Originally published in 2000
OTIS WELCH, FAA’S TEXAS AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE MANAGER, RETIRES
Recently, Otis Welch, manager of the Texas Airport Development Office for the Federal Aviation Administration, retired July 28, 2000. Although he is certainly entitled to retirement after many years of service to the aviation community, he will be sorely missed.
Working for the Tennessee Bureau of Aeronautics, I began a professional relationship with Otis in 1975, he being a member of the staff of FAA’s Memphis Airport District Office. Our twenty-five-year relationship has been very rewarding to me, as Otis is a fine person who is an expert in his field. He consistently used his abilities and integrity to always do the right thing for aviation. Since coming to Texas, Otis has been a tremendous advocate for aviation in our state and was instrumental in our success as a Block Grant State and in our competing for Airport Improvement Program funding. Without his support, we would not be where we are today in improving our statewide airport system.
FAA’s Southwest Region has many fine individuals, one of whom will likely take up the reins and lead the airport development program for FAA in Texas. However, we will miss Otis Welch and wish him the best during his retirement.