Nebraska’s Community Airports: A Study of Organizational, Financial, and Management Practices

Jerry Deichert

Abstract

Rural and non-metropolitan public-use and general aviation airports play a critical role in the economic development of communities in agricultural states and states with dispersed populations. Not only do they serve as a vital link to markets and resources for both agricultural and non-agricultural businesses operating in the community, small airports provide needed transportation options for area residents. These airports also perform an important function in providing needed health and medical transport services in non-metropolitan locations. Airports can be described as critical “public assets” with needed services to the local community (Penney 2003).