A good way to get started with an airport-advocacy program is by composing a "values checklist" listing the strengths and weaknesses of the facility. Here are some areas to consider when getting started: -Is the airport really serving the community or region in its present state? Using the guidelines stated in this report (both the main story and sidebars, especially those describing state aeronautical programs) justify all the reasons why the airport benefits your community. (See also next point.)

Out in Oklahoma -- the birthplace of business aviation, according to state aviation director Vic Bird -- they practice what they call "airvangelism." "Airvangelism is an awareness campaign, letting average citizens know just how important the aerospace industry is in our state," Bird told B&CA. "The second part of it involves telling them how important their GA airports are. I simply make people aware of something they take for granted."

It's not just the land within the airport boundaries, stupid. As ever more airports are saddled with noise and operational restrictions due to encroachment by homes and commercial properties, the importance of compatible land-use planning has never been more obvious.