By: Ben Powell
WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Officials with the Wilmington International Airport hosted an open house on Saturday to promote more private flying.
Dozens of people came out to learn more about general aviation, and the goal of the event was to encourage more people to fly privately.
ILM General Manager Gerry Tremblay says they want the airport to be more than just commercial airlines.
“Since 9/11, everybody’s afraid of airports and the barbed wire surrounding us,” said Tremblay. “But we’re still the same airport. We still have fun and this is just the beginning.”
Pilot Ken McGee has been flying privately for years. He even flies his helicopter to and from work every day.
McGee says flying privately could really benefit the local economy.
“It’s not just about aircrafts coming in and taking fuel,” said McGee. “It’s about people enjoying the area and spending time in our hotels and restaurants.”
To become a private pilot, you must pass an aviation physical. For more information, click here.
http://www.wect.com/story/21898899/airport-officials-encourage-more-private-flying