Gnoss Field Community Association (GFCA) was incorporated July 30, 2010 as a non-profit public-benefit corporation subordinate to the California Pilots’ Association (CalPilots). GFCA is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible. Our IRS tax exempt number is 26-3981435, and a letter confirming out status with CalPilots can be found HERE.
The pilots that use Gnoss Field banded together because we believe that by combining our voices we can be heard in ways not possible as individuals acting separately. We included the word community in our name because we think that the public should know that our airport is a valuable resource for everyone, not just pilots.
The airport serves all of Marin County; it hosts the Civil Air Patrol, medical helicopters, Angel Flights and the Sheriff’s Department. In addition, Gnoss Field provides a base for flights that serve the local business community. Those of us who base our airplanes at Gnoss make a significant financial contribution to Marin County and to Novato schools through personal property and fuel taxes, hangar rental and tie down fees.
GFCA Mission Statement
Our Mission
To promote and protect the interests of Gnoss Field users, tenants and community and to promote education and interest in general aviation, aviation safety and aviation services to the larger Marin community.
GFCA Programs
Education
Since its’ inception, GFCA has awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to local students to further their aviation education, and has sponsored summer two summer interns (2015 and 2016) who were employed in aviation businesses (Seaplane Adventures in 2015 and Scanlon Aviation 2016) while receiving ten hours’ dual flight instruction toward a private pilot certificate.
GFCA is also working closely with San Marin high school’s senior engineering students to build an RV-12 kitplane as an enhancement of their STEM program. We are actively looking for other ways to involve students in aviation activities, both for career development and general and technical knowledge. GFCA works closely with EAA Chapter 1232 on this and other projects and events.
Outreach
GFCA is committed to bringing Marin citizens out to their airport and making them part of our community (hence this organization is the Gnoss Field Community Association, not the Gnoss Field Pilots’ Association). To do this we’ll come talk to your civic, church or neighborhood group, meet you at our local events (hint: we LOVE parades and car shows), and we’ll invite you out to the airport for special event like these:
- 2010 Gnoss Filed 50th Anniversary/Wings Over Marin
- 2012 Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen
- 2013 Wings Over Marin II
- 2016 Spirit of St. Louis 2 Open Hangar
- 2016 Movie Nights at the Airport
Possible events 2019:
- Drone Awareness Seminar
- Free Hot dog days
- Multiple Young Eagles events
- Scouting Aviation Badge events
- And, of course, the public is always welcome at our breakfast meetings the second Saturday of each month (breakfast is optional-come and enjoy the free aviation-focused presentation).
Advocacy
The Marin County Board of Supervisors has jurisdiction over Gnoss Field. The Airport Commission and the Airport Manager make recommendations to the Board. We believe it is very important for the Board, the Airport Commission and the Airport Manager to have the benefit of our collective voice when decisions are being made affecting the airport.
We are aware of the perception of some members of the community that Gnoss is used only by “hobby pilots”, and that Gnoss does not contribute to the financial health of Marin. Making sure that the Board hears loud and clear that Gnoss is a very important community asset must be a high priority for us.
Also, California’s Department of Aviation and the Federal FAA and NTSB set the regulations and operational use for the airport. Issues such as IFR procedures, patterns, runway markings, and now TSA security are matters where constructive or critical input will contribute to the best use of the Gnoss airport. Our direct perspective is the input which only local communities can provide.
It is important to keep reminding everyone that Gnoss provides medical and emergency flight facilities, Civil Air Patrol coverage, CalFire operations, Sheriff’s Department aviation activies, along with business and private flying opportunities. Gnoss also has other aviation related businesses important to the community.
Community Development
GFCA works closely with other aviation organizations based at Gnoss Field, namely the Marin chapter of the 99s and the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA Chapter 1232. By supporting each other we form a stronger, more active and engaged community. Here are some of our combined activities:
- Monthly Breakfast Meetings with a featured speakers on:
- Safety Briefings
- Gnoss Field Information/Issues
- Other Aviation topics
- FAAST Seminars and Aviation Community Banquets
- Group Fly outs