Aviation View | Volume 1, Issue 2

180 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 local students. As Vinton elaborates, “We were anticipating approaching NCTC with a few course options for their institution. We’re thinking of having a ground school, where students could earn credits by participating with the staff.” What makes the airport perfect for student pilots is the fact it has a crosswind runway. “If students can’t land their aircraft at their home airport, they can land it here. Normally, they just take an Uber home,” says Vinton. While GLE is a perfect venue for pilots in training, the management at the airport have some pretty unique strategies to ensure that the land is used to its full potential. “We lease part of the ground for grazing cattle and hay production,” says Vinton. “This means we don’t need to hire staff to maintain this ground. It’s a win-win for everybody.” The abandoned runways are utilized to train police and fire department drivers. The management team of the Gainesville Municipal Airport continues to maintain their inviting atmosphere that prides itself on hospitality. Vinton shares, “It’s a really nice place. Everyone helps everyone else. And if you need a hand, all you have to do is ask your neighbor, we all have the same love for aviation.” PREFERRED VENDORS/ PARTNERS n North Texas Central College 2021.nctc.edu n Strand Associates, Inc.® www.strand.com