by Jeff Flynn
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2023 Digital Issue
Have your ever heard the term “Airport Enthusiast?” Maybe you have been one or are one. There is no doubt that if you have spent enough time hanging around an airport, you likely know at least one.
Airport enthusiasts are, in many cases, the foundation of general aviation. They range from people who fly and possibly build their own aircraft, to weekend flyers, to student pilots and others. The one thing they all have in common is their passion for general aviation. That passion may have developed while building their first balsawood airplane model, or from attending an airshow, or any number of things. It does not matter where the passion originated, it only matters that one acted on that passion. Many of us spend our lives wishing and hoping for inspiration. Airport enthusiasts grab life by the horns and find a way to exercise their passion. Which means they spend a lot of time at airports.
And, generally speaking, they like to talk about all things related to aviation. Those who don’t talk much, still demonstrate their passion through their actions and projects.
Take the case of “Tim” (not his real name, but a real person). Tim spent every weekday working his day job. After he got off work, Tim would drive to the local airport to spend the remainder of the afternoon embracing a cup of coffee and talking about airplanes. His dedication was noteworthy because his arrival time would be so consistent that, if Tim did not show up at 3:21 p.m. each day, the rest of the local airport crowd would wonder if he may have been involved in an unfortunate event. You see, the drive time from Tim’s place of work required twenty-one minutes for him to travel to the airport. It was like clockwork.
Tim is an aircraft owner, flight instructor, and all-around nice guy. More importantly – he’s like hundreds of passionate airport enthusiasts found at local public airports on any given day, ready to share his knowledge of and passion for general aviation with anyone who’ll take the time to say “hello.”
Getting started in general aviation.
The point is, a lot can be learned from simply hanging around an airport to talk about flying, observe activities, and share a common passion. You may also find a new group of friends.
If you have an interest in aviation, please don’t sit at home. Make the leap, drive to the airport, even if you don’t currently fly or own an aircraft. There is so much to be learned from simply hanging around at the airport.
If you are not currently a pilot, yet have an interest in aviation, consider taking something called an “introductory flight.” These “Intro Flights” give you a chance to take the controls of an aircraft with an experienced instructor guiding you through basic maneuvers.
Maybe flying an aircraft is not your goal. Perhaps you would like to explore opportunities to be an aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, or aircraft servicer. Please don’t be intimidated by the fences and gates around airports. Rather, understand that those fences and gates are a necessary safety feature designed to allow airport access, while creating a safe space restricted for aircraft operations. By simply entering a smaller airport’s Arrival and Departure building, you may find a new world of opportunity.
No matter which airport you enter, if you are respectful and show an interest in becoming part of the aviation community, you will likely find a welcoming and interesting group of “Airport Enthusiasts” who may take you under their wings.
