Prospects for the continuance of aeronautical activity for the surrounding Cumberland area remain healthy and will undoubtedly increase in volume. Commuter airline service should remain at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (Identifier CBE) as the need for that service becomes more evident. This commuter service has seen numerous changes in the past and there have been times of no service at all. But the demand for such service should insure the continuance of connecting flights, enabling local travelers to get to major airline hubs that provide service to any location.
The terrain limitations of the Cumberland Airport preclude lengthening the runways to allow use by larger airline aircraft. The location on the level plateau with shear drop-offs precludes any practical runway extension. However, the one mile long main runway is adequate to serve the present needs. With the present instrument landing aid, and with the good possibility of a future GPS approaches, connecting airline usage remains both practical and desirable with aircraft in the 15 to 30 seating capacity.
The presence of other commercial services such as Fed-Ex and UPS will continue to be in demand, while flight training operations, charter service and other flight activities will continue. We have a sound base from which to operate at our local airport and that is the first and essential requirement for the enticement of this type of activity.
With the continuing interest in the restoration of older aircraft and the building of kits there will be those aviators who will enjoy purely pleasurable flight activity. Organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association and its local Chapter 426, the Cumberland Soaring Group, and the Alleghany Flying Club will assure that sport flying will flourish. We are blessed with being in an area not under any restrictive airspace control, allowing sport and pleasure flying less encumbered by regulations. Although these organizations will base their activities at the Cumberland Airport, there will continue to be numerous outlying smaller airfields that serve more individual desires.
As indicated on the segment on Cumberland’s surrounding airfields, there are many sites that serve aviators on their private fields. Some of these sites will vanish from the scene, others will come into being at other locations, and many now currently in operation will continue to serve. The dedication of those individuals to sport and pleasure flying will continue and will draw the interest of others.
The past history of aeronautical operations, its colorful and sometimes unique individuals, the great variety of aircraft, and the stories told in remembrance are all certainly worthy of recollection. The future for aviation in our area is bright as we see numerous changes and improvements. Those who have undertaken flying as a vocation or as an avocation look back with pleasure in having done so. Whether engaged in business flight activity or pleasure flying, local aviation will flourish. Regardless of the type of flying undertaken, the flying fraternity will forever enjoy overcoming gravity and soaring through our beautiful skies.
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Wings Over Cumberland 