The Truth Article Page

The business of Sedona is complex and reflects the synergy of all of us doing our part to make Sedona a great place to live and a wonderful place to visit.

Sedona Airport has been part of the area’s economy for the past 50 years and in recent years has increasingly become a contributor to the growth of higher income, longer-staying, more frequent visitors. The Sedona Airport’s 21 million dollar economic impact to the area is increasing because of the increase in higher income visitors who arrive by aircraft.

Our future looks bright. Sedona is becoming more and more attractive to this coveted resort visitor. The presence of Sedona Airport as a resort destination airport which is professionally managed, pilot and visitor friendly, safety-conscience, and traveler-convenient is contributing to this growth.

Sedona Airport management and airport supporters believes we can continue to have this increase in higher income visitors who are taking advantage of our superior airport without any negative impact on the quality of life in Sedona.

Sedona Airport continues to evolve as a good neighbor with emphasis on quiet technology aircraft such as hi-tech helicopters for tour flights and affordable very-light-jet “taxi” service (coming over the next few years), noise abatement procedures for pilots flying in the area, and continuing efforts to build and operate a control tower with a controlled airspace around Sedona. Eventually, along with the controlled airspace, most of the offenders of our “reasonable quiet” goals will have disappeared since new aircraft are substantially quieter than older aircraft. They also use cleaner operating engines. The day will come when state-of-the-art jets are viewed as the friend of “reasonable quiet” goal.

We all know Sedona can be challenged by change – the anticipation of the future gives cause for anxiety and the “good old days” seem to be our preference over a future we can’t see. The Sedona Airport Authority believes it is wise for Sedona to continue investing in our infrastructure to improve life in Sedona and to build a more stable and dependable tourist economy.

Road improvements, sidewalks development and enhanced pedestrian lighting, road realignments and traffic signals, and safety and beauty improvements to our airport all contribute to the future we all want – a Sedona that is more enjoyable to live in and visit.

Over the past few years, Sedona Airport has made substantial investments in its infrastructure to make the airport safer, more secure, more attractive, and more functional. These improvements have been made without local tax funds.

Sedona Airport is operated under a contract with Yavapai County until 2050 as a non-profit, public service corporation. The airport does not receive any public funding since It’s operation is totally self-sufficient. Its charter is 100% focused on the management of high-quality airport operations.

The prospect of a control tower operation with a controlled airspace around Sedona is viewed as a positive development for the long term needs of the airport and the community of Sedona. Airport management continues to work with federal and state aviation agencies to obtain the necessary funding for a control tower operation.

The airport’s commitment to be a good neighbor, pilot-friendly and professionally managed is without question. Its board meetings are publicized and open to the public and the board supports the continuing efforts of the Sedona Noise Abatement Committee to study and monitor the airport’s “reasonable quiet” operational goals.

The future of Sedona is indeed brighter because we, as a community, have an airport of the stature and quality of Sedona Airport.

Thank You,

The Sedona Airport Supporters Association