Fall-2006

VALPO TAKING OFF (cont. from page 7)
further discussions have occurred on the plane)
and have everyone home at their own dinner
table and in their own beds.”
McMillan also appreciates the sheer practicality
of the concept. “It allows us to have
more minds focus on a problem with less cost
and still maintain the quality of life for our
employees. With our aircraft we can deliver
eight people anywhere east of the Rocky
Mountains nonstop
in less time
“If we could
just get
more people
to think
about the
value of this
airport, how
important it
is to people
coming to
visit the
area, the sky
is the limit”
than it takes to
drive to O’Hare
and go through
security.”
“If we
could just get
more people to
think about the
real value of this
airport, how
important it is
to people coming
to visit the
area, the sky is
the limit,” says
John Slegers,
president of
Eagle Aircraft,
which operates
its aviation
– John Slegers,
training school,
president of charter service
Eagle Aircraft and Cessna
dealership out
of the airport
facility. “To realize that you can literally fly to
any place in the world from here and that anyone
from anywhere can get here by air is a
tremendous asset and advantage to this community.”
While growth over the past decade has
been extraordinary, the future looks even
brighter according to Chael, even though the
local aviation industry – like the rest of the
country – was rocked by the events of 9/11.
“We had a dip (in activity) for a short time, but
ultimately grew in spite of the tragedy.”
In fact, Taylor points out, general aviation
has grown since that day, and the changes taking
place in the entire industry bode well for
operations like Porter County’s. “The wave of
the future seems to be away from hubs (like
O’Hare and Midway) and towards local airfields,”
he says. “People are looking for ways to
avoid the hassles of the major hubs.”
Chael adds another factor: “A whole new
generation of light jets is going to cause the system
to blossom,” he says. “A reduction in capital
costs and technology in the design of aircrafts
are going to make private flying a lot
more attainable for more companies.” Plus, he
adds, technologies like GPS and other protocols
make it easier and more affordable for
local airports to provide the same level of control
as larger airports do.
This sea change in air travel also promises
a bright future for those current local operators
who provide air taxi flights to and from the
hubs as well as throughout the country. (See
Midwest Air Link and Midwest Air Charter
sidebar.) “I truly believe you’re going to see
great growth in these areas as people turn to
their local options,” Taylor says.
▲
▲
GETTING READY TO TUG.
Moving airplanes from hangars to the
tarmac requires the use of a vehicle
known as a "tug." Here (left to right)
Jim Bilic, line technician, Dave
Bachman, director of maintenance
and Kyle Kuebler get ready to set an
airplane for boarding.
Photo by Aran Kessler
Photo Imaging
But these great opportunities for small airports
also provide some challenges.
“Technologies involved in aviation and the
needs of the user are ever-changing, and to succeed
as an industry, we must grow and modify
our facilities and services to meet those needs.”
The Porter County Municipal Airport has
received numerous awards in the last five years,
has hosted several airshows and events, and
Kuebler was named Indiana Aviation Person of
the Year in 2003 by the Aviation Association of
Indiana.
“Probably the greatest compliment we can
receive is when people from other communities
come here to study how we run our operations,”
says Chael. “This has been happening
a lot lately, and it is a tribute to Kyle and the
rest of our staff.”
To Kuebler, awards are fine, but the passengers
and users are most important. “We
focus on service and convenience,” he explains.
“Our philosophy is to be proactive to the needs
of our customers. From the amenities they
find in our terminal, to the conditions of our
landing areas, our staff does whatever it takes
to ensure an efficient and pleasing experience
at our facility.”
By combining state-of-the-art technology
with unparalleled customer service, it’s easy to
see why airport officials unanimously agree
that the sky, indeed, is the limit.
Member
FDIC
10 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006