Ready for takeoff

By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
Russellville Municipal Airport manager Harry Mattox doesn't like being grounded.
"I'm chomping at the bit to get back in the air," said Mattox, who suffered a heart attack in August.
Mattox is waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration to approve a medical renewal of his pilot's license. He expects to receive clearance to fly again in the near future.
In the meantime, Mattox and the Russellville Airport Authority have plenty to keep them busy.
"The new fuel system should be operational soon," said Mattox. "This will give us the ability to service turboprop, corporate and private jets."
The new fuel system is composed of two fuel tanks, two fueling stations and pumping and filtering equipment.
When the system goes into use, the airport will offer 100-octane "low lead" aviation fuel and "Jet A" fuel.
A new credit-card reader will allow the airport to remain open 24 hours a day. Pilots who land at the airport after regular business hours will be able to refuel their own planes.
A new airport terminal was completed in April 2004.
Recently, the Russellville City Council unanimously approved the airport's capital improvement plan, which details further improvements and additions to the airport over the next five years.
A parallel taxiway and new hangars are some of the upcoming construction projects that will make the airport a safer, more appealing facility, according to Mattox.
"Now that the city council has approved the plan, the State Department of Aeronautics and the FAA have to sign off on it," said Mattox.
Mattox said the Russellville Airport Authority continues to play a vital role in the development of the airport. The airport board is chaired by Bill Pugh. The other board members are Dr. Herschel Cotton, Dick Tutich, Mike Prince, Danny Ledbetter and Johnny Malone.
"The board members are real helpful," said Mattox. "They're the eyes and ears for the city. But they do a great deal of 'roll up your sleeves' work, too."
Mattox said that board members help out with painting, landscaping, runway checks and other maintenance chores.
Mattox is also the owner of Blue Diamond Aviation, which gives flying lessons and offers sightseeing trips, introductory plane rides and even birthday parties.
"I had one student who soloed for the first time on his 16th birthday," said Mattox. "There were about 50 friends and family members here to observe the occasion, and we had a very nice party to follow it up."
In the 1970s, when Mattox was a helicopter flight mechanic at Craig Air Force Base near Selma, he decided to start taking flying lessons. Although he'd flown as a passenger as part of his Air Force duties, he'd never been behind the controls of an aircraft before.
"I was pretty nervous the day of my first lesson," said Mattox. "But as soon as we took off, the fear and anxiety melted away."
Mattox said it takes approximately a year to qualify for a private pilot's license.
"There are basically three phases of pilot training," said Mattox. "The solo phase, the cross-country phase, and the 'prep phase,' where students fine-tune their skills in preparation for FAA testing."
Aircraft from all over the country stop at the Russellville Municipal Airport, according to aircraft mechanic Noel Blevins.
"Aviation is such a small world," said Blevins. "If you meet a pilot you don't know, chances are he still knows someone you do."
"Noel does an excellent job," said Mattox. "He's our full-time mechanic. He does major and minor airframe and engine repair."
"They break 'em, I fix 'em," said Blevins.
The airport's guest book is full of praise for the facility, and kudos can also be found on the AirNav aviation website, www.airnav.com.
"Very nice facility and super nice people," wrote pilot Scott Brisco. "Will stop again."
"I made my 3rd visit this year to Blue Diamond Aviation and all three times my experience was excellent," wrote pilot Greg Wilson. "The new terminal building is first-class. Highly recommended stop."
The Russellville Municipal Airport is located southeast of the city at 13365 Highway 243. For more information about airport services, call 331-9000