Getting Appalachian Airports Ready for Electric Aircraft

A prototype electric aircraft developed by Airbus Group [Image: Adobe Stock/by Ryan]

Through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), $500,000 is earmarked for Ohio University researchers to work with partners and the state aviation departments to prepare a plan to integrate cutting-edge aviation technologies for regional airports within 36 counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio.

With many industry pundits predicting a general aviation future centering around electric-powered GA aircraft, part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) generation of less expensive and more adaptable electric aircraft, this grant combined with over $176,000 in matching funds will kick off a 12-month performance period with the culmination of one planning report that will address the AAM preparation requirements of 36 general aviation airports, specifically those airports distressed and at risk in the Appalachian counties of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio.

An influx in general aviation activities is known to boost local economies with the expectation of economic growth opportunities as they integrate the sustainable electric aviation future in Appalachia.

This effort is just one of the endeavors that ARC undertakes as it supports multiple economic projects along the Appalachian Region. ARC states that these investments help build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, which has historically seen distress in those counties.

airports economic impact economy electric aircraft

Sam WinerAuthor

Sam has his commercial fixed wing and rotorcraft rating, with just under 1,000 hours of total time. He owned a helicopter flight school in the Chicago area for over 11 years and worked as a pilot for radio traffic reporting services in the Chicago market. In addition, Sam has worked in the fast-paced radio news environment as a news anchor and traffic reporter in the Chicago, Milwaukee and Salt Lake City markets. His informative and humorous writing style, coupled with decades of experience in the aviation world, will provide easy reading with timely topics for the beginning aviator all the way up to the ATP professional.