Brainard Sealed Deal For Big Convention
October 1, 2007
By ERIC GERSHON, Courant Staff Writer

For this jackpot, Hartford has Brainard Airport to thank.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association – the world’s largest pilots group – originally planned to hold its 2007 convention in Atlantic City. But when New Jersey’s seaside gambling capital decided to close its secondary airport, the 413,000-member AOPA started scouting other East Coast sites.

Hartford’s shiny new convention center made it a contender. But it was the state-owned Brainard – which itself has been threatened with closure – that helped seal the deal. AOPA typically needs multiple airports to handle the large number of participants who fly themselves to the event, plus room for showcasing scores of display aircraft. Continue reading “Little Airport That Could” »