Sidney airport named tops in state for 2015

The Sidney Airport got quite an honor late last month.

The airport was named the top airport in the state at the 24th annual Nebraska Aviation Symposium held Jan. 28. Sidney's airport was named the top non-part 139 airport, which means it was the top airport in the state in 2015 that did not offer airline services. Grand Island was named the top airport in the state for an airport which offers airline services.

Sidney was lauded for its improvements to the airport in 2015. The completion of the new terminal building, which opened in October, includes a pilot's lounge with a bathroom and a flight planning area with a computer. There is also a new large waiting area for the public.

On July 15, George Lapaseotes and Jon Leever, operating as L&L Aviation, took over as the fixed-base operators at the airport. That means L&L Aviation runs the daily operations at the airport, which includes providing the management and maintenance at the facility.

"With quality and customer service as the backbone of their mission statement, every customer receives clean dry fuel and a wholehearted welcome to Sidney," Leever said in the application for the award.

Ballard Aviation of Newton, Kan., also operates a satellite operation at the airport. According to the application, Ballard offers a variety of aviation services and specializes in Beechcraft King Air modifications. Ballard is in its second year at the Sidney airport.

"They are a vital asset to our airport and King Air operators throughout the country," Leever said in the application.

In addition to fuel, inspection services and heated hangar rental are both available. Ground transportation at the airport includes courtesy cars and an on-call shuttle to the Cabela's retail store.

"I think the activity that has moved Sidney Municipal Airport in a positive direction is the open communication between the Airport Authority and L&L Aviation," Leever said in the application. "With the safety of the flying public as top priority, both parties have the same goals and expectations for the growth and improvement of the airport."

One unique aspect of the aiport is that it houses the lone aviation maintenance program in the state. This program is available through Western Nebraska Community College. The program began in 1969 and moved to its current space at the airport in 1997.