Small jets becoming common

Now that its runway is longer, Oconee Regional Airport is seeing an increase in larger aircraft, such as a small passenger jet that arrived yesterday. It was a Gulfstream 5 jet, piloted by the father of a Clemson student. Friday, May 13, 2011—the date five thousand foot runway opened—proved a lucky day. Short estimates a 10 to 15 percent increase in overall traffic. And that could help the county create new economic strength, Short agrees.