The first year of management by Payson Regional Airport Authority (PRAA) was covered in detail at the annual public meeting held September 8, 2008. 

Recognizing the need for aviation-related business to occupy the airport property with stable employment for our citizens, is a vital mission of PRAA.    Land for hangars, industry and aviation users has been designated and steps are being taken to accomplish this goal such as the environmental studies required to complete the transition.  The airport has the capacity to be an economic engine for our community and that is high on the priority list for its evolution.

Communication is vital for PRAA to know what the needs of the users are.  The web site is an informative canvas of opportunity to the world.  The email address of praa@paysonairport.com is the vehicle to keep us informed as well as the airport phone (928) 472-4748.  To offer one point of contact, PRAA has contracted for the tasks of answering phones, directing daily maintenance and a physical presence.  The Public Information Board along the wall of the Operations Office is updated regularly with pertinent information.

Our objective is to become self-sustaining.  We can achieve this by maintaining a responsible budget.  Establishing fair and equitable rates for all users, having accountability for vehicle access, maintaining and updating existing leases, and creating new leases achieves these goals.  The Runway Safety Action Team #9 requires a driver training program to be in place; this is ready to go out for bid in November.  Maintenance cost has been substantially decreased by diligence and routine, preventative maintenance.  New aircraft tie down areas have been opened up and an area for oversized aircraft has been established.  The waiting list for tie-down spaces and hangars illustrates the demand that already exists at our airport.   We created a new income stream by providing a kiosk on the ramp below the restaurant, offering six-month leases to businesses wishing to advertise.

 The Aero Fair will continue to be presented each year on the third Saturday of May.  The 2009 theme is Youth In Aviation and will feature opportunities for the potentially aviation career minded youth to discuss the various aspects of the field with working professionals.

 Economic responsibility is our key to success.  We have an aggressive Capital Improvements wish list and a budget to actually provide for these items.  Streamlined accounting procedures are in place.

The plans for Payson Airport’s future are NOW.  Future hangar construction may be offered to private enterprise and individuals within the next two years.

Volunteers are the blood that flow in the veins of the airport.  Our tenants and users have participated in so many of the special events such as our annual Aero Fair down to the routine of daily operations such as mowing and snow plowing to maintaining equipment.  These volunteers bring this odd strip of earth to life with their caring efforts.  A little more than a year ago, at a Payson Pilots Association meeting, it was voiced that we could take back management control of our airport.  It is a job well done, with a secure future of managed growth for the benefit of our entire community.