PB AVIATION BOARD NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

As the airport readies for the Black Pilots of America’s Operation Skyhook fly-in, Pine Bluff’s Aviation Commission elected a new chairman Thursday and studied creating a local aviation foundation.

Glenn Bell, the chairman for the last year, will step down from the position officially at the end of May.

Commissioner and newly-elected chairman Michael McCray will lead meetings from that point forward.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity to serve,” McCray said. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

McCray also informed other commissioners about his work on a proposed aviation foundation to serve Pine Bluff and the county.

“We want something that can actually work and support more than the museum,” he said.

McCray said he wants the foundation’s goal to be supporting aviation business, education and industry in the area.

Commissioners asked McCray to report at a future meeting about how the foundation would be structured.

“Won’t you just tidy this up and come back,” Bell said.

He said he would like to see some commissioners active in the foundation and possibly city leaders as well.

“I see this commission playing a pretty big role in what happens here at the airport,” Bell said.

Bell suggested the commission could even be used as a way to promote events such as the Black Pilots of America events today through Sunday, which include competitions and children’s rides.

“It can be very broad,” McCray said.

Bell will remain a member of the commission until a new member is chosen by Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr., said airport manager Doug Hale.

“I’ve had a wonderful time here on the commission,” Bell said.

He said the renovation of the terminal building is a project he’s glad to see at the municipal airport.

“It’ll really make it a shining jewel for Southeast Arkansas,” he said.