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Pilots group offers solution to lessen impact of presidential visits on Lantana Airport

Posted at 5:24 PM, Feb 27, 2017
and last updated 2019-03-27 07:03:45-04

All Jonathan Miller with Stellar Aviation at Lantana Airport can think about is money lost in a month. "In excess of $100,000."

President Trump has visited his Mar-a-Lago estate three times since Inauguration Day shutting down Miller's airport each time.

His hope now?

"Sure we can come up with a solution. What we're looking for is a way out versus being completely grounded," Miller said.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association sent a letter to Homeland Security Department Secretary John Kelly, requesting security screenings at Lantana.

This would allow pilots to take off, alleviating some of the financial impacts.

David Johnson, the AOPA representative at Lantana Airport, said accommodations have been made in the past in Hawaii when President Obama visited during the holidays.

Most recently in New York, access was restored to the Hudson River Corridor after President Trump was elected.

Johnson said with security screenings flight schools could operate as well.

"They would be able to depart Lantana, fly out of 30 mile range and do flight instruction and come back in," said Johnson.

Miller hopes this is approved or he says his airport won't survive. "It's likely a lot of these businesses will fail out here."