The Baxter County Airport plays a dual role as both a revenue-generating department and a cornerstone for community development, according to aviation advocate Gerald Gaige, who addressed the Quorum Court on September 2. Gaige, serving as a volunteer for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Airport Support Network, highlighted the airport’s growing influence in education and regional economic advancement.
Gaige, representing local pilots and aviation stakeholders, emphasized his mission to elevate public awareness about the benefits of general aviation. He also brings national expertise to assist county leadership and airport management in optimizing operations.
“My focus is twofold,” Gaige explained. “First, ensuring the public understands how aviation supports the county. Second, providing access to nationwide best practices so that local decision-makers can enhance the airport’s performance.”
Working alongside Airport Director Taylor Carmichael, Gaige has helped coordinate training programs, school outreach events, and public relations initiatives designed to showcase the airport’s broader impact. These efforts have integrated aviation into local education, with school districts expanding curricula in aerospace and aviation sciences.
Each semester, the airport hosts two student interns to gain hands-on experience in management and operations. Staff also participate in career days, introducing young learners to diverse opportunities within the aviation sector.
The Leading Edge Aviation Foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting these initiatives. It sponsors field trips, enabling approximately 300 students last year to tour the facility. Science and math educators are expected to schedule additional visits in the coming months.
Beyond tours, the foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace. Over the past two years, it has awarded $30,000 in financial aid, reinforcing long-term investment in local talent.
Gaige expressed appreciation for county officials’ backing, noting that such collaboration fosters sustainable growth. He concluded by underscoring the airport’s unique financial contribution: unlike most county departments, it generates income.
“Taylor may oversee the only county division that brings in revenue,” Gaige stated. “That deserves recognition.”
— news from Mountain Home Observer
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Aviation advocate highlights Baxter County Airport’s economic value, educational impact
The Baxter County Airport stands out as one of the few county departments that generates revenue while serving as a vital community asset for education and economic development, aviation advocate Gerald Gaige told the Quorum Court on September 2. n nGaige, who serves as an Airport Support Network volunteer for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, praised the cooperation between the airport and local aviation community in advancing both educational and public relations efforts. n n“For those who don’t remember, I’m Gerald Gaige tonight, representing the local aviation community and local airport users,” Gaige introduced himself to the court. “Those of you who follow the airport closely, like justices Waldrop and Nault, know that I also serve as the airport support network volunteer for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, a global organization representing general aviation activity.” n nGaige has been actively engaged with the Quorum Court on aviation matters, reaching out to members both personally and through written communications. n n“I’ve been in contact with some of you personally over the last year or so. With all of you by email and written communications,” he said. “In fact, all of you have an invitation for a local flight over the county and only one of you has taken up that opportunity.” n nIn his role as airport support network volunteer, Gaige focuses on two primary objectives. n n“I work on two main issues: first to make sure the community recognizes the value that aviation and the airport delivers to the county and its citizens. And second, I bring the body of knowledge for aviation and airport operations from the entire country to Baxter County to assist the judge and the management team in making the airport the best it can be,” he explained. n nWorking closely with Airport Director Taylor Carmichael, Gaige has helped organize numerous educational initiatives. n n“Over the past few years, Taylor and I have cooperated on a number of issues, including education and training events at the airport, for pilots and for local communities and students,” Gaige said. “We also have created together a public relations effort to communicate the specific mission benefits from the airport and the aviation and what they bring to Baxter County.” n nThe educational impact has reached multiple levels of the local school system. n n“School districts are growing the aviation science and aerospace industry career curriculum. Taylor and airport tenants host two student interns each semester for airport management and operations,” Gaige reported. “They are also present at career day at the schools, representing all kinds of aviation industry careers.” n nThe Leading Edge Aviation Foundation has provided substantial financial backing for these educational efforts. n n“With the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation, pilots and aircraft in our area, Taylor assists in hosting regular class field trips to visit the airport. He mentioned that some 300 students last year, and we expect regular class visits to be scheduled by our science and math teachers later on this year,” Gaige said. n nThe foundation’s commitment extends beyond just organizing visits. n n“Activity is backed up by the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation with local aviation career education scholarships for interested students. Just in the last two years, we’ve funded thirty thousand dollars towards students to go on to education in aviation for aerospace and aviation careers.” n nThe aviation advocate expressed gratitude for the support from county leadership. n n“I’m grateful for their support of these efforts and for the bright future our airport currently enjoys,” Gaige said. “And I’m grateful to bring my own experience to join with you as we seek to create the best results for the county and its airport.” n nGaige concluded by reinforcing his main point about the airport’s unique financial position within county government. n n“I would close by saying, Taylor, besides being a magnificent asset to Baxter County, Taylor may run the only department that brings revenue into the county. And for that, he deserves a great deal of praise,” he said before asking if there were any questions from the court. n nThe $30,000 in scholarships funded over two years by the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation demonstrates real investment in local students pursuing aviation careers, while partnerships with schools continue exposing hundreds of students annually to aviation career possibilities.