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Businesses Hope Springfield Air Show Will Give A Boost To Struggling Airpark

Barb Slone

Two Clark County businesses located at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport received a boost from the recent Barnstorming Carnival, an air show that was held on the site last weekend. Both companies hope the event generated more support for the airport.

The City of Springfield has discussed closing the Air Traffic Control tower recently since military planes have ceased operations at the airport as of 2011, and a planned unmanned aerial vehicle test site didn't come to the area as hoped

The Champion City Flight School has been at the airport for nearly three years, offering flying lessons and doing the training for Clark State Community College's aviation program. Dennis Epperhart of the flight school, feels the Carnival helped energize interest in aviation.

"There were a lot of people in Springfield that didn't even know that there was an airport here. I attend Clark State and people see me in my work shirt all of the time, and say, 'oh where do you fly out of?' I say, 'Springfield,' and they're like, 'we have an airport?' Given that it's the quote, 'National Aviation Area,' bringing awareness to it will definitely be good for Springfield and Clark County," he said.

SelectTech Geospatial develops unmanned aircraft and other aviation devices at the Springfield-Beckley Airport. Reuben Meeks handles Research and Development for the company. He told attendees at the Barnstorming Carnival that SelectTech wants to thrive in Clark County.

"Our object is to be here involved in Springfield, not only for Wright-Patt and the air base over here, but for the community," Meeks said.

No timetable has been set by city officials to finalize a decision on the tower.

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