Saturday, November 22, 2014

McKean Aviation reorganizes: Bradford Regional Airport (KBFD), Pennsylvania

SMETHPORT (EC) — Have you ever dreamed of learning to fly? Are you an aviation buff looking to meet new friends? Perhaps you are a civic-minded person seeking a rewarding way of making a positive impact on the community? In any case, McKean Aviation wants you.

Founded in 1958, McKean Aviation is a non-profit organization based at the Bradford Regional Airport and comprised of pilots, aircraft owners and others who share a common passion for aviation and are dedicated to promoting general aviation interests. “It is a general aviation advocacy organization,” said Jim Neely, a spokesperson for the organization.

Having recently reorganized, McKean Aviation is joining forces with the Experimental Aircraft Association, an international group of aviation enthusiasts that has grown over the years and now includes almost every phase of aviation and aeronautics. “The move is expected to bring a wealth of educational and promotional expertise to our local group,” said Neely.

Neely emphasized that the two organizations will remain separate.

Working in cooperation with airport management and the Bradford Regional Airport Authority, McKean Aviation intends to grow general aviation representation on the field by promoting new pilot starts, providing opportunities for continuing pilot safety education, partnering with the airport on improvements and developing programs geared toward youth involvement. At the same time, McKean Aviation recognizes its role in promoting economic development at the airport.

Neely said, “We want to build a stronger relationship between the airport authority and pilots, management and pilots and pilots themselves.”

Support for this goal has come in a meeting with County Commissioner Joe DeMott, airport authority chairman, and Mike Glesk, a member of the airport advisory committee. 

Bradford has a legendary and colorful aviation history with roots dating back to C. Taylor and Taylorcraft, and William Piper of Piper Aircraft Corporation, pioneers in making the dream of flying a reality.

“We want to share our passion for aviation and spark an interest in others to join us,” Neely said. “We also want our communities to renew their love for their airport. One of our first goals will be to develop an annual aviation celebration event at the airport for everyone to attend and enjoy.”

Alicia Dankesreiter, the airport’s interim director, has been really receptive to this goal and is “very willing to cooperate with us,” Neely said.

Neely has sent a “challenge” letter to local aviation enthusiasts in which he mentioned his observations and comments from pilots about the importance of becoming partners with the airport authority and management in working toward same goals. In that letter, Neely wrote, “To build a bright future for general aviation at the Bradford Regional Airport we recognize it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. I hope you will join us.”

According to Neely, “I’ve been well-pleased with the response to the letter. It has been excellent.”

Due in large part to that letter, 16-17 people — almost half of them are pilots — are now attending McKean Aviation’s monthly meetings on the second Thursday at 7 p.m. at the airport’s conference room. Neely said, “A lot of people, such as Mike Kocjancic, Dave Zuckerman and Bruce Klein are stepping up and taking their turns at the plate.”

For more information, contact Neely at 837-8424 or Klein at 642-9486.

- Source:  http://www.bradfordera.com

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