Interested in Starting an Airpark - SE WI

rkiefer2

rkiefer2

Filing Flight Plan
Joined
Feb 28, 2014
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18
Location
Waukesha, WI
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rkiefer2
In yet another one of my entrepreneurial quests I've decided to take the airpark building concept a little more serious. I've met with a few folks at Sun N' Fun, Airventure, AOPA events, etc. Good conversations and seems like this process can be very ambiguous.

I'm a little nervous about the demand/usefulness of an airpark in SE WI. I've found a couple suitable locations between Madison and Milwaukee. Before I start making offers and going to meetings with local governments, DOT, FAA, etc. I'd like to get some unbiased feedback on whether or not people think this would be a success.

One of my primary goals is to give aviators a reason/excuse to visit this airpark having some fun and meeting some great people without the necessity of opening up the wallet.

Free/Reasons to Visit:
  • Aviators hanger/meeting center
  • Plane Washing Area (Free to use)
  • Free Flyin & Camping Events
  • Home Builder WS/Events
  • Young Eagles Events
  • Cook outs/Sporting Events
  • Outdoor Theater/Movie Nights

Income Streams At Airpark:
  • Residential Lots for sale (# not yet defined)
  • Residential Rental Properties (Maybe 1 - 2)
  • Fly up Campsites (Summer Only)
  • Fly up Cabins
  • Hanger Rentals



Thoughts, suggestions, constructive criticisms appreciated...



Thanks,



Roger
 
You need something more to do there. If there's cabins and nothing else to do for the family, it makes it a tough destination to talk the family into.
 
Altho my airport is on the exact same lattitude, I am 7000 higher up and winter here is serious.... Wis gets a fair amount of snow so unless you plan on plowing the runway all winter. You need to plan on making money 8 months out of the year...

Other then that, you sound like you have most bases covered... Personally I would meet with the local planners/ county to float the idea and get a feel of their mindset....
 
Bring it north of Milwaukee! Right off I-43 about 30 miles north. Is that farm with the strip that's off 94 west of Waukesha still for sale?
 
JB1842 said:
Bring it north of Milwaukee! Right off I-43 about 30 miles north. Is that farm with the strip that's off 94 west of Waukesha still for sale?
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Im open for the area as long as its in the greater Milwaukee Area. That farm off 94 isn't for sale anymore...as far as i know.
 
Build it alongside a lake and next to a large wilderness area for horseback riding. Have a marina and a resort, maybe timeshare condos and large community hangars. The hydraulic stackers really are pretty economically efficient at increasing storage volume; wall height is enough cheaper than square footage, it pays for the lifts. Also add indoor rack storage and fork lift launching for boats. Add on some stables and a campground.

If you can combine flying, boating, and horses, you're in pretty good financial shape.
 
rkiefer2 said:
Im open for the area as long as its in the greater Milwaukee Area. That farm off 94 isn't for sale anymore...as far as i know.
Click to expand...

Have you talked to any of the people at the airpark in Lake Geneva? They may be able to offer assistance. There is a farm on the south side of Port Washington with a grass airstrip. Not sure if it's being used. Never seen a plane there, and have seen the grass pretty long. There is a big chunk of land next to it for sale. Maybe look to see if the owners of the strip would be interested in an agreement/sale of the strip portion of their land. Plus it would be a 5 minute drive from my house!
 
Henning said:
Build it alongside a lake and next to a large wilderness area for horseback riding. Have a marina and a resort, maybe timeshare condos and large community hangars. The hydraulic stackers really are pretty economically efficient at increasing storage volume; wall height is enough cheaper than square footage, it pays for the lifts. Also add indoor rack storage and fork lift launching for boats. Add on some stables and a campground.

If you can combine flying, boating, and horses, you're in pretty good financial shape.
Click to expand...

The farm I mentioned is a horse boarding facility, it's 3 minutes from the public docks on Lake Michigan, and the property next door is right around 100 acres. Plus new condos are going in downtown this year.
 
Henning said:
Build it alongside a lake and next to a large wilderness area for horseback riding. Have a marina and a resort, maybe timeshare condos and large community hangars. The hydraulic stackers really are pretty economically efficient at increasing storage volume; wall height is enough cheaper than square footage, it pays for the lifts. Also add indoor rack storage and fork lift launching for boats. Add on some stables and a campground.

If you can combine flying, boating, and horses, you're in pretty good financial shape.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't spend much money on a house that wasn't waterfront.
 
Cottage Grove airport may be for sale.
 
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