Aviation View | Volume 2, Issue 1

153 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 the airport. Towards the south end of the field is MidAmerica Jet, which is a full-service FBO offering chartered flights, maintenance services and fuel. On the northeastern side of the field, Modern Transportation, provides a self-service fueling station and full-service for Jet-A fuel. As is the trend across the country, hangar space at the airport is at a premium. As Durbin elaborates, “Not a week goes by that we don’t get questions from our general aviation and corporate tenants asking about hangar space. But we do have space set aside.” Currently, management at the airport are eyeing out three prime spots for additional hangar space. While other airports are landlocked, OWB does not face the same issues. There are currently 15 businesses and agencies that are active at the airport and management is keen to entice more independent operators to the field. OWB is busy redoing the master OWENSBORO-DAV I ESS COUNTY REGIONAL A I RPORT Airport Director Tristan Durbin plan for the airport, and this plan will outline goals for the next 10-20 years. It will also include a feasibility study of the terminal. The airport terminal building, which was originally constructed and completed in 1953, has been renovated frequently over the years with the last update occurring in 2012. Of course, plans for a future remodel are always on the wish list. Four sites have been identified for more developments for aviation and non-aviation businesses on the field. For the latter, they are considering around 70-80 acres of space, which is primed for development. There are currently 15 businesses and agencies that are active at the airport and management is keen to entice more independent operators to the field. On its own roster, OWB employs a passionate team of five, full-time staff members. The airport also provides ground handling services to Allegiant Air, acting as a service provider for the company with 10 part-time employees. With such a small group of staff members, everyone pulls their weight. Eagle Flight Academy is the airfield’s flight school, with access to five aircraft. The school also offers qualifications for all ratings. Through a partnership with Cape Air, the OWB Pilot Program offers a program for potential pilots who have zero hours in the air to work up to 750 hours, which will then make them qualified to be hired by Cape Air as a first officer. Once they fly 1500 hours, they can become a commercial pilot flying for Cape Air as a captain. Upon completion of the program, while flying as a captain for Cape Air, the students will have their flight training reimbursed, allowing an advantageous path to a profession that can be difficult to get into. With flights and travel grinding to a halt over the last two years due to the pandemic, OWB certainly felt the effects and were grateful for the assistance received. Durbin shares, “We are so thankful for all our elected officials that have