Gainesville Keeps Going… & Going… & Going!
Last year we told you a little about Gainesville Municipal Airport and their recent improvements. At the recent dedication of their new terminal, Dave Fulton said, “I would just say that you’ve accomplished the three things that it takes to make any airport successful. A few years ago you lengthened the runway to 5,000 feet so you could attract corporate aircraft. Now, you have a beautiful facility serving as a front door to your community to welcome those people who use this airport. And you now have professional airport management on the airport. Those three things are vital to the success of any airport.”
Here’s a rundown of what is going to be happening at Gainesville Municipal Airport just from April through June!
The North American Top-Gun, a World War II Air-Combat Fighter Pilot Flight School, will be operating out of the airport between April 5 and June 1, 1997.
Gainesville Municipal will then host the Lone Star Unlimited Aviation Expo June 4-8, 1997, as the second race in the World Championship Series of Air Racing. This world class event attracts spectators from around the country and competitors as far away as Japan. These giant scale radio-controlled aircraft, some with wingspans as large as 1 O feet and weighing up to 55 pounds, race wingtip-to-wingtip at speeds over 200 MPH around a 3/4 mile closed pylon course. Five different classes of aircraft: Unlimited, AT-6 “Texan”, 42% Formula One, Biplanes, and “Golden Age” Thompson Trophy aircraft will compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes. This is a family entertainment event that promotes all aspects of aviation and includes Hot Air Balloons, Skydivers, Historic Aircraft Displays, and a full scale General Aviation Fly-In “Pancake Breakfast” on Saturday morning.
But wait, there’s more! Following this event, the Texas Chapter of the Antique Airplane Association will hold their 35th Annual Fly-In at the Gainesville Municipal Airport on June 13-15, 1997. Th.is fly-in is possibly the largest in the State of Texas. Typically, between 350-500 aircraft and pilots attend the three-day event. This event, scheduled the following week after the Lone Star Unlimited Expo Air Race, will be an economic benefit to the airport and to the City of Gainesville.
To be sure the airport stays in top condition to accommodate aircraft and to host these kinds of events, the City of Gainesville has signed a contract with TxDOT to participate in the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP). RAMP is a new program offered by TxDOT to help communities preserve their airports. It is a major step towards improving and maintaining the Texas Airport System.
The City of Gainesville is excited about the RAMP, and is planning to participate every year. Airport Manager Mike Shahan states “We cannot go wrong with the program. We are getting $20,000 worth of airport pavement improvements with only $10,000 being contributed through the City’s Airport Fund. This program is another major step in improving the airport and making it a marketable asset for the City of Gainesville.”
Gainesville’s continued hard work and dedication has created tremendous success for their airport! For more information on the events at the airport, call Mike Shahan, Airport Manager, at 817/668-4565.