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It’s no secret that U.S. presidents and vice presidents have spent their fair share of time in Western North Carolina, many of whom have arrived by air into our fair region. Over the years, Asheville Regional Airport has welcomed a number of White House occupants (not to mention White House hopefuls), including last autumn’s visit by President Obama. In fact, one of our favorite sights is the massive Air Force One 747 parked on the AVL ramp. [caption id="attachment_379" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Air Force One parked at AVL (October, 2011)"][/caption] It was this sight that got us thinking about the history of Air Force One, and it just so happens that today is the 102^nd anniversary of the first presidential flight. On October 11, 1910 the spectacle-clad Theodore Roosevelt boarded an early Wright Flyer at Kinloch Field (now Lambert-St. Louis International Airport) during a county fair and took a short flight in view of the crowds. Granted, he was no longer holding office as president (he’d been succeeded by William Howard Taft), but the occasion is in the history books as the first flight by a United States president. It was the other Roosevelt (Franklin, that is) who first flew in an aircraft while holding down the top job in our nation’s capital. Ever since that time, U.S. presidents have taken to the skies as part of their duty to “faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,” as the oath of office puts it. Many different types of aircraft have been used for presidential detail, but it wasn’t until the Reagan administration that the 747 took over the job. In the 1990s, during the George H.W. Bush administration, two VC-25A planes were added to the fleet. Presidents have also flown in Marine One (a Blackhawk or Sea King helicopter), Navy One (a Lockheed Viking), and various other airborne machines. “An interesting bit of trivia is that if a president was onboard a Cessna 152, that plane — or any other plane occupied by the president — would be given the call sign ‘Air Force One,’” said Jeff Augram, Chief of Asheville Regional Airport Department of Public Safety. “And, it’s not designated as ‘Air Force One’ until the president is on board.” Jeff has worked with both the Air Force and the Secret Service on many of these high profile visits, and has even been on board a presidential 757 aircraft. Air travel has changed (and improved!) a lot in the last 100 years, and presidential planes are no exception. To learn more about Air Force One, check out the History Channel’s Inside Air Force One fact sheet, or watch the National Geographic special.

The much-anticipated Runway 5k + Aviation Day is this Saturday, and we wanted to let you in on a few details about some of the exciting things happening at the event.

The Runway 5k portion of the day is expected to draw more than 750 runners (650 were signed up at the time of this post), and they’ll be running the whole length of the AVL runway this year – pretty exciting! After the race, Aviation Day will begin, and we are super excited to tell you there will be a Coast Guard C-130 airplane on site that you’ll be able to see up close. There will be lots of other aircraft to see, too, like a Blackhawk helicopter, Navy trainers, and a whole bunch of cool civilian aircraft. Mission Hospital’s MAMA helicopter will be there too, and the State Highway Patrol Helicopter! Plus, WNC Pilot’s Association will be offering low-cost flights over the Asheville area – a great way to get a new perspective on Western North Carolina! (Flights are $30 for adults, $15 for children, for a 15-minute flight.)

And if the airplanes aren’t enough, we’ll also have some of the massive machinery it takes to keep an airport up and running (think fire trucks, sweepers, and plows), plus activities for adults and kids alike, thanks to our friends at The Health Adventure, Hands On! – A Child’s Gallery, Asheville’s Fun Depot and the WNC Air Museum. If you’re curious about local educational offerings that could propel you into a career in aviation (from piloting an airplane to maintenance at an airport), WNC Aviation (a regional flight school), Blue Ridge Community College and AB Tech will be on site, as well as the U.S. Air Force. We are proud to partner with these organizations who are all contributing to a very exciting Aviation Day! Finally, we’ll have great bluegrass music provided by The High Windy Band, food available for purchase from our very own Blue Ridge Tavern, and a chance to win free airfare just by dropping an entry form into a box!

The weather will be great on Saturday, so we hope you’ll join us for this fun celebration of aviation! Event Time: While the 5k race starts at 9:30 (and runners are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30), the Aviation Day activities take place from 10am until 2pm. Parking: Parking will be at the Airport. Follow the signs marked “Event Parking.” A free shuttle will take you to the event site, which in on the north end of the airport. Cost: Admission to the event is free. Food and drink purchases are cash only. More info…

