Community celebrates new taxiway, new hangar, and a renewed spirit of aviation
A warm fall morning on Sept. 24 brought together pilots, community members, and county officials at the Geauga County Airport for a day of celebration. With the snip of a red ribbon, leaders marked the completion of the airport’s new taxiway—a major safety and efficiency improvement—and broke ground for a new hangar that will expand services and storage for the growing aviation community. The event reflected both progress and pride, showcasing how the small but mighty airport continues to be a cornerstone for economic growth, education, and community engagement in Geauga County.
Welcome to Geauga County Airport
Established in 1968 as part of Governor James Rhodes’ statewide initiative to build airports in every Ohio county, the Geauga County Airport has evolved from a single-strip field to a dynamic hub of aviation activity. The facility, located just outside Middlefield, features one 3,500-foot runway and a 65-foot-wide paved surface capable of serving private pilots, business aircraft and flight training operations. Pilots using the airport have access to self-service fuel, aircraft tie-downs, a courtesy car, and a knowledgeable staff ready to assist with everything from refueling to mechanical guidance.
“It’s an important part of the community,” said Patty Fulop, community outreach coordinator for the airport. “Our goal is to ensure people see this as more than a runway, it’s an educational and economic asset for Geauga County.”
Governance and Growth
Since 1993, the Geauga County Airport has been managed by a seven-member Board of Directors. The Geauga County Commissioners serve as co-sponsors, and the airport receives funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation, and county grants. All local grants are matched by the county commissioners, reinforcing public investment in aviation infrastructure.
Operating on a business model, the airport sustains itself through fuel sales, hangar and tie-down rentals, and other services. Remarkably, it is one of the few airports in the region that consistently operates in the black—a testament to the management team and the steady support of the local aviation community.
The new parallel taxiway, celebrated during the ribbon-cutting, will greatly improve safety and efficiency. It allows pilots to exit the runway without “back-taxiing”—the practice of turning around and taxiing back along the same runway after landing—which can delay other flights and increase risk. “This project is a big leap forward for us,” Fulop said. “It saves time for pilots, increases operational efficiency, and adds another layer of safety for everyone using the airport.”
A Hub for Aviation and Education
The airport is home to several organizations and aviation-related services that enhance both education and community connection. Among them are:
- Geauga Aviation Foundation, a local nonprofit supporting aviation programs and scholarships.
- Eagle Eye Aerial Imaging, specializing in drone and aircraft photography.
- Flight Instruction, led by Airport Manager and Certified Flight Instructor Ric Blamer.
- Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5, one of the oldest and most active chapters in Ohio.
- Cleveland Soaring Society, offering glider instruction, rentals, and scenic flights.
In addition, the airport hosts a medevac helicopter unit, which can transport patients to Cleveland trauma centers in just 12 minutes—a fraction of the hour-long drive by car. A newly established flying club has also helped increase airport activity, providing members with access to rental aircraft and boosting fuel sales.
Economic and Community Impact
The Geauga County Airport contributes more than just flight paths and hangar space; it’s an economic engine for the region. According to recent studies, the airport generates approximately $10.8 million annually, supports 72 local jobs, and produces $2.5 million in payroll.
Those numbers tell an important story: general aviation is alive and well in northeast Ohio. “We’re proud that this airport not only connects our residents and businesses but also contributes directly to the local economy,” Fulop said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the airport’s proudest accomplishments is its growing impact on young people. Fulop shared the story of Bella Pollack, a 2023 graduate of West Geauga High School, whose path to aviation began right here.
Bella’s interest in flight took off after visiting the airport. Her curiosity led to a senior-year internship with airport manager and instructor Ric Blamer, where she assisted with maintenance tasks, attended FAA and board meetings, and took her very first flight. “That internship is truly what sparked my passion for aviation,” Bella said. “If it weren’t for that experience, I don’t think I’d be on the path I’m on today.”
On July 2, 2025, Bella earned her private pilot’s license. She is now studying aeronautics at Kent State University, pursuing additional ratings while working toward a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. “My next goal is to obtain my instrument rating,” she said. “After that, I plan to earn my commercial, CFI and multi-engine licenses. Ultimately, my dream is to become a professional airline pilot.”
Experimental Aircraft Association: Building Planes and Futures
Few organizations demonstrate the community’s aviation spirit as clearly as EAA Chapter 5, based at the airport and led by Tim Connor, chapter president. “The Experimental Aircraft Association is a national organization with local chapters, much like Kiwanis or Rotary,” Connor explained. “It began in 1953 to bring together people who wanted to build their own airplanes and develop safe, effective practices.” The “experimental” label, he noted, refers simply to an FAA category. “These are amateur-built aircraft, often highly engineered kits manufactured in the U.S.,” Connor said. “Our chapter helps builders use safe practices and complete aircraft that meet FAA certification standards before they can fly.”
Over the years, EAA’s mission has grown to include warbird preservation, community outreach, and youth education. The chapter offers STEM-related programs in local schools, connecting science and technology with real-world aviation principles. The group also welcomes students to the airport for immersive events such as a weeklong summer camp, where participants experience everything from aerodynamics to aircraft maintenance.
Chapter 5’s fly-ins are community favorites, especially their pancake breakfasts and Young Eagles events. The Young Eagles program gives kids free airplane rides, often their very first time in the sky.
“These flights change lives,” Connor said. “Many of the kids go on to flight training, maintenance programs or other aviation careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch that happen.” EAA Chapter 5 also offers continuing education and safety programs for licensed pilots and builders. “We’re open to anyone with an interest in aviation,” Connor added. “Our full calendar is on our website, EAA5.org.”
A Work of Art Takes Flight
As the community gathered to celebrate the new taxiway, they also celebrated a special act of generosity. Bill Mast, a painter from Middlefield, presented the airport with a custom painting depicting an airplane lifting off from the Geauga County runway. Mast, who has been painting since childhood, spent more than 150 hours creating the piece. He captured the moment by photographing the aircraft as it climbed just ten feet above the ground and later used those reference shots to bring the painting to life. Rendered in acrylic and oil—a combination that allows for rich depth and color—the artwork focuses on the aircraft itself, set against a detailed backdrop that captures the spirit of flight.
The painting, which will be framed and displayed with a certificate of authenticity, symbolizes both the artistry and aspiration that the airport represents. While donating the original, Mast retains artist rights, allowing him to reproduce the image on prints, shirts and mugs to help promote the airport. “I’ve loved airplanes since I was a kid,” Mast said. “This painting is my way of giving back to a place that means a lot to this community.”
Mast’s creative journey began early—painting school projects and winning contests. After years away from art, he rediscovered his passion a decade ago and has since completed hundreds of paintings, including community murals and national contest pieces. “Art has a funny way of coming back to you,” he said. “When you create something that inspires others, especially something tied to aviation, it feels like it’s taking flight in its own way.”
Looking Ahead
From the engineers planning new infrastructure to the volunteers giving free rides to kids, the Geauga County Airport represents a remarkable blend of practicality and passion. “The airport may be small, but its impact is enormous,” Fulop said. “We’re building connections in the air, in the community and for future generations.” With a new taxiway now operational, a new hangar on the way, and a growing circle of educators, artists, and aviators behind it, Geauga County Airport continues to prove that big dreams can take off from even the smallest runways.
