This report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. When a base closes, the former military property often presents the affected community with the single greatest asset for overcoming the job losses and other local impacts. Former military airfields often include runways that can accommodate the largest civil aircraft as well as ready-to-use land, buildings, and equipment. If a community determines an opportunity exists for civilian aviation use, airfield conversions have proven to be a vital economic engine for job creation and economic growth. The information in this manual is intended to provide you with a good initial overview, including detailed information on the process to convert former military airfield property to public civilian aviation use, the role of and assistance available from the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as case studies from the local perspective of successful airfield conversions. Additionally, we include websites and points of contact to help you work through the many considerations associated with an airfield conversion.

1. The Military Airfield Conversion Opportunity * 2. Guidelines to Airfield Conversion * 3. Acquiring a Former Military Airfield * 4. Seeking Federal Funding Availability