"but until the CEO of the council needs the RFDS or his property is on fire they do not see us as an asset but as a nuisance."
Dexta, the preverbal nail on the head.
Somewhere some how we as an Industry failed in the
PR war to annunciate the value to communities that having a local airport brings.
I recall years ago, attending a public meeting called by one of the local serial noise complainers to protest the regulator was going to allow jet operations at the airport. Someone pointed out that jets were always allowed access to the airport, the fact was light jets were so quiet they just hadn't heard them.
Through apathy we have let the serial complainers gain the high ground and capture the public perception that there is no value in having an aviation industry.
Our regulator actively denigrates the industry to promote their malfeasant actions, which does not help.
The industry as a whole would appear to have a serious
PR problem.
I ponder why the cost of committing aviation in Australia is so high?
Some say we are perceived as just a bunch of rich people indulging our hobby.
Boating could be perceived in the same light, however councils will spend millions to provide facilities to encourage boating while milking aviation for every cent.
Do our regulations pertaining to airports compare with other jurisdictions?
If ours are more onerous, which considering other regulations concerning aviation in Australia seems likely, then we are just perceived as a cash cow.
I don't know how we can overcome this, somehow we need to change the public perception that aviation has no value.