Posted on Mar 21, 2018
 

Rotarian and Mineral Wells Municipal Airport Manager Wayne Sanderson is making final preparations for takeoff, celebrating the airport's 75th year of operations.

An event is charted for Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will feature what he hopes will be 50-100 planes, a car and motorcycle show, live music, food trucks and a program talking about the airport's history and impact on regional aviation.

Sanderson said he is working on efforts to grow and expand the airport. With the population growth forecasts in Parker County, he envisions a need for more hangars. He said plans are to add 10 a year for at least the next several years to meet the expected demand. He said the airport is also seeing more requests from plane owners wanting to build private hangars.

Featuring two main runways – including one 6,600-feet long that can accommodate a C-130 military cargo plane and a commercial airliner – the airport is steadily seeing increased charter plane traffic, flying in visitors to both Palo Pinto and Parker counties, Sanderson said. He said the Mineral Wells airport is a much better alternative for people flying in for business in Parker County than using Alliance or Meacham airports in Tarrant County.

Sanderson said that is especially good because those larger charter jets purchase more fuel, producing more revenue for the airport. The airport has an arrangement with Enterprise car rental to provide vehicles for people flying in, making for another convenience and attractive alternative to landing in Tarrant County and driving to Weatherford or Parker County.

Sanderson has been in talks with Parker County economic development officials about bringing industrial and commercial businesses to the airport – much of the airport lies in Parker County, especially the business and commercial portion, which is also still inside the Mineral Wells city limits. Sanderson said some Parker County officials were not aware much of the airport was in their county, and described them as interested in helping bring industry and business to the airport.

He has also been attending aviation conventions and meetings to speak with pilots and companies to make them aware of the airport and encouraging its use and destination, especially among charter flight companies. Sanderson said as the area's population density grows, commercial flights at the airport are a possibility that would require some form of tower or onsite air traffic control.

Watch for more news about the airport's celebration in the media and follow the airport on Facebook.

Anderson is pictured above, flanked by program chair of the day Lottie Eubanks on the left and club President David Cairone on the right.

Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country Club for lunch, networking, updates on club news and events and a program of interest. Tour the website for more information, or seek a Rotarian if you are interested in learning more and becoming a member – joining other Rotarians who are putting, "Service Above Self."