Wittman Regional Airport may be permitted to allow Part 139 operations at the airport during AirVenture 2011 but only if talks between local officials and the FAA improve. To accommodate the flights, the FAA says Wittman Field would need to comply with certain FAA requirements (including the installation of a 10-foot fence) and safety standards that local authorities may find cost-prohibitive. Charters would bring visitors directly into Oshkosh. Supporters argue that could bring an economic boost to the city. Two flights are already scheduled and it’s not clear if those flights will be allowed to operate under Part 139 airport rules.
One flight would bring 100 passengers to the air show. The other would deliver World War II veterans on a round-trip flight from Oshkosh to Washington, D.C., for a day visit in the nation’s capital and as part of an Honor Flight. Aside from the fence, compliance with the FAA regulations would reportedly require tightened security measures, new emergency response plans, changes to sheriff’s patrols and the addition of paid TSA officers. The airport has previously held a permit, but surrendered it in 2006.
