We have learned that Rock Hill Airport Commission has listened to a proposal for the L-39 Trainer Program -
This is a former Russian Fighter Jet - 38 feet in length - 10,000 lbs
2 to 3 of these aircraft could be operated here.
This is a company that will to take you for a joy ride or teach you to fly a jet.
This has not happened yet, it was proposed before the Airport Commission in Executive Session and will have to be made public before it can be inacted or final approval. This was confirmed to us by Manning Kimmell - former Airport Commissioner and Chairman.
Commercial Jets:
RJ’s (regional jets) used by US Air include Canadair CRJ-100 with either 50 or 70 seats. The corporate jet versions of the same planes seat 18 to 30. The 50 seater has a max. takeoff weight of 47,450 lbs., and the 70 seater max takeoff weight is 53,000 lbs. These planes are being used more and more in smaller airports to relieve congestion around larger metropolitan airports. The Bombardier CRJ-700 is also used by US Air, and seats up to 70. Weighs 43,200 lbs. empty and 75,000 max.. The point here is that planes of this size & capacity can land here if allowed, and are landing in other smaller airports with shorter runways than Rock Hill will have in the near future. They took-off from Orange County (CA) airport last week in such a plane on a 5,700 foot runway.
We have been told by City and County officials that Commercial Service could not take place at Rock Hill. I am not stating Rock Hill will have this aircraft at our airport. The FAA would have to approve this before it happens, but it is possible that this type of aircraft could use the airport despite what has been told to us by the City and County.