Airparks in the United States
In the US there tends to be a concentration of airparks in the southern states, reflecting the preference for retired or financially independent people to migrate to warmer locations (similar to the trend in Australia to move to Queensland - particularly the south east). In the US the southern states generally provide safer year round flying conditions than more heavily populated areas (Bundaberg too is an ideal situation in this regard with some of the least cluttered skies on the eastern seaboard).
The majority of pilots are VFR (visual flight rules) certified, meaning that low cloud, fog, and heavy rain prevent flying lawfully and safely. Based on observations and discussions a broad profile of people living in airparks in the US would be as follows;
- aged 50 – 65
- husband and wife - retired or semi-retired business or professional people with significant assets and moderate to high disposable income;
- many with adult children living in different towns
- have time available to maintain and fly their own aircraft
- Men seem to have the keenest interest in flying and aviation.
- Women generally have a passive interest in flying—more likely the benefits associated with flying rather than flying for its own sake;
- may own one or more planes
- have sought a location where the climate is generally more hospitable (warmer for higher proportion of the year) but may still own one or more properties in their home town or state;
- both husband and wife seek a ‘balance between privacy and social interaction;
- while flying and associated activities are the primary interest of the husband, he also shares other interests and hobbies with his wife;
- together they are generally familiar with the property market and are keen for capital growth in their airpark investment.
