Ground breaking for new Fort Collins/Loveland airport
Recently I ran across some old newspaper photos from the early 60’s.
More than 50 Loveland and Fort Collins officials gathered at what was to be the new terminal building at what is now Northern Colorado Regional Airport to the cost of $60,000.00.
Ron White, the president of Western Aviation Inc., stated that he expected the building to be completed by January 1. White described the facility to the crowd as a 100 x 120 foot hangar with an attached shop building attached to a 24 x 80 foot lounge/office/engine shop. White’s firm, under contract as fixed base operator and manager of the new airport, was already operating the field. Temporary office quarters were housed in a temporary trailer. Sound familiar?
Western Aviation had already begun flight instruction and refueling at the facilities. The FAA authorized the removal of the X’s from each end of the 7,000 foot runway.
Joining White was Fort Collins Mayor Harvey Johnson and Loveland Mayor Ray Patterson, along with both Mr. and Mrs. White turned shovels of dirt in the ground breaking ceremony.
In addition to the ground breaking ceremony I also found this image of the 1st student to sign up for flight instruction with Western Aviation, Inc, at the new Ft. Collins/Loveland Airpoart.
Robert Overly, a 66 year old father of 5 had always loved flying but was never able to learn how to on his own until recently. He is pictured here with Assistant Managaer Harry Denning of Western Avaiton.
