Email from Jeffrey Grove to Kurt Blakenship of the FAA, Eastern Region, Beckley Airports District Office - January 9, 2010

Mr. Blankenship,

I wanted to thank you for your advice and help with regard to solving the Right of Way issue with the Martinsburg airport. I provided a solution, as we discussed, to sell my current right of way to the airport and use the funding to construct another. I asked the Airport Authority to vote on the solution so I would know to proceed with the negotiations with other parties. Unfortunately, the Authority chose to ignore the offer and did not bring it up for a vote one way or the other. When I asked why, They could not provide an answer, and stated they wanted to buy all through the fence properties. I asked what those details were, again they stated they could not provide an answer.

As you may recall, my initial discussion was that I was concerned with the FAA providing AIP funds to create Minimum Operation Standards that shut long standing aviation businesses and concerns, Howard Aircraft 50 years, Air Photographics 30 years and myself 32 years, from having access. The new standards will require us to sell our property to the Authority against our wills. I believe the FAA does not intend their funding to be used to shut down ligitamate general avaition from the airports use. I ask you have your compliance division look at this unfortuneate situation, aviation jobs will be lost and airport revenue will go to other airports. This has been communicated to the Authority members, none of whom have any General aviation background, and they do not seem to be concerned. Their foucus seems to be to foster the Air Guard and corporate aviation's well being only. One member even stated to my wife and myself "General Aviation has no future on this field", my response is one of disbelieving what I heard.

I realize your response will be the FAA supports the Martinsburg Airport Authority's right to do any thing they want. But I ask, at the expense of the very group AIP was meant to help to start with?  I think not.

I ask The FAA review what their doing with regard to AIP. I know the FAA is against residential access, but I have not seen where you dictate closing off general aviation through the fence as long as it complies with the the FAA guidance. I can't imigain why the FAA would want to shut off normal GA that pays their way and wants to participate with rules.

In closing, I'll pursue having the AIP shut down because I feel it is being misapplied from its orginal intent. I feel a heavy burden after enjoying aviation for well over 35 years and being a long time AOPA member to now agreeing with the likes of the USA today type of coverage that down plays aviation in general. I'm out of options but to find another airport that understands what general aviation means to a community.

Again, thank you for your help. I ask you forward this to the approprite contacts within the FAA. Hopefully someone will reconize our plight and offer some type of assistance.

Sincerely
Jeffrey Grove