What is an Airport?

What is an airport? Well the obvious answer is that it is a location for aircraft to take off and land and also be stored at. On the outside, I guess that is correct but an airport is much more than just a highway for aircraft.

An airport is a family. There are the grandparents here that can tell you stories that you would never think possible. They have been long time pilots and have seen this little airport transform. They care about every pilot and every visitor and make sure that everyone is taken care of.

You have the parents. These are the ones that will help you when you do something wrong and help set up your goals and ambitions here. These are the guys and gals that have been flying for a while but remember all the small things that can happen when you first begin to fly.

You have those that have passed on. Maybe you never met them but you hear all the great stories about them. You can see that they are still such a large part of the airport.

In the end you have a family. They will watch out for you when you need help, they never turn their back to help. Sometimes families have issues but they are always set aside in times of need. That is what this airport is; a family. There are people all over the airport that are willing to help and make sure you are having fun while also being safe.

When I took this job located at the airstrip I never thought I would be making such strong relationships and connections with people so quickly. When I got married, everyone congratulated me and offered advice. When I was sick, everyone asked how I was doing. This isn't a corporate setting or even a neighborhood setting. Every day has become like seeing family members and makes work that much more enjoyable.

Tomorrow is the Lake in the Hills Air Expo. I encourage everyone to come out and see all of this for your own eyes.