120 by 120 sites available. Site number two will be shovel-ready; sites three and four will take a little bit of work but not a lot.” Mt. Vernon Outland Airport is also going full steam ahead with flight training. “We have four aircraft -two Cessna 172 Skyhawks and two Aeroprakt A22’s” Collins states. “We have one full time instructor , three part time instructors, and about 20-25 students at any given time all operating under Part 61. Last year, we had nine solo experiences, three private pilots, two instrument ratings, and one commercial certificate earned here at the airport.” WORKING WITH PARTNERS It’s important to note that Mount Vernon Outland Airport works with many partners as it continues to upgrade and develop its infrastructure and its offerings. Among its allies are the Jefferson County Development Corporation, the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, Southern Illinois (SI) Now, the federal Economic Development Administration, an office of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and, of course, the State of Illinois, and the city of Mt.Vernon.“So, we’re plugged in with those partners, and, hopefully, there’ll be some synergy in developing grants and studies.” As Mount Vernon Outland Airport looks ahead – “I like to look at five years,” notes Collins – he is quick to point out that even at its current level of operation, the airport is a significant player in the local economy with an annual impact of $40.2 million. “We’re very proud of that,” he admits. He also admits that he loves his job. “No two days are the same,” he states.“And if you’re an aviation enthusiast at heart like I am, that’s exciting.” 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 MT. VERNON OUTLAND AIRPORT
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