mtv wrote:....if this were some Joe Idahoan, proposing to build a 3000 foot strip to run his 180 out of, and similar events transpired, we’d be hearing a hue and cry that the county was overbearing and “big government” is evil, etc. MTV

Although at first glance it does look like a case of someone using their money & celebrity to get their own way, and the county (all everyone in it) be damned, MTV does make a good point.

I find it hard to believe that they're actually gonna have 500 ops a month,
so I doubt too many people are really gonna suffer from a degraded quality of life.
On the other hand, barring emergency use during natural disasters,
I don't see where the general public (or local aviation community) is gonna get any benefit out of it--
I seriously doubt Courierguy and Soaringhiggy are gonna get invited to drop in and hobnob with the rich and famous.

It might be a good idea to contact Mr. Willis and offer to help with his public relations. Offer to hold a Young Eagles event at his airport for neighbor kids. You supply airplanes and ground volunteers. He supplies hot dogs, beverages and a bag of chips. Invite the local fire department to show up with a truck to impress the kids and get to know the site layout and a bit about airplanes. Master switches, mag switches, door latches, etc.
He makes friends with his neighbors, you get to meet him and test out his strip, maybe even convince him to buy a Husky and come out to play. You think he pre-qualifies friends by knowing their net worth before he shakes their hand? Worst that happens is that he declines, and refuses permission for you to visit his aerodrome. So what? You've already assumed that he has. You've got nothing to lose.

Sure he's famous and wealthy. So is Harrison Ford, but he likes to hang out with other pilots and tell stories.

I hang with some fabulously wealthy friends, not quite so famous, and they're regular people. Only difference is they made it large. I tried, and made it medium. Some try and make it in a small way. They're as tight wth their money as I am, and aren't trying to out do anyone, or have to have only the best at every restaurant and hotel.