In the Army aviation world it is kind of "eat the young" mentality and the new guy sometimes gets pushed aside and has to claw a bit for knowledge and a seat at the table.

I had a conversation today with a friend who enjoys aviation and he brought up the idea of investigating the Air Park Development business - building new or buying existing communities to improve. 

They have already started work on a multi-billion dollar plant in Plattsburgh, where they will use advanced industrial 3D printing technology to essentially print titanium parts for the aviation industry.Its a high-paying, high technology employer and when they are at full capacity it will be the biggest employer in the county with the exception of the hospital. 

I transitioned from Aviation Electronics to semiconductor wafer industry in early 2000's then facility management for seven years.

They probably won't do much to help you emotionally from a warm and fuzzy standpoint but will (hopefully) be very clear as to their property objectives.My old flight instructor use to tell me about priorities: "Aviate, navigate and communicate."

I am now enjoying a great post-military career in the aviation industry which was afforded by the actions I took while in the military (job selection, certifications, education, etc.).

So I’m buying, adding capital improvements that are specific to aviation operations, then selling the hangars to the avionics company.  

I am a partial owner of a mid-size aviation company.

.- parcel of land is .9 acres. mostly flat, few dense trees is back that can be cleared or left alone- currently zoned for residential but we're inquiring if that can be changed- closest town is less than 5miles away with population of approx. 16K in 2011- located less than 2miles from small county owned joint civil/military airport. 77% general aviation, 23% military. average 60 flts per day- adding water and sewer to property is approximately $2500.00- median average income $35K, median house/condo value $115K, median gross rent 2009 $585- 9.8% unemployment 2012, 2005-2009 Industries: (1st) Manufacturing: 16%, (2nd) Retail: 12%So, what would you guys and gals do?

If you have restaurant experience, that might be a good option.If you like aviation, buy an FBO, flight school, aircraft dealership or air charter company.