For the past 10 years I have been hearing from readers concerned about their airports. Usually it begins with a phone call from someone who is upset because “they” are trying to close the airport. Sometimes “they” have names. Other times they don’t.

The names and locations of the airports change, but often the issues are the same. And — Meigs Field not withstanding — very rarely do airports close suddenly. Usually there are a lot of warning signs that an airport is endangered.

Many advocacy groups, such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and state aviation associations, have guidelines for protecting airports, but by the time those groups are called in, it may be too late. That means it’s up to airport tenants, pilots and aircraft owners to pick up on the signs that something is coming down the runway, so to speak, and take action.

Realize that the best defense is a good offense, because once the decision has been made to close an airport, there is very little pilots can do. However, if you know what to look for, you can take a proactive approach to protecting your field.

... read the rest of Is your airport on the endangered list? (1,333 words)