No matter how good the facilities, an airport can never be truly successful without good airport management. Sweetwater’s Avenger Field, with oversight responsibility in the hands of Paul McCarthy, City Services Director, has just the kind of professional, business-like management to ensure its success. Paul, who assumed control of the airport as part of his job function in May 1983, sees the airport as a vital tool in assisting the Chamber of Commerce in attracting industry to Sweetwater. Georgia Pacific Wallboard and U.S. Gypsum are two such companies located in Sweetwater that use Avenger Field on a regular basis in the conduct of their business.
Under Paul’s leadership, a significant improvement in airport maintenance has been achieved by using the city’s Public Works Department in providing routine maintenance at the airport. Some of his immediate goals for the airport include the establishment of a standalone Global Positioning Satellite System Instrument Approach, making further strides in improving the appearance of the airport, and continuing to entice aviation-related businesses to the airport.
Paul’s previous career with the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Air Force prepared him well for the challenges of overseeing an active general aviation airport. It is obvious from the appearance and functionality of the airport that his efforts have borne fruit. Avenger Field is an outstanding facility due to the commitment of the city in general and Paul in particular. Keep up the good work!