Business View Magazine | November 2020

172 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 can accelerate their progress towards a career as a professional pilot. The College is also exploring the possibility of expanding its flight program to include rotorcraft (helicopter) and drone training sometime in the future. ATY Aviation is Watertown Regional Airport’s family-owned and operated Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The Yost family acquired the FBO operation and recently celebrated their 2nd year in business in Watertown. John Yost is an experienced A&P IA (Airframe and Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization) and a 1985 graduate of the Lake Area Technical College A&P program. It’s a full-service shop with hangar space available for larger aircraft, as well as quick-turn service and de-icing options. In addition, flight training and CAA “Commercial Aviation Association” fueling has been added in the last year as another provided service. ATY Aviation has just added another 100’x120’ hangar for more heated storage as the demand has grown. ATY Aviation has a passenger lounge with a great view of the Airport, public internet and workstation, a large conference room, and a pilot’s lounge. The most popular that the FBO offers, however, may be the free ice cream they provide to pilots utilizing the facility. According to Airport Manager, Todd Syhre, Watertown Regional is experiencing unprecedented growth and there are several expansion plans underway. This past summer, the commercial apron was replaced, and Syhre reports that bids requests went out in August to replace its aging commercial terminal building. “The current terminal is over 50 years old,” he notes. “And with the growth we’ve seen in commercial service in the last few years, the old terminal is less than half the size needed. In addition, post 9/11 security changes and Department of Homeland Security and TSA requirements have well-exceeded the available space and design of our current terminal.” “The new terminal will be a new build in a MAKE YOUR STORY EPIC! L AKEAREATECH.EDU 1201 Arrow Avenue NE \\\ Watertown, SD \\\ 605.882.5284 or 1.800.657.4344 START A CAREER WHERE THE SKY’S THE LIMIT • Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot Option • Aviation Maintenance Technology Option • Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot/Technician Option AAS DEGREES • FAA CERTIFIED