SCOTT ANDERSON/Courier-Post Karl Kleinberg Sr. is the owner-operator of the Camden County Airport, which operates the oldest flight school in New Jersey.

By lunchtime, 10 planes had already flown out of Camden County Airport, all piloted by day-trippers cruising the friendly skies of South Jersey.

Local airports have developed a niche market for aviators and businesses.

Camden County Airport has many business travelers, golfers and wannabe pilots who use its runways. While at Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, the flight school and sky diving trips are the majority of the business. In Medford, Flying W Airport Resort offers a destination and relaxation spot even for nonfliers.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there are 34 airports operating in New Jersey and more than 200 heliports.

Flying represents Americans' spirit to be free, said Karl Kleinberg, owner and flight instructor at Camden County Airport.

"You can fly anywhere in the United States," said Kleinberg. "In Europe, there are more restrictions, like presenting a flight plan. Here, flying is just like hopping in the car and going."

Since 9/11, when terrorists crashed three hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., there have been more restrictions for all airports.

For example, a flight plan must be presented for planes traveling within 30 miles of New York City, Kleinberg said. Also, the staff needs to "double lock" the planes every night.

Camden County Airport handles landings from Lear jets, prop planes and helicopters, Kleinberg said. About 40 percent of his business comes from golfers using the exclusive Pine Valley golf course. About 30 percent are pleasure fliers or business travelers, he said, and the rest of his business comes from the flight school.

"We have the oldest flight school in New Jersey," Kleinberg said.

Kleinberg's father, Charles, built the business in 1954. A former World War II pilot, Charles Kleinberg created the airport to accommodate mostly crop-dusters.

Karl Kleinberg was 16 when he first flew solo and 17 when he earned his pilot's license. His sons, Karl Jr. and John, were also teens when they got their licenses. Both sons - now 39 and 38 - are commercial airline pilots and live near their father's airport.

Since neither of Kleinberg's sons want to take over the family operation, Karl Sr. thinks his grandsons - John Jr., 8, and Karl III, 19 - might own it someday.

"They're still a little young to know yet," Kleinberg said, laughing.

The airport is totally dependent on the weather, he said, and it is very busy on clear days, especially in the spring and summer.

Golf season is gearing up, so he'll expect to see more businessmen and famous people jetting in. Kleinberg said there's an unspoken rule to keep private the rich and famous people's names.

"If I showed you a list of celebrities who came through here to get to Pine Valley, you'd recognize every name on it," he said.

The airport's decor is utilitarian, rather than plush, with its modest pilot's lounge, classrooms, hangars, fueling facilities and a runway.

Bob Bigham, 41, of Berlin, fulfilled his childhood dream of flying and becoming a pilot a few years ago. He earned his pilot's license after 40 hours flying and then passing a test. Now Bigham is working toward getting his instrument rating, which is the next level. The owner of a pizza and sandwich shop, Bigham said he rents a plane from Kleinberg for his lessons.

"It's challenging but rewarding as well, especially when you `stick' a landing. I used to be one of the people watching by the fence, and now I'm flying," Bigham said.

Kleinberg said pleasure fliers leave around 8 a.m. and cruise for hours on day trips. The cost to land at his airport is cheap; $10 for single engine prop planes and $50 for corporate jets, helicopters or jet helicopters.

Kleinberg says property taxes and insurance are very high and that running the airport is a labor of love.

"You have to be in love with flying to run an airport," Kleinberg said. "You are not going to get rich doing this. There are easier ways to make money. but none that are more fun."