Who Will Run The Gilmer County Airport?

FYN spoke with the owner of Gilmer County Aviation, Nancy Isom concerning its lease with the county for the Gilmer County Airport. We asked about the rumors that she was closing Gilmer County Aviation, if the jet fuel tank was empty and when would the lease with the county end? Isom told FYN that her attorney was in negotiations with the County and she was instructed not to speak on the matter. She did however confirm that she is closing Gilmer County Aviation and giving the control of the airport back to the county. She went on to say that the county was already in control of the fuel sales and did recently purchase the jet fuel for the tank that was empty.

We then spoke with the county airport liaison Jim Smith concerning the matter. Smith also told us it was a legal matter and that he could not discuss it. We asked if the county plans to run the airport and he would not comment. Smith did confirm that attorneys for both parties were in negotiations to resolve the issues. Since Gilmer County Aviation is closing while the lease has not expired this makes it a legal matter. Smith finished by saying that the county would not abandon the airport.

FYN also spoke with Hammerhead Aeronautical LLC. They have a sublease with Gilmer County Aviation to do aircraft repairs and inspections with an office located at the Gilmer County Airport. We asked if they had any knowledge that Isom planned to close Gilmer County Aviation. A spokesperson told us they were well aware of the situation and that Isom told them her last day would be March 31. They went on to say that they told the county that they would absorb running the airport but could not afford the $30,000 needed to keep the fuel tanks full. The county has not responded to Hammerhead at this time. They would like to hear what the county plans to do so they know what they could expect April 1st. As of today they do not know if they will be open next month or if they will have to leave.

FYN is going to follow up with the Civil Air Patrol 507 Gilmer Flying Bobcats. They currently use the county airport and we wanted to see how they will be affected by the change.

We will continue to ask the county for clarification on who will run the airport April 1st.
Gilmer County Airport Story