Davis addresses airport, drone issues
DECATUR – The future of the Decatur Airport and unmanned aerial vehicles were major issues addressed by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis during a Thursday morning stop in Decatur.
About a dozen business leaders and others joined Davis, R-Taylorville, at the Decatur Airport; as each took turns over the hour raising their own thoughts and concerns related to almost everything aviation. Covered a range of topics, from the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, to the importance of the airport to support community businesses.
Stu Ellis, a self-described observer of local agriculture, asked Davis about the restrictions placed on the use of drones by agriculture companies and farmers, who can use them to take photos of their crops and to get an up close look at their fields
“It’s an important tool for agriculture,” he said. “Farmers need technology to remain profitable, and this technology will allow them to do that.”
Davis agreed with the sentiment, saying the Federal Aviation administration has been behind on drone regulation, and Congress needs to address it.
While he lamented the negative image people have about drones, associating them with the military, Davis said they can be a very useful tool.
“People don’t realize the drone we’re talking about here is nothing more than a hobby airplane,” he said. “I hope to loosen up some of these restrictions.”
The other topic mentioned by several in attendance was the Decatur Airport being one of several across the country to receive federal funds through the Essential Air Service program, which allows smaller communities to maintain commercial airline services.
The program has been a target of potential cuts by lawmakers, but Davis said he supported it as it allowed airlines to survive in smaller metropolitan areas.
“I hate to say it, but we’ve been more on the defense than on offense in regard to this program,” he said. “I believe it vital for communities like Decatur, but many in my own party and elsewhere do not see it that way.”
Davis said the best thing people can do is support the local airlines and show the importance of the program, though he added airlines need to improve customer service.
Decatur Mayor Mike McElroy said the airport is an essential tool for local employers, and anything that can be done to improve the quality and importance of it must be considered.
