Members of the Augusta Aviation Commission unanimously voted to set May 13-14, 2023, for Augusta’s first airshow in more than 20 years.
The commission is coordinating with military personnel on Fort Gordon and plans to have heavy military involvement to increase recruitment numbers, as well as encourage aviation interest within the community.
“We are in charge of promoting aviation with this commission, and when people see those planes and jets in the sky, nothing lights a fire under a person more,” said Randy Sasser, chairman of the Augusta Aviation Commission’s Air Show subcommittee. “I’ve been wanting to hold another air show since the first one two decades ago.”
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The commission gathered once again at the Augusta Regional Airport and discussed several motions such as the future airshow, and approving Bryan Lilley, from B. Lilley Productions, to contract the project.
To open the meeting, commissioners recognized Shellie Cain, Joshua Danheim and Michael Lawrence, all of whom have more than 10 years experience for their various years of hard work at the airport.
Shortly after, Scott Peebles, Chief Deputy of Richmond County Marshal’s Office, proposed a new K9, handler and vehicle to be approved by the commission in preparation for a suitable replacement to a current K9, Abby, who is set to retire soon.
“They retire K9 dogs young. Abby is six now and, since it takes a while to train them, they have to start selecting the dog, handler, and equipment now,” said Lauren Smith, Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
The commission then discussed the progress of the AU AirCare site which, as mentioned in a recent press release by AU Health, just celebrated its one-year anniversary of its first flight and is the “only hospital owned air medical program in the area.”
A projected date on the site’s completion is still being determined, but the commission is attempting to get the project done before the next Masters to alleviate traffic.
In discussing the recent tournament, the commission also mentioned a plan to perfect and change new safety procedures following some minor fender benders that occurred as a result of many aircrafts within the airport in the span of a week, said Tim Weggar, Deputy Director and Director of Operations.
The motion was passed along with many others including Richmond county’s schools one-year contract with the Augusta Aviation Commission, which allows schools to continue offering an aviation pathway for students.
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Last year, Richmond County’s aviation program at local schools focused on a pilot pathway; however, this upcoming school year, the school board has decided to try a drone focused pathway in alignment with students’ interest.
The commission is also in the process of creating this aviation opportunity with Burke County schools. Smith said it, unfortunately, might take a while before students get to enjoy the pathway themselves.
Finally, the commission highlighted a dramatic surge in operating revenue, due to the increase in flight numbers in the month of June compared to the past three to five years, which has allowed for them to approve more projects such as the upcoming air show.
“I hope that’s a sign that COVID has passed,” said Vice Chairman, Dan Troutman, of the Augusta Aviation Commission.
Liz Wright is a correspondent for The Augusta Press.
