By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Ever since New Braunfels Municipal Airport Director Lenny Llerena can remember, he’s always been passionate about aviation. The Ecuadorian-born Llerena began his aviation career as a director of a crop dusting company, and he now oversees a busy airport that welcomes aviators looking to conduct business or grab a tube and cool off in the Guadalupe River.
When asked about the importance of general aviation to his community, Llerena’s excitement is evident.
“When I’m talking to a group of folks, often people don’t know the day-to-day operations of our airport,” explains Llerena. “I explain to them that even the small planes that fly in are very important. They fly in, gas up, stay at our hotels and buy products. They are flying all over the place and spreading the word about our community.”
The New Braunfels airport recently underwent some improvements—notably a ramp expansion that nearly doubled its capacity. The airport also has a modern terminal building with a large meeting room, refreshments, showers and courtesy cars.
“The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was very generous in helping us maximize the size of our ramp,” says Llerena. “We have the space to accommodate planes from a 172 to a G5 and are able to demonstrate to the business traveler ‘We have space, we can accommodate you.’”
Besides his duties as airport director, Llerena is passionate about another calling: helping out those less fortunate. About once a year, Llerena and his family travel with their church group to his native country of Ecuador to work at an orphanage. He has also made multiple trips to Haiti to assist with earthquake disaster-relief efforts.
“Giving back to the country where I was born is a very important part of my life,” says Llerena. “We’re a little more privileged so the need is for us to give back.”
Llerena left his native Ecuador to move to the United States, where he obtained his B.S. and master’s degrees at Embry-Riddle. After he obtained his master’s degree, Llerena began working on the management side of aviation, where he eventually ended up as the manager of the Orange County Airport in New York.
“I traveled to Texas quite often to attend conferences and always enjoyed my time there,” says Llerena.
When the opportunity to manage the New Braunfels Municipal Airport became available, Llerena and his family jumped at the opportunity to move to Texas. The move has paid off. The citizens of New Braunfels have a dynamic and respected director of aviation for their airport and Llerena and his family enjoy living in Texas.
“It’s very nice here,” says Llerena. “This feels like home away from home.”
New Braunfels Municipal Airport (KBAZ) at a glance
FAA Identifier: BAZ
Lat/Long:
29-42-16.2000N / 098-02-32.0000W
29-42.270000N / 098-02.533333W
29.7045000 / -98.0422222
(estimated)
Elevation: 651 ft. / 198.4 m (surveyed)
Sectional chart: SAN ANTONIO
Control tower: yes
ARTCC: HOUSTON CENTER
FSS: SAN ANGELO FLIGHT SERVICE STATION
Wind indicator: yes
Fuel available: 100LL JET-A
Runway 17/35—5364 x 100 ft. / 1635 x 30 m
Weight bearing capacity: Single wheel: 25.0
Runway edge lights: Medium Intensity
Runway 13/31—5352 x 100 ft. / 1631 x 30 m
Weight bearing capacity: Single wheel: 30.0
Runway edge lights: Medium Intensity
Airport website: http://www.newbraunfelsairport.org/default.htm
Airnav.com website: http://www.airnav.com/airport/KBAZ