Chinese Delegation Visits Frederick Municipal Airport

The Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) hosted Vice Mayor Li Jinyu and a delegation from Chengde, China interested in learning about how general aviation works in the US. Specifically, the group wanted to gain an understanding of airport management, facility development, project financing, business development, and the role of local government in each respect. The visit began with a reception at City Hall with Mayor Randy McClement before traveling to the airport for presentations by the Airport Manager, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Maryland State Police “Trooper 3”, Signature Flight Support, Richard Crouse & Associates, Frederick Flight Center, and Bravo Flight Training. “This was a great opportunity to show how general aviation airports drive economic activity and provide incredible benefits to a community beyond just a transportation center,” said Airport Manager Rick Johnson. The delegation also toured the air traffic control tower, and learned how FDK enables the smooth flow of aircraft into nearby commercial service airports by easing congestion and thus fulfilling its role as a ‘reliever’ airport. “The group was interested to learn about how general aviation benefits Frederick, and how it fits within the broader national aviation system,” commented Assistant Airport Manager Nick Sabo. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Foreign Affairs Office assisted in coordinating the visit.