Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport

'Treats on Tarmac' draws crowd to airport

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:29:29 GMT

'Treats on Tarmac' draws crowd to airport

Despite overcast weather and the threat of rain, a flock of costumed trick-or-treaters arrived at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport on Tuesday night for the first “Treats on the Tarmac,” the airport’s version of a community trick-or-treating event for families.

The event was designed to introduce the community to the airport while providing Halloween-themed fun.

A variety of booths and stations organized by community organizations and businesses — along with static aircraft parked on the airport’s tarmac, courtesy of the airport and private aircraft owners — lined the area, ready to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters and chat with families.

“We have new owners, and we’re starting to try to get out into the community,” said Tabitha Tinnell, warehouse manager of Lark Electric, one of the event’s sponsors.

In addition to handing out candy, the staff from Lark Electric brought several service vehicles, including trucks with boom lifts, out to the tarmac.

“We just like seeing the kids and having fun in the community,” Tinnell said.

Along with the Lark Electric station and the aircraft displays, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Owensboro Police Department, AMR and Ghostly Productions brought vehicles for trick-or-treaters to explore. The Ghostly Productions crew parked its signature classic hearse behind the table where members handed out candy in costume.

Other booths included Southern Star, Owensboro Health, Jagoe Homes, Civil Air Patrol Squadron 223, Rock Solid Aviation, Independence Bank and Raising Cane’s.

But the chance to see the airplanes seemed to be the biggest draw for many trick-or-treaters.

Heather and Seth Ross brought their two children, Axel, 4, and Charlie, 2, who was dressed as a princess, because Axel wanted to see the airplanes.

“He’s obsessed with airplanes,” said Heather Ross. “And it’s Charlie’s first Halloween that she knows what’s happening, so she’s been pumped to get out and trick-or-treat.”

Kaitlyn and Morgan Horn also brought their boys, Asher, 2, and Oliver, 5 months, both dressed in matching Scooby-Doo costumes, to see the airplanes.

“He (Asher) really wanted to see the airplanes,” Kaitlyn Horn said.

Other families said their kids love Halloween and dressing up as their favorite characters, so they were taking advantage of free community events.

“Might as well get to use these costumes as much as we can,” said Taylor Hall, who visited “Treats on the Tarmac” with her husband, Seth Hall, and their two girls, Evie, 2, and Ellie, 3, dressed as Minnie Mouse and a Disney princess they had chosen themselves.

“They love dressing up, and it’s a free event, so we thought we’d get out,” said Seth Hall as the family approached the balloon archway leading into the event.

Some families even came fully dressed in costumes — adults and pets included.

The line of booths and stations concluded with an area for eventgoers to take photos and selfies, provided by Event Kode.

Food, beverage and snack trucks were also set up on the airport property for families to purchase treats as they left. Vendors included Real Hacienda, Cold Stone Creamery, Traveling Tom’s Coffee, Kona Ice and J’s Good Grub.

Event and candy sponsors included Owensboro Health, Titan Aviation Fuels, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Atmos Energy and German American Bank.

Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport reveals conceptual design for new terminal

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:28:00 GMT

Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport reveals conceptual design for new terminal

Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) is moving forward with plans to consider building a new terminal. The airport board of directors revealed the plans during Tuesday’s board meeting, expressing a need to modernize the facility to meet growing demands and improve the passenger experience.

The new terminal was part of the airport’s 2020 Master Plan and will not be built on the site of the current terminal but will remain on airport property. Conceptual designs place the terminal across runway 06-24, near Bullfrog Boulevard and Airpark Drive, approximately half a mile from the existing location. This would move the entrance to Carter Road.

“This is the beginning of the process, but developing a concept was essential,” airport director Tristan Durbin said. “We needed to start applying for grants and begin conversations with local officials and business leaders to secure funding.”

OWB is currently conducting the Federal Aviation Administration’s environmental assessment for the project, which could take up to a year. The design phase will follow, taking another 12 months before construction begins.

The total project budget is estimated at $42.8 million. However, officials are exploring a $50 million budget to accommodate potential road expansions and unforeseen construction costs.

Durbin said the new terminal is essential because the existing one is outdated. Built 73 years ago, he said that it has long exceeded the FAA’s recommended 50-year lifespan.

“Infrastructure-wise, the building is in poor shape,” Durbin said. “Over the last two and a half years, we’ve spent over $900,000 on repairs. It wasn’t designed for post-9/11 security needs, and it’s 6,000 to 10,000 square feet too small for today’s demands.”

The new facility aims to provide more efficient service. It features direct access to Taxiway Charlie, enhanced drop-off and pick-up lanes, and improved parking areas with overflow space. Plans include automated toll systems, eliminating the need for passengers to enter the terminal to pay for parking.

While Durbin couldn’t guarantee that the new terminal would attract additional airlines, he noted that an upgraded facility improves the airport’s appeal.

“The airport is the front door to the community. A good first impression makes all the difference,” Durbin said. “It may not guarantee new airlines, but it will definitely help us retain and expand services.”

The 26,500-square-foot design, prepared by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), emphasizes local culture. It will blend Owensboro’s historical significance – such as nods to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the riverfront – with contemporary elements.

During a presentation, GMC architect Steve Jernigan said the goal is to create a state-of-the-art facility designed to last for the next 75 years.

“We want to honor the past while embracing the future,” Jernigan said.

Initial construction plans include two gates – one with a jet bridge – with infrastructure for a second bridge to be added later. The design allows for future expansion, potentially accommodating a third gate and additional baggage claim areas.

