By Thomas J. McKillen
Managing Editor

The past and present of aviation was on display during the “Wings Over Waukesha”  exhibit at the Waukesha County Airport in Waukesha June 19-21.
The event featured a B-17 bomber along with several other types of military and civilian aircraft. Airport administrators provided a behind the scenes tour of the airport to elected officials June 19.
Airport Manager Keith Markano noted that Waukesha County Airport is the third busiest airport in the state, serving general aviation and private planes. The airport first opened in 1935 and its most recent renovation occurred just three years ago, as a runway was reconstructed.
According to information from county staff, the airport is home to 225 single engine, 25 multi-engine and 20 turbine or jet aircraft. Also, Waukesha County Airport connects travelers to 5,400 public use airports across the country.
Markano was eager to tell the airport’s story to the several county supervisors who appeared for the tour.
“We love aviation, people who love aviation love to talk about it,” he said.
County Executive Dan Vrakas mentioned the airport as one of the factors that led the county’s triple-A bond rating from a financial ratings service.  He also cited several jets at the airport which are quieter and have assisted in the expansion of the facility.
Vrakas also mentioned the economic impact of the airport, citing a 1999 state Department of Transportation study which showed the airport had a $50 million impact to the county.
“It’s in our best interest to let the public know what is happening here,” Vrakas said.
A subsequent tour took officials past a $1.2 million Gulfstream Jet. The entourage then drove past the hangar for Flight for Life. Flight for Life relocated to the Waukesha County Airport last year. Vrakas noted that Flight for Life is a private company and that most of its business stems from transporting patients from one hospital to another. Flight for Life has 24 employees operating at the airport facility.
Besides Flight for Life, other organizations which use the airport include the Commemorative Air Force, Waukesha Aviation Club, Fox River Fliers, Veterans Airlift Command, and Civil Air Patrol.
The officials then traveled to the east side of the airport where the control tower and rotary snowblower were located.
Inside the tower, Andrew Groth of Midwest ATC said the airport oversees traffic within a four mile radius and up to 2,500 feet.
Outside the tower, Markano noted that the snow blower has been known to toss snow up to 100 feet.
“This is an awesome piece of equipment,” Markano said.