Why would someone say that it is closed down, unless they were
mean?

Some pilots apparently think that Quest Air has been closed and
closed for quite a while. Well, this is news to me. I've been communicating with
folks here every week for the last nine months, so I knew Quest Air was open.
Weren't these pilots checking out their facts?


Well, it turns out that a certain Florida flight park owner has been telling
pilots for quite a while that Quest Air is closed down. Gee, why would he do
that? Doesn't seem fair.


So why were his statements given any credence? Well, as has been known for about
a year now, Frank, the owner of the Sheets airstrip where Quest Air is located,
has been interested in selling some or all of the land in and around Sheets.
Well, maybe he was interested but apparently didn't do much to express his
interest. No "For Sale" signs, for example. No visiting real estate brokers,
either. In other words, wishes, but no real effective actions (even though it
looked at the time like there might be).


Also, about a year ago, the real estate market peaked. While the fever was high
before that, suddenly there was surplus of housing and lots, and not much reason
to purchase a piece of property that wasn't zoned for development and was in the
Green Swamp, which is Florida's aquifer. Development is greatly restricted in
the Green Swamp.


Now Frank, according to discussions that I've had with the principals here at
Quest Air, has decided to take a new direction and is thinking along the lines
of developing an airport community here at Sheets. At the very least this would
take a couple of years to even get the initial permits from the county for this
kind of development. And, of course, Quest Air could (and probably will) be a
part of that aviation future (if it comes about).


So for a few more years at least, nothing is changing land wise below Quest Air.
It is still in business. There are still plenty of tug pilots around here ready
to tow you up. Russell has a passel of Dragonflies in their hangars. You can
bring your RV/trailer. There are two major upcoming competitions. Jim Rooney is
here teaching, as is Awesome Bob and others.


Belinda and I are here and getting ready for the upcoming competitions. Some
Japanese pilots are here getting ready for towing at the Flytec meet. We are
having a great time. Come join us.