The Rowan County Airport opened almost 20 years ago. Officials said it sees the business of private and family flights, corporate jets, various helicopter contractors, and ultra-light plane enthusiasts alike. The airport currently has three flight instructors on staff.
Jack Holly is the Rowan County Airport’s Fixed-Base Operator, which means he oversees running day-to-day operations like purchasing fuel, attracting business partners, and community outreach. Holly said fuel prices have skyrocketed and caused air traffic to slow down.
“We log everything that comes and goes here, and it has noticeably lessened since the fuel prices started jumping up on us,” Holly said. “We have managed to keep our fuel prices reasonable in comparison with some of the sister airports around the state, but nonetheless we have had to raise our rates substantially and we are kind of feeling it.”
The price spike in fuel across the various automobile gasolines, leaded aviation gas, and jet fuel are caused by the international conflict in Iran. It’s caused the future of oil ownership to be up in the air and limited current oil exports.
Alistair McConnaughy, the Assistant Manager of the Rowan County Airport, said they were lucky enough to get a full load of fuel just before the Iran conflict started.
“As of right now I think fuel in Lexington is up to $10 a gallon. We’re currently at $5.45 a gallon,” McConnaughy said. “It is only set to go up but right now, locally, you are probably going to be between $5.45 and $6 a gallon.”
While gas prices may have stifled some, the airport is still bringing business to the region. Holly said Independent Stave Company chose to locate in Rowan County largely due to the convince of the airport.
“They have their own fleet aircraft. And because the airport is in close proximity to their most recent facility, the cooperage, created an incredible amount of jobs in the county, and a really good tax infusion, wage infusion into the local economy,” Holly said.
Another company, Eastern Light Distilling, is building less than a mile away from the airport and will likely purchase a commercial hanger on the grounds.
Aside from bringing in business, the airport also hosts the Experimental Aircraft Association or EAA Chapter 1525, the Bluegrass Fliers. The association raises money to give kids the opportunity to ride in a plane under the Young Eagle Flight Program. Kids who have participated in this are eligible for one of two annual $12,000 scholarships. John Micheal Duncan, a local private pilot, said this scholarship goes a long way.
“It affords students that are high school age the ability to get their private pilot certificate. I like to support the EAA because they supported my daughter Izzy,” Duncan said. “She earned her private pilot with that scholarship, and she is also a cadet at the Airforce Academy. So, we are really excited and very supportive of this group because they have taken such good care of us.”
The EAA raises funds for the scholarships through partnerships with local organizations like the Cave Run Bingo Hall. David Cooper, a local ultra-light pilot, said the local EAA works with local schools to develop interest in aviation with flight simulators.
“The EAA chapter here is a very active chapter. We have got STEM classes in Rowan County schools, Morgan and Bath County schools and we are still looking to expand into other counties,” Cooper said. “The STEM classes is where they learn about aviation and where we usually get our candidates for the scholarships.”
Holly said the demand for pilots is high.
“We were hearing that there was as many as 150,000 short on both pilots and mechanics and all aspects of aviation due to attrition. They are slowly but surely filling that void but it’s still there. It’s a good career path to take on, you know, lucrative. It’s available for the kids who want to chase it,” Holly said.
Holly said the best way to get started in the field for people of any age is to come by the airport and take an introductory flight. The facility hosts pancake breakfasts from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m on the first Saturday of every month where people can meet with pilots and schedule a flight.