Fernandina Municipal Airport construction update

Photos and information

March 28, 2018 8:44 p.m.

Airport Manager Nate Coyle, is pleased with the progress being made on construction of the Fernandina Municipal Airport Terminal. In the midst of construction, Brian Echard with Bent Wing Aviation Services will begin serving as Fixed Based Operator on April 1.

According to Chris Whelan, the windows are installed, as are interior wall partitions and stairs. Most of the lobby roof is completed, and the structure for the skylight is in place.

And for you history buffs . . .

A 1993 photo showing Pratt & Whitney Frank Tifft welding at the Florida P & W plant.

Chris sent some memorabilia from his father-in-law Frank Tifft who was employed by Pratt & Whitney from 1958 - 1997 as a jet engine welder. Pratt & Whitney made the "Wasp Engine" that powered the Corsairs.  The new airport terminal design is inspired by the airport's connection with the WW II Corsair.

A Pratt & Whitney Photo.

Information from Pratt & Whitney.

Editor’s Note: Chris Whelan joined the United States Navy straight out of college in 1975 and served for 22 years as a Navy Aerographer’s Mate – the Navy’s meteorologists and oceanographers. Chris earned the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Broadcast Seal of Approval in 1994 and was an on-air meteorologist for the local television station WTLV starting in 1986 until he retired in 2004. Chris came to our island in 1991 and spends his time photographing the sights of our wonderful island, collecting and restoring vintage cameras, and being involved with local environmental issues, and enjoying his family. We thank Chris for his contributions to the Fernandina Observer.