The Asheville Regional Airport Runway 5k + Aviation Day, taking place on Saturday, October 6, is nearing, and all signs point to an even bigger event this year. In last year's inaugural event, approximately 750 people ran a portion of the runway followed by a race along the road in front of the airport terminal. After that, several thousand event attendees joined the racers at a festival that took place next to the runway. A crowd of racers is expected this year, especially because participants will run the entire length of the runway on October 6. And for those who just want to be near the runway without the need for running shoes, the free "Aviation Day" festival will offer fun for the whole family. "We received an overwhelming response from the community last year and knew we had to continue this unique event for our region," said Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "There's no other race like this in the area, and in addition to being the flattest 5k in the mountains, running on the runway is truly a thrilling experience." The free Aviation Day is focused on the adventure of flight and will feature activities for the whole family, including airplanes on display, low-cost airplane rides ($30 for adults and $15 for children), aviation experts, live music, food, activities, and a chance for attendees to win free airfare. "Some great community partners will be at our event, sharing their expertise and activities related to aviation and the industry as a whole, such as local pilots, a flight school, the WNC Air Museum, our local community colleges, emergency services agencies and regional children's museums," said Kinsey. "Our goal is to continue to spark excitement about the aviation industry, and to welcome our region to the airport to get up-close to the runway, aircraft, and the people who are enthusiastic about all-things-aviation." "We also have a great line-up of aircraft and equipment to display. Kids (and kids-at-heart) will enjoy the planes, a soaring glider, helicopters, emergency services vehicles and airport snow removal trucks," said Kinsey. "And we may have a few surprises up our sleeves involving military aircraft." To participate in the 5K, racers must register on-line. The cost through midnight October 4 is $30, or $40 if registering in person at the race. Proceeds from the Runway 5K will benefit the Western North Carolina Pilots Association Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to WNC students enrolled in aviation-related programs of study. Sponsors of the event include Charah, Delta Airport Consultants, Baker, Inc., Avcon, RS&H, the Western North Carolina Pilots Association and Landmark Aviation. The free Aviation Day will take place from 10am-2pm, and free special event parking is located at the airport at the Fanning Bridge Road entrance. Click here to learn more or here to register for the race or for details about packet pick-up and race day.

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport is alerting the public about a pet scam involving bogus purchases and false claims that animals are being detained at the airport. The pet scam involves online ads or unsolicited e-mails that offer to sell and ship pets — such as puppies, birds and monkeys — from overseas. After the buyer purchases the pet, the seller requests additional money, frequently claiming that the pet is sick and is being held at the airport until it receives vaccinations needed to pass through customs. The scam victim often pays the additional money and contacts the Asheville Regional Airport for details about obtaining the pet. There is no customs facility for pets at the airport. Consumers should be on the alert for the following flags of a potential scam: • Scam e-mails use unofficial Airport e-mail addresses. All official Asheville Regional Airport emails will have @flyavl.com addresses. • Be wary of sellers who communicate only through e-mail. A legitimate transaction should allow the buyer to communicate directly with the breeder and the veterinarian to inquire about the animal's medical history. • Beware of sellers who use pressure tactics in e-mail communication. • Avoid sellers who accept only wire payments or money orders. Use a payment method that offers fraud protection, such as a credit card. For more information on pet scams, go to: www.aspca.org/adoption/adoption-tips/pet-scam-stories. Consumers who suspect they have been victims of scams should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center to report internet fraud. Their address is www.ic3.gov.

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is pleased to announce that Allegiant Airlines will begin non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. beginning November 15. The low-fare carrier will offer flights twice weekly on varying days.

"Fort Lauderdale is one of the most requested routes by members of our region, and the team at Asheville Regional Airport has been diligently advocating for non-stop service to South Florida for several years," said Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director. "We are pleased to welcome the non-stop to Fort Lauderdale at Asheville Regional Airport, offered by a great partner of ours - Allegiant Travel Company. Allegiant is a low-fare air carrier, but even more than that - Allegiant offers excellent deals on full vacation packages in their destination markets - which now includes direct access from AVL to Orlando and South Florida."

The new flights will give western North Carolina residents an easy way to get to south Florida, but just as important, will provide a low-cost and easy way for south Florida residents to visit the mountains. "Air service is important to the economic vitality of our region, and impacts our tourism market," said Bleiweis. "Our data shows that there is a significant relationship between our area and south Florida, and this new service will help western North Carolina welcome even more visitors from Florida to our region, who will use our hotel rooms, eat at our restaurants, and contribute to our local economy. That's a big part of what air service development at AVL is all about."

To view flight schedules or to book a trip, visit allegiant.com.

Passengers traveling through Asheville Regional Airport will soon experience a marked upgrade in the boarding process in the gates 4−7 area. The airport is in the process of installing new passenger boarding bridges, an improvement that allows larger aircraft to park at those gates and also shelters passengers from the elements.

"The new bridges offer several improvements, including the ability to handle main line aircraft such as 737s and MD80s, and the largest of the three new gates will be able to accept a 757," said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., executive director. "Some of our gates were already equipped with these types of bridges, and this project brings several gates at the north end of the terminal up to the same level."

The $1.7 million project was paid for primarily by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funds. Each year the airport receives approximately $2.3 million in project funding through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Congressman Heath Shuler supported the successful grant application, making it possible for AVL to make needed boarding bridge replacements.

"I am very pleased the FAA has awarded this important funding to the Asheville Regional Airport," Rep. Shuler said. "This grant will help the airport make necessary improvements to expand and upgrade its facilities, which in turn will improve economic development opportunities for businesses and travelers in Western North Carolina."

The first of the three bridges will be operational early this month and work will continue on the remaining two, with all three in operation by the end of the year.

Legislation changing the governance structure of Asheville Regional Airport was passed by the North Carolina general assembly on June 28, 2012. The legislation changes the current structure of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority from a joint governmental agency comprised primarily of Asheville City and Buncombe County appointees to an independent, state-sanctioned governing body. The independent airport authority will go into effect on July 1, 2012.

