GENERAL AVIATION ISSUES BRING BUDGET REJECTION

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 25, 1992                   TAG: 9202250250
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
GENERAL AVIATION ISSUES BRING BUDGET REJECTION
Roanoke City Council refused Monday night to approve the proposed budget for the Roanoke Regional Airport because some members said they think the concerns of general aviation enthusiasts are not being adequately considered by airport officials.
Vice Mayor Howard Musser said many general aviation enthusiasts have complained that airport officials are insensitive to their needs and ignore them.
"Some people have been out there for years, and they're afraid they will be forced out by higher rental rates" because of a plan for upgrading general aviation facilities, he said.
Airport officials appointed a general aviation advisory committee, but it hasn't been consulted on some issues, Musser said.
Councilman David Bowers said he doesn't like the attitude of some airport officials, but he didn't identify them.
"They have been arrogant and cavalier," said Bowers, adding he thinks owners of small planes should be given more consideration.
If too many small planes leave the airport, it could lose federally funded radar facilities, Musser said.
The airport is operated by a regional commission that includes three Roanoke officials and two members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors.
The commission is required to submit its operating and capital budgets to City Council and the county supervisors for approval. The operating budget under consideration for the next fiscal year is $3.9 million.
Musser indicated that the budget might be approved if airport officials give more attention to general aviation.
Construction is scheduled to begin by summer on a major expansion and upgrading of general aviation facilities.
The commission plans to seek bids from developers to construct hangars and lease space for the storage of private and corporate aircraft. Bids will be sought on 10 to 19 hangars, depending on the demand.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB