Ideas for developing the Chickasha Municipal Airport took off at a Chickasha City Council work session.
Alan Guard, Chickasha City Manager, called the airport “a hidden cog in our economic development.” The long-term goal, Guard said, is to provide a world class airport.
Chickasha already has an aviation resource as this project develops. Lena Smith, Assistant City Manager, has a Master’s Degree in Aviation.
One goal of the project is to grow aircraft rental potential.
General aviation is becoming more popular, especially with fuel prices remaining low. Takeoffs and landings increase during the spring and fall, Guard said.
Several improvements are being proposed to get this economic development off the ground.
The city is looking into improving the condition of the concrete, improving services and accessibility, increasing hanger space, improving parking and the layout of the terminal building.
Above-ground storm shelters would also be part of the airport’s improvements.
“The goal is to improve the experience of airport customers,” Guard said.
The airport can serve as a meeting place for community events, Guard said, such as fly-ins and fire department chili cook-offs. There is also great potential for the airport to be utilized by the Disabled American Veteran’s Chapter.
Displaying the history of the airport is also part of the proposed improvements, Guard said. This will enhance the tourism aspect, he said.