“Get Jets” at SBY

The SBY Regional Airport invited the community to a “Town Hall” meeting in Hangar 6 on the SBY airfield. County Executive, Bob Culver, welcomed people from our surrounding area to the event. County Council Member and Chairman of the Airport Commission, John Hall, was also in attendance. Piedmont Airlines CEO, Lyle Hogg, introduced the new Regional Jet that would be serving the SBY Regional Airport starting August 23, 2017, with service to Charlotte and Philadelphia. The Regional Jet airliner provided a very impressive backdrop to the meeting. Mr. Hogg spoke of the tremendous advantages in utilizing this jet service and explained the positive results to the community. The SBY Regional Airport Manager, Dawn Veatch, then presented a slide show comparing the noise footprints of the existing Dash-8 turboprop aircraft with the new efficient ERJ-145 turbojet footprint. The results are that the noise footprint of the new turbojets will be the same or less than that of the existing aircraft. Ms. Veatch went on to explain the virtues of having our community airport and she presented a short video that she produced during her tenure as Senior Director at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The video, showing that an airport is a tremendous asset to the community, was well received. Many members of the audience had questions, comments and suggestions. Following the meeting the attendees had a chance to view the Regional Jet up close and personal, and ask individual questions of the County Administration, Piedmont Airlines, and the Airport Staff. SBY Regional Airport will continue to hold annual “Town Hall” meetings to ensure that the community is involved and has a chance to participate in the planning and operations of their airport.