Aviation View | Volume 2, Issue 2

18 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 to match the exterior of the Snow Equipment Removal (SRE) Building finished in 2021. And speaking of painting, we are starting a new cultural project that we are really excited about – adding murals inspired by the large square ‘quilt’ designs you often see painted on the sides of barns. From seeing those as I drove around, I became inspired to add them to the outside of our buildings. We are going to turn multiple panels into barn quilts with aeronautical themes.” The airport team takes great pride in being adaptable. As Muske reports, “This past year there was a helicopter crew doing tree trimming in the area, and we were selling them jet fuel, but they had nowhere to store the vehicle. So, we shuffled some equipment around in our new SRE building – and when they took the blades off the helicopter, it just fit. This all made us realize just how much hangar space is at a premium. We will definitely be looking at adding some in the future, but it is just not economically feasible for us at the moment.” As Clintonville continues to reach out to different businesses, trying to recruit them to the city, they are also looking at how the airport can accommodate such businesses in the future. Muske recounts, “Last year, we had a fly-in organized by the local Experimental Aviation Association and that brought in some 20 additional aircraft, and people who wanted to come out and see the planes. They did some grilling, and it was a good way to promote Clintonville Airport. We also want this to be a place where we can invite teachers to bring their students out to the airport, as well as invite other community members to use our space – but that means taking the time to improve to be able to put our best foot forward. We are also trying to be strategic in whom we partner with and the direction we want to move in.” Less than 50% of the airport property is developed, which makes it possible for them to expand in many ways. Interestingly, some of the area is leased out for low growing crops, another revenue generator that has allowed a diversified