showcase the completion of realigning the taxiway & new lighting, plus special activities for the kids. And the big question is, can you learn to fly at the McPherson Airport? Yes, you can! They also have a rental plane or opportunities to join a club and co-own a plane. So what is grounding you…the sky is the limit at the McPherson Airport.