Airport Authorities, Commissions, Advisory Councils & You! by Kyle Lewis
Regional Manager Government Affairs & Airport Advocacy / Great Lakes / Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
H
ow well do you “know” your airport? How well do you know the recent airport decisions that may impact your home field? If the answer is “not very well,” then read on. Airport governance is wide ranging. Pilots need to know who makes decisions for the airport and what direction the airport is headed. More importantly, airport stakeholders need to be involved in the decision-making process! Most airports are owned by a “sponsor” (terminology used in accepting federal grants) that falls under the jurisdiction of the local elected government – perhaps a county, city, township, village, or even multiple owners, as in regional airports. Some sponsors are an airport authority or commission, which is created by local or state law and have
Kyle Lewis
the same duties and powers as any other government body. Advisory councils or advisory boards are another form of airport oversight, but with different rules. Let us take a closer
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 21
