Airport hangar rates to jump 10%

Around July 1 pilots who store airplanes at the OconeeRegionalAirport will receive a notice that, effective with the date to renew their lease, hangar rates will be increased 10%.  The higher charge is a recommendation of airport director, Sam Carver, who is settling in after six months on the job.  His recommendation generated some discussion last night among the aeronautics commissioners but, in the end, was approved with no objections.  Carver announced, however, that a bill signed by Governor Nikki Haley is going to save airplane owners some money.  House bill 3568 provides that aircraft parts used to repair planes are now exempt from sales tax.  The bill was supported by the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission to help make the state more aviation friendly.