Letter: North Adams Airport a Disappointment

To the Editor:

I submit my letter today as a commercial pilot and avid tourist of the Greater Berkshire region. In relative terms, and to be blunt, the current state of North Adams airport is in shambles. As a commercial pilot who often brings customers to the North Adams region by way of Harriman & West North Adam Airport, I am often left dumbfounded by the gross mismanagement of even the most basic of services my clients and fellow commercial pilots expect of an airport.

The airport is unattended, notice to air missions are not issued in a timely or safe manner, and other basic services typically provided by a fixed based operator (FBO) are completely absent: food, restrooms, and transportation. The lack of these services is disappointing considering the beautiful city of North Adams as an entry point to an area of our country that rivals all others, particularly in the autumn season. I've landed with clients at this airport and have had issues with arranging transportation, using a bathroom, finding food, or even just getting in and out of the gate to my own aircraft, is a major deterrent to my clients, fellow pilots, and other potential customers.

I don't presume to know or want take part within the financial and political specifics of the city of North Adams, but what I do know is that by bringing these basic services to North Adams airport, not only will the revenue create a thriving and self-sustained airport, but the town of North Adams will relish in the increased business and tourist traffic, as well.

Sean Falzarano
Southbury, Conn. 

North Adams Council Gives Initial OK to Zoning Change