The Asheville Regional Airport board and management team are pleased with the legislation, and see this as a natural next step in the growth of the region's airport structure. As was the long-term vision of early leaders, Asheville Regional Airport has truly grown to be a regional entity - a true success. In 1979, the Asheville Regional Airport Authority was established as a joint governmental agency by the City of Asheville and the County of Buncombe for the purpose of maintaining, operating, regulating and improving the Asheville Regional Airport. This was a natural step for the organization at that time - moving from a department of the City of Asheville to a joint governmental agency. Growth and regionalization have continued to occur, which have propelled the organization to another milestone: its designation as an independent authority.

Lew Bleiweis, Airport Director, has seen airport governance move in this direction in recent years. "The airport industry is a cornerstone of the nation's travel infrastructure, and we have experienced significant change in the past few decades. Independent airport authorities are emerging more and more, due in large part to operational efficiencies that can be realized." In particular, the new independent airport authority structure at AVL will allow the Authority greater flexibility in property acquisition and development - key to an airport's continued growth and success. Also, grant applications, development of long-term leases, and non-aviation related business development will be more efficiently implemented.

"This legislation is a positive one for the airport and the region," said David Hillier, Asheville Regional Airport Authority board chairman. "Our legislators' support of this law recognizes the fact that AVL is in fact a regional economic engine. It is time for our governance structure to match what we have become."


A brief history about Asheville Regional Airport:
In 1958, the City of Asheville passed a $1.2 million bond referendum. The primary purpose of the referendum was to purchase land for new commercial airport. The on-going long-term economic impact to the region - through the attraction of new businesses, support of tourism and addition of jobs to the area - was the desired return on investment for this expenditure.

Because of the continued positive economic impact of the airport to the region, Buncombe County passed bond referenda that provided $8 million for airport expansion/improvements in the 1990s. Also, through the 50 year history of the airport's existence, millions of dollars of state and federal grant funds have been provided to improve the airport. Today, Asheville Regional Airport serves approximately 750,000 commercial passengers each year, the most by far in its 50 year history.

The word is out that our Runway 5k + Aviation Day is back by popular demand, and we’re more excited than ever because this year’s race on October 6 will cover the entire length of the runway at Asheville Regional Airport, giving you a chance to run more than a mile and a half of runway with your own two feet!

In fact, we’re so excited, we’re giving away FREE race registrations (along with very cool race shirts) to a few lucky winners. You have three chances to win, so give yourself the best shot at a free registration by entering all three giveaways. First, you can visit the Asheville Regional Airport Facebook page and enter the sweepstakes there. As a bonus, you’ll receive an additional entry for each friend you refer using the special link provided to you after you register. Second, you can go to a very cool local running blog called Carolina Runner and answer three simple trivia questions for another chance to win. Finally, ChiRunning, an Asheville-Based running website dedicated to teaching safe and efficient running technique, is giving away yet another free race registration, and you can enter to win by visiting their Facebook page. Early registration for the race opens July 1, and registering by September 1 guarantees you a race shirt. But that’s only half the excitement. The other half is our Aviation Day, which puts the focus on the thrill of aviation. Featuring aircraft on display, aviation experts on hand to answer your questions, food, live music, activities, prizes, and more, there is something for everyone at Aviation Day! So mark your calendar for Saturday, October 6, and be sure to enter for your chance to win a free race registration for the flattest 5k in the mountains!

A restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor aircraft owned and operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will be on site at the Asheville Regional Airport June 7 – 10. The historic airplane is visiting Asheville as part of limited-stop tour of the Eastern U.S. and will be offering rides to the public.

Rich with history, the 9-seat Tri-Motor plane — nicknamed “The Tin Goose” — has served as a passenger transport plane, an aerial fire-fighting aircraft, a crop-duster, and has even served as the primary setting for a Jerry Lewis film. Now it has been fully restored and will be stationed near Landmark Aviation, Asheville Regional Airport’s fixed-base operator, at the north end of the airport campus.

Flights are $80 per person and will take place June 7, 2 – 5pm, and June 8, 9 and 10, 9am – 5pm.

For more information or to book a flight, visit www.flytheford.org or call 1-877-952-5395.
 

The Asheville Regional Airport Authority (ARAA) Board approved the City of Asheville's recommendation regarding a fire station located in the Airport Road corridor. After a nearly a year of discussions regarding options for the project, the City accepted as the most viable option the Airport Authority's proposed use of the public safety facility currently utilized by the airport. ARAA is moving forward with the design and construction of a new public safety building, which will leave the current facility vacant and available for use by the City.

"We are pleased to be able to offer our existing public safety building to the City in support of their efforts to most efficiently locate a fire station in the Airport Road area," said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Airport Director. "Our joint efforts over the past several months have resulted in a solution that is beneficial for both the City of Asheville and the airport."

Airport management will continue to work with City officials as progress is made on the new airport facility, which is slated for completion late summer, 2014.