Tours
Tours of the airport were mentioned frequently as a way for people to visit and learn about the airport. Tours are a way to build relationships with elected officials, community programs, and school groups, and can be offered on a regular schedule or arranged upon request. One airport described their standing arrangement with the local school district to have all of the 4th grade students visit the airport as part of their annual curriculum.
Some areas for airport tours are the AARF building, the terminal building, a bus tour of the airfield, airport maintenance, hangars, on-airport businesses, the FBO, and the ATC or observation tower. An airport tour could include everything from a display of airport history all the way up to current and future airport operations and projects. Factors including security, airfield activity, time, and weather may impact what can be shown on the tour. In place of or in addition to the physical tour, a virtual tour can be made available on the airport’s website and may be a useful part of community presentations.
Tours may be offered at scheduled times (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually), on request or both. Identify staff or volunteers to serve as tour guides who are experienced and knowledgeable with time available for the task. This may be a role for the airport manager or a volunteer opportunity for an enthusiastic aviation advocate.
A variety of tours can be offered with different themes for different audiences. These can include:
- Age-appropriate children’s tours (elementary and teen)
- Tours for Young Eagles or to encourage careers in aviation
- Airport history and aircraft
- Fire-fighting and safety focus
- Environmental stewardship and “green” initiatives
- Specialized tours for groups with limited mobility or other needs
In addition to content, consider size limits for groups and chaperone requirements for children’s groups. Consult your airport’s legal counsel regarding the need for a waiver in case of any accidents. It may be a good idea to partner with local career development offices for tours addressing careers in aviation.
At the end of a tour, consider providing an evaluation opportunity either on paper or electronically. This is also a good opportunity to share information about upcoming events at the airport. Some tours include an airport souvenir to thank attendees and leave a positive lasting impression.