As used in the statutes of West Virginia, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Aeronautics" means the art and science of flight, including, but not limited to, transportation by aircraft; the operation, construction, repair, or maintenance of aircraft, aircraft power plants and accessories, including the repair, packing, and maintenance of parachutes; the design, establishment, construction, extension, operation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of airports or other air navigation facilities; and education about aeronautics.

"Aircraft" means any contrivance now known, or hereafter invented, used or designed for navigation of or flight in the air.

"Air navigation" or "navigation" means the operation or navigation of aircraft in the air space over this state, or upon any airport within this state.

"Air navigation facility" means any facility other than one owned or controlled by the federal government used in, available for use in, or designed for use in aid of air navigation, including airports, and any structures, mechanisms, lights, beacons, markers, communications system or other instrumentalities or devices used or useful as an aid or constituting an advantage or convenience to the safe taking off, navigation, and landing of aircraft or the safe and efficient operation or maintenance of an airport, and any combination of any or all of such facilities

"Airport" means any area of land or water which is used, or intended for use, for the landing and takeoff of aircraft and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for airport buildings or other airport facilities or rights-of-way, together with all airport buildings and facilities located thereon.

"Commission" means the West Virginia State Aeronautics Commission.

"Director" means the director of the Commission.

"Municipality" means any county, city, town, village, or other political subdivision of this state. "Municipal" means pertaining to a municipality as herein defined.

"Operation of aircraft" or "operate aircraft" means the use, navigation, or piloting of aircraft in the airspace over this state or upon the ground within this state.

"Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, or body politic and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar representative thereof.