Introduction-General Aviation Airports Are Essential Community Assets General aviation, public-use airports ("General Aviation Airports") 1 are an economic engine and lifeline for many communities. There are over 5,000 General Aviation Airports in the United States, which is ten times the number of airports served by scheduled airlines, making these General Aviation Airports critical for small and rural communities. 2 They are essential community assets, serving an important role for business aviation; serving as a hub for the transportation of food, medicine, supplies, and people to our cities, towns, and municipalities; and functioning as a training ground for the next generation of pilots, airframe and powerplant mechanics,