In tandem with the conference center, the City of Tyler is revitalizing its downtown area. “The county is investing in a new courthouse and revitalizing the downtown square,” Thompson notes, reflecting on the city’s broader urban planning efforts. This revitalization complements the airport’s appeal by enhancing the overall visitor experience. Thompson also highlights several aviation-related events that attract GA traffic to Tyler Pounds. “Our annual air show, the Rose City Air Fest, will be in its fourth year this year,” he shares. The air fest is a significant draw for aviation enthusiasts, showcasing a variety of aircraft and aerobatic displays.Additionally, the airport hosts several fly-ins throughout the year, including the recent Challenge Air event, which introduces children and families to the excitement of flight by pairing them with local aircraft owners. Another noteworthy event is the Texas V Tails fly-in. “We are hosting a fly-in with the Texas V Tails as they prepare for their annual formation trip to Oshkosh,” says Thompson, referring to the distinctive Bonanza aircraft participating in this formation flying event. The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (HAMM), based at Tyler Pounds, is another significant attraction. “Our museum continues to grow and expand,” Thompson notes. The museum features an extensive collection of military uniforms and artifacts and one of the largest military libraries in the area. It also boasts an outdoor display area with numerous historic military aircraft. The museum partners with the airport for events like the Challenge Air program and the Warbirds Expo, where visitors can experience flights in vintage aircraft. STRENGTHENING EDUCATIONAL TIES AND ADDRESSING PILOT SHORTAGES Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is an aviation hub and a catalyst for educational collaboration and workforce development.These partnerships are instrumental in addressing industry challenges, such as the shortage of pilots and maintenance technicians. “We have private instructors that work with our fixed-base operators (FBOs) including Jet Center of Tyler, providing a great place to secure transient 224 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07
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