The Hub - Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

Ron Lowry’s flying career began long
before the Grinnell Regional Airport
was even built and after 32 years in the
business, he has decided it is time to give
back to the flying community and the
community of Grinnell.
One of Lowry’s businesses, Lowry Flying
Service, took over management duties of
Grinnell’s airport on July 1, 2012, and he
hopes to increase aviation activities and
help the public realize what a tremendous
asset the airport is to the community.
Lowry’s flying career began with a flying
lesson he received as a gift. Since then, he
has logged more than 10,000 hours of
flight time.
In a past career as a farmer, Lowry hired
aerial applicators to spray his crops and he
saw an opportunity to start his own aerial
application service. The business has been
serving the agricultural community for
over three decades.
“I would just like to see the airport
grow,” Lowry said. “We want to engage the
people who use the airport by giving them
input on operations and future projects.
This is a public airport, so we also want
the public to understand what we do here.”
Lowry said many companies in the
community use the airport for corporate
travel, and more area businesses are
beginning to see its value.
“Meskwaki Casino recently flew country
singer Dierks Bentley into this airport
for a concert,” Lowry said. “That’s much
more convenient than him flying into Des
Moines.”
City Manager Russ Behrens said the
airport is used to serve the agricultural
sector and many of the area's major
employers, including Jeld-Wen, Monsanto,
Grinnell College and Manatts.
“The airport is probably the most
unappreciated community asset in
Grinnell," Behrens said.
“Transportation is vital to economic
development and the airport is an
important component. We are excited to
have Ron and his staff combining their
aviation knowledge and skills with an
entrepreneurial spirit to strengthen the
airport.”
The Grinnell Regional Airport is
undergoing a makeover during this
transition. Improvements include new
carpet, furniture, paint and other interior
improvements to the terminal area,
along with lighting, heating, floor and
general maintenance improvements in
the terminal hangar. Construction of a
holding apron and substantial repairs
to the runway and apron will also be
Airport Takes Off
“We are excited to have Ron and his staff combining their
aviation knowledge and skills with an entrepreneurial
spirit to strengthen the airport.”
-Russ Behrens, Grinnell City Manager
Grinnell Airport Takes Off
A Grinnellian’s passion for flying propels him into job as airport manager
completed in September.
As fixed base operator for the Grinnell
Regional Airport, Lowry Flying Service
will offer aircraft maintenance services,
fuel sales, airframe and power plant
mechanics with inspection authorization
on staff, and aircrafts for rent. They also
have a certified flight instructor on staff
to give lessons. Lowry said he is happy to
make arrangements to take people up for
rides over Grinnell.
Lowry is a long-time Grinnell
businessman who has operated numerous
businesses in the area including Lowry
Flying Service, Lowry Construction and
Rental, and Lowry Motorsports and RV.
AIRPORT BUSINESS HOURS
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Sat 8am-Noon
CONTACT THE AIRPORT
641-236-0188
Fly-In/Drive-In
Breakfast
WHEN?
Sept. 29, 6-11am
WHERE?
Billy C. Robinson
Field
SEPT
29
WHY? How many times do you
have an excuse to go to our airport?
Fill up on delicious breakfast and
check out all the planes and classic
cars (if you've got a classic car,
bring it!).
COST? Advance tickets: Adults $6
& Kids $4, purchase from Grinnell
Chamber, Optimist Club members,
Lowry Flying Service, Wes Finch
Auto Plaza & Community 1st Credit
Union. Tickets at the door that day
are $1 more.
MENU? French toast, sausage,
scrambled eggs, milk, juice, coffee
(served by Grinnell Optimist Club)
www.getintogrinnell.com I GET INTO GRINNELL Page 3