On Oct. 28, 2025 Longmont celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Vance Brand Airport named after my fellow astronaut Vance Brand, who grew up in Longmont and was inspired by aviation to become a military pilot and astronaut. On the same day the Longmont City Council voted to advance an ordinance that would require landing fees at the airport, which would cause long-term harm to the airport and the city.

The airport is a city-owned public use airport serving the community, military and firefighting aviation, emergency responders, student pilots, over 200 aircraft, and about 20 businesses located on the field. It’s home to an Experimental Aircraft Association chapter which hosts a Young Eagles program to introduce youths to aviation, and numerous charitable aviation efforts such as Angel Fl

See Full Page