Central Rotarian Scott Wagner assumed the role of manager of the Lawrence Regional Airport last fall in addition to his duties as a Management Analyst for the City. He clearly is an excellent cheerleader for the airport, able to tout statistics about operations and about the economic impact of the airport, well as describe the many aviation-related events that have taken place recently.
The airport sits on 492 acres north of Lawrence. Although it does not provide any commercial service, it is a base for charter services and repairs of charter planes. Hetrick Air Services and Eurotec are there, and LifeStar air ambulance keeps staff and a helicopter on site.
The airport was established in 1929, and its terminal was built in the 1980s. FAA grant money will soon allow improvements to the terminal and the parking area.
Scott reports that there have been a variety of tours and open houses at the airport during the past year, an Aviation Youth Camp sponsored by Parks and Rec, and fly-in events such as the Air Race Classic and the Kansas Air Tour. “Unite and Take Flight” offered airplane and helicopter rides as a fundraiser for United Way of Douglas County, bringing many residents to the airport for the first time.
