CRESTVIEW — General aviation pilots arriving at Bob Sikes Airport are finding new amenities — and more of those they previously appreciated — at the fixed-base operator’s new terminal.
Emerald Coast Aviation, which took over FBO responsibilities in 2008, completed its 5,600-square-foot terminal and quietly moved in early last month. Emerald Coast privately financed the $600,000 terminal to serve the balance of its 30-year lease with Okaloosa County.
See a video tour of the new terminal>>
Whether entering from the new parking lot — constructed by the county Airports Administration from airport user fees — or from the apron, visitors first encounter an airy, spacious lounge. Overstuffed furniture, a fireplace, windowside tables with charging docks, self-service coffee and freshly baked cookies are among new amenities, office administrator Jennifer Blackwood said. Aviation paintings by local artist Ruta Kanaporis grace what Emerald Coast Aviation President Jonathon Dunn has dubbed “the art wall.”
Adjacent to the lounge is a meeting room, which Emerald Coast will make available to groups. It includes a serving counter and bar, and opens onto a palm-tree-planted outdoor patio. “We just love, love, love it,” Blackwood said. “We set up the meeting room so it could be a bar and restaurant down the road," one of Dunn’s long-time goals. As a child in England, he fondly recalls sitting in an airport restaurant and watching the hustle and bustle of planes coming and going, and hopes to one day bring the same thrill to local aviation buffs.
In addition, Emerald Coast has added another computer to its new flight planning center, and the pilots' snooze room includes a full bathroom with a shower and TV.
The fixed-base operator's former offices, extensively renovated upon the company’s assumption of FBO duties, haven’t gone vacant for long.
Temple, Texas-based Kachemak Bay Flying Service has expanded its qualification training on Pilatus PC-6 aircraft to Bob Sikes Airport, offering a full four-course class schedule.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview airport's $600K terminal offers new amenities