By Sarah Novak
MIO – The Oscoda County Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport in Mio has served the community for over 75 years. The airport provides a safe landing space for the Life Flight medical helicopter that transports sick and injured individuals. The US Forest Service and DNR use the airstrip during wildfire season, and it also attracts local and distant tourists to the quaint town of Mio. Many improvements are currently in the works to upgrade and maintain the airport.
Originally, the Mio airport opened in 1932 and was owned by John H. Holmes. Before becoming county owned, the US Forest Service intended on reforesting the land. When Fairview resident David Kauffman heard of those plans, he partnered with Oscoda County and secured 55 acres of land. They were able to swap it for 80 acres the DNR had granted the county. This trade and county ownership all happened around 1986, and David has been manager ever since. Kauffman states, “There were around 800 take off and landings at the airport back in the 80s”. Throughout the years he’s been there, an airplane hangar was built around 2001, and the grass runway was paved in 2011.
Funding for projects at the airport primarily comes from grants awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the County of Oscoda responsible for only a small percentage. These federal grants are distributed to airports that qualify by being a part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Airports part of this system must provide an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) detailing their present and future plans. They also need at least 10 airplanes registered at their airport, and Oscoda County Airport currently has 15 registered based aircraft.
A tractor was purchased recently to aid in maintaining the grounds, this was mainly funded by a grant. Several trees were also cleared on airport grounds to provide ample room for a clear runway. There are plans for a courtesy vehicle to be available for those flying into the airport. This encourages tourists to visit local businesses, increasing county revenue.
Part of the airport’s ALP includes a new building to store snow removal equipment and more hangers to provide additional airplane storage. Assistant Manager Brian Smutek is determined to bring more improvements to the airport such as a bathroom with running water. Presently, there is only a port-a-potty available.
Smutek has worked under Kauffman for 3 years now and says,” My grandfather was a WWII pilot, I believe that’s where my love of flying came from.” There is no doubt that the managers of Oscoda County Airport are passionate about aviation and are dedicated to this airport’s future. Be on the lookout for all the upgrades in the coming years.
