At the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Regional Airport, operations are in full flight.
The Port released three major announcements involving the Airport – welcoming a seasonal tenant in its new transient hangar, a historical, hands-on aviation attraction, and the return of last year’s Aviation Awareness Day. All of which showcase the ultimate benefit of the money and manpower put into the Port’s years long “Master Plan” to makeover and modernize the entire facility.
New Tenant
In January and February 2018, airport officials welcomed the crew and staff of Air2, Inc. – an electrical powerline inspection and repair company that performs aerial upkeep of remotely located extra-high-voltage powerlines. The Maryland-based company strives to deliver customer-focused services with maximum efficiency and productivity, providing premier construction, maintenance, emergency response to North American utility companies.
Two of Air2’s MD500 helicopters were kept covered from the sometimes dubious winter weather of South Louisiana at the Port’s brand-new 6,300-square-foot transient hangar, which Airport Director Vincent Caire described in the past as an, “Aircraft Hotel.”
“Air2 was looking for a temporary seasonal base of operations that can conveniently support their staff and shelter their aircraft in close proximity to the worksite,” Caire says. “Flying electrical powerline inspection is one of a number of applications of aviation that is often overlooked or even unknown to citizens having minimal exposure to the multitude of airport and aircraft operations regularly conducted, and we are honored that Air2 chose Executive Regional for their seasonal operations base.”
Aviation Awareness Day
Shifting from economic impact to entertainment, the Port is happy to announce it will once again host the St. John the Baptist Parish Aviation Awareness Day after the inaugural 2017 event was a huge success. The event is organized by non-profit, “Guys Achieving Goals,” which is designed to introduce kids to aviation, potentially pique their interest in an aviation career, and promote the importance of math and science.
Last year, more than 250 kids were able to literally take flight, flying with volunteer pilots in a variety of aircraft. Aucoin said that plans for the 2018 event call for doubling the number of aircraft from seven to fourteen, along with additional displays and attractions.
Flying Luxuriously
The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport is one of the stops on this year’s Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Ford Tri-Motor Tour.” From April 26 to April 29, those from the River Parishes and beyond can purchase tickets and hitch a ride on the Ford Tri-Motor plane or stop by if they just want to see it. Caire credited Lisa Braud of the Port of South Louisiana for being instrumental in landing the event. “This is a big deal to the aviation enthusiast, the history buffs and the entire region, everyone I have spoken with is excited about this aircraft coming to Reserve,” stated Braud, foreign trade zone manager. The Ford Tri-Motor plane will be stored in the new transient hangar while on site.
Designed by the Ford Motor Company from 1926 to 1933, the Ford Tri-Motor plane was nicknamed the “Tin Goose” and was innovative in a number of ways. It was the first aircraft to have an enclosed cabin for passengers and pilots – although the earliest models had an open cockpit as most pilots felt more comfortable if they could feel the elements.
In total, Ford built 199 Tri-Motors. The one at the Executive Regional Airport is the 146th plane off the assembly line. In the 1970s, the EAA purchased the Ford Tri-Motor and spent 12 long and taxing years restoring the plane to its former glory. For a brief period, it was kept in an aviation museum, until EAA brass decided it could better excite the masses and promote the industry if it once again took to the skies, offering those lucky enough to ride it a trip aboard history.
Discounted tickets can be purchased at www.eaa.org, or can be bought on the weekend of the event at the St. John Executive Regional Airport.
When asked whether he’ll be taking a ride in the Ford Tri-Motor, Caire responded, “Absolutely!”
“Certainly events such as these are marketing opportunities (for the airport),” Caire said. “However, another real advantage outside of the obvious practical business applications for Port tenants operating along the Mississippi River is to promote the career opportunities associated with aviation, and the impact that flying has on a community, much like the Air2 helicopter operations, that many may not be aware of without attending these special events hosted by Executive Regional Airport.”
he Ford Tri-Motor plane will make its first visit to the River Region and to South LA in April.
Air2 operations shown here conducting an electrical line inspection.
The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional is frequently visited by corporate jets.