The airport expects construction to take two years once it begins, with the goal of opening the new terminal in late 2028.

“We’re trying to move efficiently,” Durbin said, citing funding deadlines tied to the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The next step for the project includes finalizing FAA approvals and securing additional federal and local funding.

“This is an investment in the future of Owensboro,” Durbin said. “We want this terminal to represent the best of what our community has to offer.”

OWB to build new hangar complex with state funding

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:26:32 GMT

OWB to build new hangar complex with state funding

The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport is moving forward with plans to build a new 10-unit T-hangar complex, marking the first hangar construction at the airport in nearly 40 years.

During a recent special called meeting, the airport board approved the project and finalized a lease amendment needed to secure the construction site.

Airport Director Tristan Durbin said the new hangars will help address significant demand.

“We have about 25 on a waitlist right now,” Durbin said. “These T-hangars will probably be the first hangar infrastructure built on the airport in close to 40 years.”

The $2.5 million project will be funded through the Kentucky legislature’s House Bill 1.

Once complete, it will also allow the airport to take possession of an older 10-unit hangar currently leased by MidAmerica Jet. That building will require repairs before returning to use.

“Effectively, we’ll go from the airport currently having zero T-hangars in our possession to after the completion of this project having a total of 20,” Durbin said.

Most of the hangars will serve private aircraft owners, though they will be designed to hold a range of single-engine and some multi-engine planes. Durbin said the added capacity is expected to boost both operations and revenue.

“This is just another piece of our efforts to increase aviation traffic back to the airport,” Durbin said. “A couple years ago we bought a fuel tank and started selling avgas, and that has gone really well. This is another step that will increase our operations and revenue.”

The project is expected to be finished by fall 2026 following the design, bidding, and construction process.

The hangar construction comes alongside other upgrades at the airport. The board also approved a Federal Aviation Administration grant to replace 80 to 85 percent of the airfield lighting with LED systems. Recently completed work includes a rehabilitation of Taxiway Charlie, which runs parallel to the primary runway.

Separately, the airport has also begun the environmental review process for a new terminal project.

Rock Solid Aviation brings flight school back to Owensboro airport

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 15:38:16 GMT

Rock Solid Aviation brings flight school back to Owensboro airport

Owensboro’s regional airport has officially welcomed Rock Solid Aviation, a new flight school aiming to boost general aviation and train the next generation of pilots in western Kentucky.

The school, owned by aviation entrepreneur and instructor Steve Thompson, recently opened operations at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport after more than a year without a local training provider. The addition marks what Airport Director Tristan Durbin called “another step in the right direction” for expanding local aviation opportunities.

“We’re really excited. Rock Solid brings a strong track record of training pilots and offering multiple certifications,” Durbin said. “They’ve proven themselves at other airports, and they’ll help increase operations here with more takeoffs, landings, and fuel purchases — all of which support the airport’s growth.”

Thompson said Rock Solid Aviation’s model is designed to serve pilots at every level, from beginners earning a private license to aspiring commercial pilots on a path to major airlines. The school already has students flying daily with plans to expand its fleet as demand grows.

“We’re more than just a flight school — we offer flight training, rental services, and flight experiences,” said Josh Ford, the lead instructor managing the Owensboro location. “The community response has been amazing. We have a lot of discovery flights booked, and interest keeps growing.”

Thompson, who founded Rock Solid Aviation in Lake Charles, Louisiana, said the business focuses on bringing high-quality, flexible training to smaller communities where demand often goes unmet.

“We find airports that need flight training and we fill that gap with strong management, experienced instructors, and a proven training system,” Thompson said. “Owensboro has been very welcoming. We already have students enrolled, and we’re flying every day.”

Unlike some programs with fixed schedules, he said Rock Solid works seven days a week and tailors training around each student’s pace and availability. The cost varies based on commitment and frequency, but Thompson said students often pay far less than at larger programs.

“Some schools will quote you $120,000 for all your ratings. We typically help students do the same for $45,000 to $55,000 — sometimes even less if they’re committed and consistent,” he said.

Durbin noted that the return of a flight school benefits both general aviation and the community at large.

Rock Solid plans to add more aircraft and instructors as enrollment climbs. Meanwhile, the school is exploring partnerships with local colleges. It aims to introduce aviation to more area residents — whether they want to fly professionally or just enjoy the freedom of the skies.For more information about training and flight experiences, visit https://www.rocksolidaviation.com/ .

OWB earns foreign trade zone designation, celebrates Young Eagles Day, and more

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:51:00 GMT

The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) became a foreign trade zone (FTZ) earlier this week after working to obtain the designation since January. They also recently hosted a successful Young Eagles Day, where over 60 youngsters between the ages of 9-17 could experience flying, most for the first time. According to the International Trade Administration,…

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Static Air Show brings hundreds to airport

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 13:30:00 GMT

The aircraft on display Friday evening at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport ranged from single-engine puddle jumpers to a fighter jet, transport planes and a massive beast that flew passengers and carried mail during its heyday in the 1930s and ‘40s. The event, the Owensboro Air Show’s static air show, opened to the public at 4:30…

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OWB begins daily jet service to Chicago

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:07:00 GMT

You can now officially ride a jet round-trip from Owensboro to Chicago any day of the week. The inaugural flight for the new service, provided by Contour Airlines, lifted off just before 11 a.m. Tuesday. Contour offers 12 weekly round trips between Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The flight…

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