After 17 years of hang gliding over the Currituck Regional Airport, Kitty Hawk Kites lost its lease Friday.
Citing safety and space concerns, airport manager Wayne Leary sent a letter dated Oct. 8 to Kitty Hawk Kites owner John Harris saying hang gliding and the company's hangar lease there would end.
Harris responded by asking for an additional year.
"In these economic times I do not understand why the county commissioners would close a viable small business that creates jobs in the county and creates an attraction for the county that draws visitors to the county that would not otherwise come," Harris wrote. "I have no place to house over $100,000 worth of aircraft equipment."
Kitty Hawk Kites has operated hang gliding lessons and flights at the Currituck Regional Airport since 1991.
The board is not likely to extend the lease, said Chairman Barry Nelms. Flight operations are on the increase, and hangar space is at a premium, he said.
"His activity is just not compatible with the airport," Nelms said. "My guess is the board is not going to be receptive to that request."
As of Friday, Harris had not had a response from the county. He has not found a new place to operate, he said.
Harris is seeking a reprieve from the North Carolina Division of Aviation.
"We have a right to be at that airport," Harris said.
The state aviation division plans to meet with both parties in November, said spokesman Ernie Seneca.
Currituck County commissioners voted in July 2007 to terminate the lease agreement with Kitty Hawk Kites but conceded to an extension until the end of October.
Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com
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