By Chris Sasser
Texas Transportation Institute
Over 130 people, including local, state and federal officials, attended the dedication of the Lone Star Executive Airport air traffic control tower on May 26. The Federal Control Tower began Class D Airspace Positive Control on May 7. The tower is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Contract Tower Program and, is one of over 235 control towers in the United States operated by private companies and maintained by airports.
Speeches were made by Montgomery County Judge Alan Sadler, Montgomery County Commissioner Mike Meador, U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Aviation Director David Fulton, and Chairman of the Board of the Woodlands Township, Nelda Blair.
During their remarks, the invited speakers shared their thoughts on how the tower will serve as a much-appreciated economic shot in the arm not only for the airport, but the surrounding community.
“The opening of the control tower is an important milestone in the history of this airport,” said Brady. “Not only does it increase air traffic safety, it creates an economic development incentive that is critical as companies look at locating their businesses around the region. This is going to be a critical job creation tool for Montgomery County.”
Constructed at a cost of $2.4 million, 90 percent of the tower was funded by TxDOT through the FAA. Montgomery County provided the remaining 10 percent on the 20-month project.
“You’ll see the biggest benefit through jobs and new businesses,” Fulton said. “It’s hard to attract that if you don’t have a quality airport. You’ve got one here.”
After the presentations, attendees were treated to a tour of the new tower. The tower is managed by Don Endsley, and his staff of Robinson Aviation Inc. is on duty from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Airport frequencies are now “Lone Star Ground” at 120.45 and “Lone Star Tower” at 124.125, which is also the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) when the tower is dosed.
Lone Star Executive Airport is located in Conroe, Texas, in the heart of Montgomery County. Owned and operated by Montgomery County, the airport is located approximately 25 miles north of George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
