NORWICH – Organizers are hoping for a more successful Chenango County Airport Day this year at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport. The free-admission event, complete with military aircraft exhibits, in-flight demonstrations and plane rides for all ages, is set for Saturday, June 9.
Approximately 2,000 attended last year’s 21st anniversary celebration. It was the first following a 10-year hiatus. About 95 kids and 15 adults had the opportunity to experience piloting, one of Airport Day’s most popular attractions. Community clubs and service organizations from every corner of the county get involved, with some sponsoring refreshments and activities. A pancake breakfast kicks off the action at 7 a.m.
The event is supported primarily through volunteerism and donations. Earlier this year, officials were forced to consider cutting the aerobatics show – a traditional spectacle of the day – because last year’s event failed to break even. However, according to Town of Norwich Supervisor David C. Law, who chairs the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee, donations have already started to pick up and the in-flight stunts and tricks show will go on.
Officials hope to show off six new t-hangars that are now nearing completion at the airport. With runway surface and lighting improvements and a new credit card-operated fuel pump for pilots, the county’s economic development gem appears to be turning around. Supervisor Law said more corporate jets from companies such as Chobani, NBT Bank and Baillie Lumber have been taking off and landing.
The airport’s fixed-based operator departed in 2009, leaving a huge hole that the county’s airport administrator, Donald MacIntosh, steering committee and members of Law’s committee have struggled to fill ever since. Last year, officials secured the credit card machine, adjusted jet fuel prices to remain competitive in the region, and established a website to advertise the airport to more pilots. The county spent just $3,000 to deliver personnel, fuel and t-hangar services as well as maintain runway infrastructure in 2011 compared to $42,000 in 2010.
