By Patty Fulop, EAA 1049894, Geauga County Airport
Friends of the Geauga County Airport already know the important role the airport, its sponsors, management, tenants, and airport community play in Geauga County.
We read regularly in the local news about the great things happening at Geauga County Airport; about its contribution to the local economy; about the fiscal responsibility of the board and management; about the trust to invest by our county commissioners, ODOT, and the FAA; about the benefits of the University Hospital’s medical helicopter; about the fostering and training of youths and adults by EAA Chapter 5; about the commercial glider activities of Cleveland Soaring; and about the generosity of our local pilots.
DID YOU KNOW? Animal rescue organization pilots such as those flying for Pilots N Paws and the local rescue organization Geauga Mama Dog & Pups know there is support from the pilot community at Geauga County Airport. It is a privilege to hear the circumstances around a rescue when an aircraft lands to pick up or deliver a pet; some are tragic, but most are happy endings.
Pilots N Paws, a pet rescue organization, called upon pilots from the Geauga County Airport community to assist with rescue efforts. EAA Chapter 5 aircraft builders and pilots, Tim Connor, EAA 220128, and Dave Rigotti, EAA 1017245, recalled an owner rescue mission where they flew a 2-year-old dog named Laddie from Geauga County Airport to Frederick, Maryland. The owners of the dog were unable to keep the rambunctious pet; Pilots N Paws were able to find a home and a suitable purpose as an unofficial organizational mascot for that corridor.
DID YOU KNOW? Meet James E. Makee Jr., EAA 1588496. Jim, as he is known around the airport, is one of many pilots that gives back to society in the form of charity flights. His career is in financial opportunities for clients. Values such as family, honesty, integrity, and pride are his philosophy in both business and life. Jim’s love for aviation began as a teen when he took his first flying lesson. That flight launched his passion, eventually leading him into becoming an instrument-rated pilot. Today, Jim serves as a volunteer on the Geauga Airport Authority board of directors and is an active member of EAA Chapter 5, where he is a Young Eagles pilot. Through the Young Eagles program, he introduces children to the world of aviation by offering complimentary flights at Young Eagles events. One such event will be held Saturday, September 19, from 7-11 a.m. at the Geauga County Airport; you can read more about Young Eagles or register for this event here. Come out and see your airport!
Jim is also a member of the Geauga Aviators Club, works with the nonprofit Geauga Aviation Foundation, and volunteers as the Airport Support Network representative of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) for the Geauga County Airport.
In addition, Jim is a mission pilot for Patient Airlift Services, SkyHope, and Angel Flight East, where he provides no-cost transportation to patients and their families who need medical care. “The best thing in the world is how thankful the patients are. They are people that cannot wait in crowded airports or are too far away from a major airport or hospital, so having access to a more local airport is a huge advantage,” he said. “Our EAA September speaker will be speaking about public benefit flying,” Jim added. He encourages the community to attend and learn more.
