Originally published in 1997
Robert L. Nichols, a pilot and businessman from Jacksonville, Texas was recently appointed by Governor George W. Bush as a member of the Texas Transportation Commission. The three member commission on which he serves is responsible for funding and managing transportation systems in Texas, including highways and general aviation airports. Mr. Nichols, an ardent supporter of general aviation, is an experienced pilot having flown 14 different types of aircraft and accumulated over 1800 hours of pilot time since 1969. He holds a multiengine license with instrument rating.
As a successful business entrepreneur, Mr. Nichols founded and served as chief executive officer of four different companies doing research and manufacturing in plastic products. It was during this period that he developed an understanding and deep appreciation of the benefits that general aviation provides for conducting business in a state the size of Texas. He recalls a situation many years ago when a large manufacturer wanted to establish a plant in Jacksonville. They were eager and willing to do this until they realized that the airport was inadequate for their needs. According to Mr. Nichols “We lost a new business development opportunity for our city due to the inadequacy of our airport. Fortunately, efforts since that time have brought the local airport up to business use standards.”
Mr. Nichols further stated “In my businesses, many times I felt it absolutely necessary to conduct business meetings around the state on a face-to-face basis rather than by telephone. Being a pilot and aircraft owner provided me an excellent opportunity to do that”
Having recently retired from his business career, Mr. Nichols, as a member of the Transportation Commission, intends to commit all of his time to serving the people of Texas. He believes that an adequate general aviation airport system is essential to the economic development of our state and has committed his support to meeting our state’s air transportation needs.