Airglades Airport, Hendry County -Airport Privatization Pilot Program

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) submits attached comments upon the final application to privatize Airglades International Airport (2IS) in Hendry County, Florida, pursuant to the requirements of the federal Airport Investment Partnership Program (49 U.S.C. 47134; AIPP). NBAA represents the interests of more than 11,000 companies that operate general aviation aircraft as an aid in the conduct of their business or that are otherwise involved in business aviation. NBAAs membership includes companies that utilize 2IS and other airports in the region, and thus NBAA and its members have a direct interest in the final application, as well as in the precedents that it may set for future AIPP applications. NBAA supports the FAAs ongoing efforts to improve the national aviation system, and understands that the privatization of 2IS could be beneficial to general aviation so long as certain requirements are met. Overall, as the FAA is aware, the airport must remain available for use by all types of aeronautical users on reasonable terms and conditions and without unjust discrimination. See 47134(c)(1). Moreover, the agency must ensure that the interests of general aviation users of the airport are not adversely affected. See 47134(f). We would like to ensure general aviation stakeholders are included in the future success of the airport and respectfully request that the new airport owner also commit to make an outreach effort to the general aviation community to solicit input and include the stakeholders in the transition process on a recurring basis. NBAA appreciates the opportunity to submit the attached comments.