Clay County tenants and pilots press commission over hangar rent hikes, FBO management at Midwest National Air Center

Dozens of pilots and hangar tenants told the Clay County Commission at a recent meeting that they are facing steep rent increases, new electrical surcharges and service shortfalls at Midwest National Air Center (GPH).

The testimony, delivered during the meeting’s public-comment period, included detailed complaints about rent hikes that speakers said ranged from roughly 22% to 23% after a newly added $25 monthly electrical fee, requests for a county review of fuel-minimum language in a recently passed resolution, and calls for more timely maintenance at airport facilities.

Speakers said the changes are pushing some tenants to consider leaving GPH for nearby airports with more services and lower costs.

“Where is the justification for 22 percent increase?” asked Mike Philpott, a Clay County resident and retired American Airlines captain. Philpott and other tenants said hangar rents and fuel prices at GPH are now close to or higher than fees at larger airports with more services, and questioned whether the level of service at Midwest National Air Center matches recent increases.

Other tenants gave more specific accounts of how fees and policies affect day-to-day operations. Jackie Thorstenson, a semi-retired air transport pilot, certified flight instructor and volunteer Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association airport support network representative,…