Grissom Reserve AFB tips a wing to general aviation
Local pilots soon to land and park at historic airbase
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Established July 1, 1942, and called "Bunker Hill Naval Air Station," the Grissom Air Force Reserve Command is located near Peru. The base was originally named for Indiana native Virgil "Gus" Grissom who, educated at Purdue University, was one of America's original seven astronauts who perished in a fire in the Apollo capsule at Cape Kennedy, Fla., in the early 1960s. The military installation has never allowed, without special permission, private and general aviation pilots to land on the historic 12,000 foot runway - until now.

According to Grissom's Web site, Bunker Hill originally served as a training base for thousands of Navy, Marine and Coast Guard pilots, including baseball legend Ted Williams. The base was home to both active duty and reserve personnel until 1994 when it was realigned as a reserve facility. Today, the host unit is the 434th Air Refueling Wing and the base is one of four in the nation.

Changes for the local community are now happening at the historic site. During the first weeks of April, Montgomery Aviation, a private fixed base operation (FBO), will inhabit Hangar 100 on the east end of the field. And with that move, civilian aircraft will begin operations on the field initiating a new piece of history.

Dan Montgomery, owner of the FBO, told the Comet Thursday he was excited to be the business chosen to provide services to general aviation pilots at the former military-only installation.

"We are right in the middle of the Midwest," Montgomery explained. "I expect that flyers going across country will land here for fuel and other services."

Montgomery said the FBO will inhabit four bays with a terminal building located in the middle of the complex. Services include fuel for both piston and jet engines, mechanic services for general maintenance and for annual inspections, a weather computer for visiting aviators and a courtesy car for overnight pilots to travel the approximately six miles into Peru to lodge for the night.

An assistant manager will be onsite during operation hours, which will coincide with military base hours. Montgomery said he purchased a house locally for assistant manager Jerry White, which will enable him to be readily available to offer FBO services in off hours. Grissom personnel will maintain the runways, which includes a 12,000 foot runway, the longest in the state of Indiana. Montgomery said the facility will provide hangar space for general aviation airplanes that need long-term housing.

Montgomery assumed FBO responsibilities at the Frankfort Airport approximately three years ago. He continues to offer services, which include a flight school, at his facility, Executive Air, near Indianapolis.

"When we get ready to open near the first part of April, everyone is invited to the grand opening," Montgomery concluded. "We are excited to show off our facility and our services to this area of the state."

Information about Montgomery Aviation can be found at www.montgomeryaviation.net.