Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has issued a proclamation declaring the week of October 1, 2010 aviation week in Oakland County. The declaration coincides with the 2010 Michigan Air Tour which will take to the skies October 1-3 for aerial views of bridges and lighthouses around Michigan.
The first air tour in Michigan took flight from Pontiac in 1929 when 125 pilots and passengers boarded 42 planes to visit 25 communities around the state. The purpose was to promote commercial aviation and airport construction.
Oakland County operates three airports at no cost to taxpayers. Oakland Southwest Airport in New Hudson, Oakland Troy Airport in Troy and Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) in Waterford, all of which are supported by user fees and other charges to airport users. OCIA, Michigan's second busiest airport, is designated as a general aviation reliever airport which serves individuals and businesses in Oakland County and the state.
In 2011, OCIA will open Michigan's first green terminal which will utilize geothermal heating and harness wind and solar power, among other energy efficiencies. It will be Oakland County's first LEED-certified building.
To learn more about Oakland County's airports, go to www.oakgov.com/aviation. Details about the 2010 Michigan Air Tour are found at www.miaviation.org.
Published: Fri, Oct 1, 2010
