Johnson County Airports Among Busiest in Kansas

The number of aircraft based at each airport is similar. About 280 are based at the executive airport and 220 are based at New Century.

"It's been pretty stable," Metcalfe said. "We've actually seen the number go down a little bit over the years. That's a national trend."

Metcalfe said the drop in numbers in the general aviation fleet is primarily due to the fact that airplanes are becoming obsolete quicker than they are being replaced by new aircraft.

"The FAA is predicting that trend will be reduced as the new very light jets come on line," Metcalfe added. "There's five or six models due to come out in the next few years."

The number of pilots in Johnson County is higher on average per capita than the national average, Metcalfe said.

"That shouldn't be a surprise," he added. "Johnson County is a pretty affluent county."

There are about 2,400 licensed pilots in the county -- about half of whom are active flyers. Metcalfe said he expects this number to drop in the near future.

"We're seeing that kind of baby boom era of pilots moving out of the active pilots group and new pilots aren't replacing them at the same rate," he said.

"Fewer people are starting that whole process because of the cost. People who are currently flying are giving up flying because they can't afford it anymore."

Many high level officials and dignitaries have flown into New Century, including Dan Quayle and Barbara Bush. Metcalfe said Air Force One also has flown into the air center.

"They've been in here at least for or five times that I can recall," he said. "We've got community leaders and political leaders coming and going all during the day."

Military aircraft, including F18 fighter jets, also have flown into the air center because of the U.S. Army Reserve's presence.

"We've probably seen most of the active models of aircraft in here at one time or another," Metcalfe said. "It's pretty cool when the F18s come in."

As many of the elements of the airports remain the same, Metcalfe suspects one constant will continue to frustrate him.

"I've been here 17 years," he said. "One of the things that has been a challenge is helping the community appreciate the value of the airports."

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