Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012

Airport Advisory Commission sets sights on 2013 for launching aviation show

They're going to try again.

Airport advisory commissioners hoped to partner with the Chamber of Commerce to show antique and modern planes and helicopters last month, but the event was canceled when planning took longer than expected.

This week commissioners are vowing to have something in place for next year.

Airport Advisory Commission Chairman Daniel Beasworrick said the commission is "absolutely" striving to hold an event at Los Banos Municipal Airport in 2013. He said it's vital to make the public aware of what a great resource it is.

"The big problem we have here is the community awareness of the airport itself. We have very little community awareness of it and it could be an economic asset to the city if we were to raise public awareness of it," Beasworrick said.

Beasworrick, fellow Commissioner Larry Leonardo and businessman Tony Whitehurst formed a committee earlier this year to plan for the event. Public Works Director Mark Fachin said planning for 2013 needs to begin now so details like getting volunteers to staff the event can be put in place.

The event is expected to show antique and modern planes and possibly offer free helicopter rides. Leonardo, who recently contacted CalFire about participating was given a not-so-definite maybe.

"That time of year is a lot of fires and we'd have to give them plenty of lead time. They may or may not be there ... safety first," Leonardo said.

Commissioners are hoping to schedule the event for mid to late June.

Enterprise reporter Corey Pride can be reached at (209) 388-6563 or by email at cpride@losbanosenterprise.com.

Enterprise reporter Corey Pride can be reached at (209) 388-6563 or by email at cpride@losbanosenterprise.com.