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Originally Posted by lakershaker
The airport collects fees each time a plane takes off and lands, and I would think charges a parking fee for when a plane stays for a period of time. If they expand the capacity of the airport, then they can collect more fees over time. So a $1.9 million upgrade may be worth it in the longrun if bigger planes mean more money... Seems like a good investment in an area that sees more and more private jet traffic.
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I didn't think Laconia had landing fees. I've flown out of there many times and the instructor always talked about how other airports have fees but never said anything about Laconia.... as we did one 'touch-n-go' after another....
I thought I read somewhere (recent Citizen article, maybe?) that Laconia Airport's income is from the sale of fuel, tie-downs, and aircraft maintenance.
At the airport they did say they were expanding their welcome mat for Nascar crews and Meadowbrook performers.
They also seem to be doing more as a training ground. Emerson's has expanded their flight school in the last couple years and now has a lot more toys than it did 5 years ago.
As for how Laconia scored such funding, it's all politics and lobbying. A couple weeks ago MSNBC ran a story about the FAA being a total financial disaster and no one can ever agree on how to fix the big airports (or the air traffic control system nationwide) so they don't end up getting any money at all. The story said it's the main reason your flights are late and getting later every year. If I could find it again I'd include a link.