Kitty Hawk to Wichita – How Crazy was That?
By: John L. Hummer, Co-Chairman – People for Aerospace
If you are someone who has doubts that a commercial space industry can be developed in Southern New Mexico or doubt that such an industry can inspire and change the lives of future generations of children to pursue aerospace related careers, just think about Kitty Hawk. As most everyone knows, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina is considered the birthplace of aviation and where Wilbur and Orville Wright made the historic first successful manned flights on December 17, 1903 just south of Kitty Hawk.
I would be willing to bet money that there were many skeptics throughout the townships surrounding Kitty Hawk that laughed and heckled the idea of commercial aviation, let alone the development of an aircraft industry in North Carolina. They were wrong about the future of air travel but were right about North Carolina not inheriting their rightful place in the development of aircraft. It was their (North Carolina’s) failure to seize the opportunity and create a vibrant aircraft industry in the very heart of where air flight was created and opportunities unfolded for others.
However, 80 years ago, over one thousand miles to the west, in the then tiny Midwest town of Wichita, Kansas, a group of entrepreneurs and civic leaders saw and believed in the future of air travel. Clyde Cessna, founder of Cessna Aircraft, did what many said “could not” be done – build a monoplane with a full cantilever design - that is one without supporting struts or braces. When the Cessna All Purpose plane took off August 13, 1927, the aviation world was forever changed. In fact, many say the Cessna cantilever design has been the standard ever since. In 1932, in Wichita, Walter H. and Olive Ann Beech founded Beechcraft and launched their first plane - the model 17. These are but just two pioneers of the aircraft industry in Wichita which is prominently known as the “Air Capital of the World.”
Wichita was my hometown and where I was raised. Growing up, I witnessed first hand many families and friends whose lives were inspired by the aircraft industry and, as a result, created generational opportunities for themselves and their children that they might not have otherwise experienced. This is what encourages me when thinking about the future aerospace industry right here in Southern New Mexico.
How crazy was it in the 1920’s to think that a small farming town in Kansas would become the single largest producer of small personal aircraft? North Carolina lost the opportunity. Wichita seized upon the opportunity. And yes, over the past 80 years the community of Wichita implemented various publicly funded and/or subsidized programs and incentives to support the growth of the industry as did federal dollars (our tax dollars) via the FAA.
I truly believe that our opportunity in Southern New Mexico is incredibly less risky than Wichita’s vision in the 1920’s. We have all the attributes needed for a commercial space industry. Those attributes being our ideal climate, open space, low density population, high elevation and an existing history in rocket propulsion via White Sands Missile Range.
It will take an investment to make this happen. The investment is the gross receipts tax (GRT) combined with State dollars to fund the infrastructure that will attract many companies to our region. We have already attracted such companies as Virgin Galactic, Starchaser, Up Aerospace, X-Prize Cup and Rocket Racing League. Many more companies are seriously considering a relocation to our community. If it could happen in the middle of the vast farmlands of Wichita, Kansas for the aircraft industry, surely we can make this happen in Southern New Mexico. Let us not do what North Carolina failed to do after Kitty Hawk.
Let’s undertake this bold endeavor to fund the development of Spaceport America. I truly believe that this investment will inspire our current youth and future generations to pursue a multitude of opportunities that they may not have otherwise experienced. At the end of the day, this investment is all about creating a better future for our children.
I support this GRT investment and will vote “yes” for the GRT on April 3rd. The estimated monthly tax to me and other citizens is $2.50. I am more than willing to adjust my personal expenses to pay this monthly amount for the potential future benefits. Again, my main reason for supporting the GRT is to create a better future for my children and other families who proudly call Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico home. So, when in doubt about this investment, think of Kitty Hawk to Wichita. Think of our youth and think about creating a better future for our community and state. This is our time! Let’s seize this historic opportunity by voting “YES” for the Spaceport GRT on April 3rd!
