The Canandaigua Airport

community is by promoting the field of aviation by targeting local youth with various programs and initiatives. “We currently host the Red Jacket High School Flying Club,” he notes. “This local school district has the only school-based flying club in New York State. The club’s goal is to have student members obtain their private pilot’s certificate before graduating high school. Although the club is in its infancy, it seems to have generated enough interest to expand into a more region- wide program. This not only fosters a student’s aviation career goals, but addresses the world- wide shortage in aviation careers. It also helps secure our future customer base at the Airport. One thing I came to understand in my previous experience working in municipal planning is that the vibrancy of any place is tied to the presence of young people. I find this also to be the case around airplanes.” While the business model for the Airport evolves, Mincer says he will continue to rely on partnering with private business to maintain Airport operations. Because he is the Airport’s only employee, the IDA contracts with several organizations, including McFarland-Johnson, Inc. for airfield engineering and planning services; Mercy Flight Central Aviation Services, the FBO service provider; and Gemcole Company, which conducts inspections and maintenance of all elements of the airfield and service equipment. “And most recently I’ve begun work with the Williams Malpass agency to help with Airport marketing and communications,” he adds. “My role is to work closely with these businesses, and others, to develop an ‘airport product,’ not only to attract future customers, but to inform and assure current users that Canandaigua has a well- managed, maintained facility for air operations around the clock and around the calendar.” PREFERRED VENDORS n Finger Lakes Visitors Connection www.visitfingerlakes.com Welcome to Ontario County in the heart of the Finger Lakes region! With rolling hillsides, museums and cultural landmarks, glacier carved lakes, lush farmland, and award-winning wineries and breweries, our area is a wonderful place to visit. Next time you’re in town, check out VisitFingerLakes.com and make plans to uncover something local. n Mercy Flight Central www.mercyflightcentral.org MFC AVIATION SERVICES A MERCY FLIGHT CENTRAL COMPANY Committed to Service. Our values of integrity, commitment and excellence are ingrained in everything we do. Refuel your aircraft and your crew with our full range of customer service at KIUA. Visit www.mfcas.com/ for our full list of services, current pricing and more. Offering: Aircraft Services including fuel and de-icing Crew & Customer Services Conveniently located at Canandaigua Airport (KIUA) All net income generated through the FBO comes back to our not-for-profit helicopter air ambulance service. Open 7 days a week 7am-5pm After-hours call out available. (585) 394-4790 in the beautiful Finger Lakes of Upstate New York, yet within minutes of down- town Rochester.