Some aircraft would remain at PTC’s Falcon Field

News that Falcon Aviation Academy was relocating a chunk of its operations from Peachtree City to Newnan didn’t surprise officials at Peachtree City’s Falcon Field where the flight school’s home base is currently located.

But the move comes with a financial hit for the airport, as it will lose an estimated 40 percent of its aviation gas sales that the flight school currently accounts for, according to Falcon Field Aviation Director John Crosby. Falcon Field also sells jet fuel for corporate jets located at the field and those visiting from out of town.

Fuel sales make up a significant chunk of the airport’s revenue along with ground leases for hangar space.

Flight school officials notified the airport authority two months ago of its intentions to move its mechanics and headquarters operations to Newnan’s airport, Crosby said. These changes have been in the works for about three years, Crosby said.

Part of the reason is that as the flight school grows there’s little room in the Falcon Field airspace to accommodate all the training flights, Crosby noted.

The flight school will likely leave about 12 or 13 planes in Peachtree City while relocating roughly 30 of their aircraft to Newnan, Crosby said.

The Citizen was unable to contact anyone at Falcon Aviation Academy for comment.

Crosby noted that the recent spike in fuel prices has taken a toll on Falcon Field and the aviation industry nationwide.

Last month the airport’s aviation gas sales were down about 20 percent from projected figures, but the jet fuel sales were up a little higher than projections, Crosby said. The previous month all gas and fuel sales were down about 40 percent, he added.

When a fuel shortage hits causing spikes in oil and gas prices, the aviation community recovers slower than automobile gas because there’s not as much volume moving, Crosby explained.

While the fuel sales have affected the airport, Crosby said there have been no layoffs of personnel.

“We’re tightening our belt and not spending anything we don’t need to,” Crosby said.

Falcon Aviation Academy also has locations in Athens, Peachtree-DeKalb and LaGrange airports. Falcon has been targeting students from India in particular, according to its website, by offering an instructional package that includes housing and a shuttle service for students.