Braden Airpark Loses Moyer Aviation

The planes will fly no more over Forks Township.

Moyer Aviation pulled out of Braden Airpark Wednesday, leaving a void on Sullivan Trail where small planes would take off and fly around the area.

"Yesterday [Wednesday] was Moyer Aviation's last day at Braden Airpark," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said. "Personally, having had a relationship with Moyer Aviation as a township representative and as a customer, I am very sad to see them leaving."

The possible sale of Braden Airpark may have led Vern Moyer to take flight from Forks. Moyer moved his aviation operation to the Pocono.

"As I have always said, I am saddened Moyer Aviation has decided to leave Forks Township," Supervisor David Billings said. "I am curious why?"

Moyer Aviation previously announced it would be leaving Braden's, but the timing of Wednesday's departure caught township officials off guard. Vern Moyer did not inform the governing body immediately.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority has the Sullivan Trail site on its list of properties for potential sale to reduce mounting debt, but a final decision has not been made yet.

Forks officials have met with the airport authority's consultant, the Rockefeller Group, and have asked for updates on any developments.

Billings has said he wondered whether Moyer's move signaled that Braden Airpark would be sold.

Chuss praised Moyer Aviation for its time in Forks.

"They have always run a very professional business that directly, and indirectly, contributed enormously to the township community," he said.

"I hope the LNAA and the two county councils understand these contributions and keeps Braden Airpark as an airport and finds a new tenant that will provide the same level of service that Moyer Aviation has provided over the years."

Moyer Aviation provided air charter service to any major airport, or to nearly 12,000 smaller airports. It also offered scenic tours, airplane maintenance, plane sales and rentals and flight instruction.

Its fleet included several Piper planes. Moyer Aviation was founded in 1981.