Rapid City Regional Airport Builds Workforce Awareness from the Ground Up

“Through a mix of public relations, strategic partnerships, marketing, and digital outreach, Rapid City Regional Airport highlights the critical importance of aviation to our region.”

Patrick Dame, Director of the Rapid City Regional Airport, receives RAP’s Airport Workforce Development Accreditation from ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke.

Workforce development doesn’t start at the hiring table—it begins with awareness. Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), a Level 1 accredited participant in the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation program, understands this deeply. By shining a spotlight on the vital role airports play in their communities, RAP is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient aviation workforce.

Through strategic marketing, media partnerships, and robust public outreach, RAP champions the importance of aviation in western South Dakota. From economic impact to connectivity, the airport consistently communicates how it supports the region’s quality of life and long-term prosperity.

One of RAP’s standout efforts is the South Dakota Airport Advocate website, a dedicated platform that shares advocacy updates, project news, and insights about airports across the state. This initiative not only informs the public but also fosters legislative awareness and support for airport-related policies. It’s a model of how airports can elevate their visibility and advocate for the future of aviation.

By raising public understanding of airport operations and their broader impact, RAP is helping to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals—before they even step onto the tarmac.