The Bobcat Nation

After doing quite a bit of flying lately, a lot of which in and out of Montana, I am once again amazed and impressed by the quality of MT airports as compared to the much larger airports around the country.

I always thought that Billings was quite nice (a bit on the bland side, but very functional for a small airport), and Bozeman's airport is like a big ski lodge, and is quite nice. And then I saw Great Fall's airport last weekend. Wow. That place is amazing for a city that size.

My question -- how did that thing get funded? The traffic through that airport is a trickle ... the cost per passenger to build that place much be huge.

Regardless of the answer, I was very impressed. I am just a little sad that so few people get to use it.

Bay Area Cat wrote:After doing quite a bit of flying lately, a lot of which in and out of Montana, I am once again amazed and impressed by the quality of MT airports as compared to the much larger airports around the country.

I always thought that Billings was quite nice (a bit on the bland side, but very functional for a small airport), and Bozeman's airport is like a big ski lodge, and is quite nice. And then I saw Great Fall's airport last weekend. Wow. That place is amazing for a city that size.

My question -- how did that thing get funded? The traffic through that airport is a trickle ... the cost per passenger to build that place much be huge.

Regardless of the answer, I was very impressed. I am just a little sad that so few people get to use it.

Just a hunch, but I would bet it is no coincidence Great Falls has a nice airport and that Montana Air National Guard and Malmstrom Air Force base call Great Falls home

I agree, but you forgot Glacier National Airport in Kalispell. That is a very nice airport and the art work is very nice. The view from the VIP room at Gallatin National Airport is hard to believe. It is a must see.

As for the number of airports in Montana, it is amazing. Look at most other states and they are lucky to have 2 or 3 airports that can handle the big jets. I guess we have good Congressman and Senators.

BobCatFan wrote:I agree, but you forgot Glacier National Airport in Kalispell. That is a very nice airport and the art work is very nice. The view from the VIP room at Gallatin National Airport is hard to believe. It is a must see.

As for the number of airports in Montana, it is amazing. Look at most other states and they are lucky to have 2 or 3 airports that can handle the big jets. I guess we have good Congressman and Senators.

Ah ... you think most of the funding is federal pork? Most cities have to pay for most of their airport improvements themselves ... I had assumed that the MT ones were the same.

Well, if that is the case, I won't complain. As with everyone else, I can be a hypocrite and say that pork is good as long as it goes to pet projects that make me happy.

Even the itty bitty Sidney airport is nice looking. Nothing fancy, but for a small town it's impressive.

I really like the new Glacier Airport! I'd much rather be there and O'Hare or LAX anyday!

Bay Area Cat wrote:

BobCatFan wrote:I agree, but you forgot Glacier National Airport in Kalispell. That is a very nice airport and the art work is very nice. The view from the VIP room at Gallatin National Airport is hard to believe. It is a must see.

As for the number of airports in Montana, it is amazing. Look at most other states and they are lucky to have 2 or 3 airports that can handle the big jets. I guess we have good Congressman and Senators.

Ah ... you think most of the funding is federal pork? Most cities have to pay for most of their airport improvements themselves ... I had assumed that the MT ones were the same.

Well, if that is the case, I won't complain. As with everyone else, I can be a hypocrite and say that pork is good as long as it goes to pet projects that make me happy.

"Essential Air Service" is one of both Burns and Rehberg's pet projects and is a fight for them every session.