Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Airpark?
An airpark, also called a "fly-in", is essentially a community in proximity to, and existing in harmony with an airport. Residents live in a variety of home styles parking their planes either in nearby communal hangars or in hangars attached to their home. A business park is sometimes included.
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What's it like to live in an Airpark?
It is much like living in any residential neighbourhood with one major exception: you are located on a working airport with planes coming and going, and with neighbours who share your passion and/or need for flying. Aviation is part and parcel of your daily life, whether it is waving to a neighbor who is taxiing through your section of the residential subdivision, walking to your corporate jet for a business meeting in another city, or working on your plane in your attached hangar.
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Who lives in an Airpark?
Typically, those living in an airpark fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Owner pilots
- Those with a need to fly for business
- Aviation enthusiasts who fly for enjoyment
- Aviation students
Of course not every resident will own their own plane. Many will be fractional owners or belong to a flying club that owns one or more planes. Still others will just take advantage of the opportunity and hitch rides to their destination helping with flight costs, or charter a plane and pilot for a specific need. Thus, for each plane based in the community there is a collateral effect of plane use to other residents.
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What about noise?
Planes are typically noisy when they take-off, and then only for a few seconds as the plane achieves maximum thrust to clear the runway. For this reason, and since the traffic is infrequent – as opposed to a normal airport – noise is not an issue on most airside communities. Deed covenants and restrictions also put proper controls on when pilots can fly. In addition advanced design and manufacturing technology allows companies like Pratt & Whitney to produce engines with far greater efficiency and far less noise. Because of the increased efficiency, the thrust-to-weight ratios are better, meaning a smaller engine can produce more thrust. Smaller engines also mean less noise.
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Is it safe?
Absolutely. Living in an airpark is no more dangerous than living in a community near a commercial airport or under a flight path of commercial jets - perhaps even safer since the entire community is involved in the safety effort. Many airparks implement their own bylaws and restrict the type of aircraft allowed on the runway and the use of the taxiways. Most do not have a control tower as pilots maintain separation from each other by broadcasting announcements about their positions at various points during takeoff and landing. The system works well and is usually preferred since it is simple and keeps pilots directly involved in traffic coordination and safety.
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Who pays for the airport?
The core airport area is not a profit center, rather the amenity that supports the community surrounding it. The airport costs are covered by shared fees from the residential owners and business tenants.
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