ELKINS -- Before the days of radio and satellite systems, pilots used beacon lights to navigate the skies.

"The pilots used the beacons to be able to fly from one destination to the other and pick up the mail and drop it off," said Charlie Jordan, vice president of the Elkins-Randolph County Airport Authority.

Rich Mountain's beacon light has been there since the 1930s, Jordan said. Local pilots say even though they now have modern navigation systems, the beacon is still helpful.

"As a pilot here in the Elkins area and flying through the mountainous terrain, it's kind of like a - that beacon is the same to us as a lighthouse is to a ship coming in," said Mark Reynolds, a local pilot and owner of Elkins Aviation.

The beacon also keeps pilots safe, Reynolds and Jordan said.

"For those pilots that don't know the elevation of the mountain range, it's also good for that purpose as well because you know that the beacon is going to be on top of that mountain range," said Jordan.

Right now, the beacon is not working. According to Jordan, it will take about $35,000 to fix it, which is why the Federal Aviation Administration is seeking public comment to determine whether to refurbish it, or decommission it and possibly tear it down. It has a lot of historical value, which is why it's important to preserve it, Jordan said.

"There are only about seven beacons like this left in the country - only four in the eastern US and we consider that a very important part of the past," said Jordan.

Jordan is hoping the public will agree with him and help save the beacon.

The FAA must receive all public comments about the beacon by December 20. The comments must be made in writing and can be sent to:

Federal Aviation Administration
Eastern Service Center
Operations Support (AJV-E2)
Non Rule Case No. 09-AEA-124-NR
P.O. Box 20636
Atlanta, Georgia 30320