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Early Part of the Last Century
In late 1928, O.L. Woodson , an early aircraft designer, proposed a production facility at that location with a mission to build a revolutionary designed aircraft called "The Simplex". Only 9 or 10 were built prior to the onset of the depression which ultimately ended the production facility. |
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2nd Recognized Airport
It was reported as "very active" just after WWII. But, the sight had few permanent buildings. 3rd Recognized Airport
By the mid decade, a 3,000 ft. paved runway was constructed along with a new steel hanger, which still is in use today. This early development was completed in conjunction with Williams County in a joint effort. During this effort, it was learned that the current President, Dwight Eisenhower, was to make a fly in visit to Defiance on October 15, 1953. The runway was hastily lengthened to its present day 4,200 ft. in anticipation of President Dwight Eisenhower's visit, but ultimately his travel arrangements changed and he came by way of B&O Railroad. During the late 1950's and 1960's there was rapid growth. Numerous new buildings were constructed. Several are still in use today. There was rapid growth of a very active Float Plane Club operating from the Auglaize River, near the present day Scotty's Club 111. By 1965, the joint venture with Williams County dissolved with Bryan building it's own airport. |
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Several prominent businesses have been involved throughout the years
Dinner Bell Foods operated DB Aviation. In 1976, Tony Saxton and his father, Vernon, started an aviation business called, TAS Aviation, with a mission to provide general services for the current airport. In the 1980's, TAS started an air transportation network for cancelled checks through northwest Ohio. This grew into a 6 state wide area of transportation, utilizing 15 Twin engine Cessna aircraft. TAS Aviation currently gains a 3 year 98% on time dispatch rate by developing & implementing standardized maintenance procedures. In 1988, Tony Saxton was approached to serve as the technical director and staff writer for a Twin Cessna Owners Organization called, The Twin Cessna Flyer. At this time, TAS Aviation refocused on maintaining customer owned Twin Cessna aircraft and was soon regionally known as, Twin Cessna Quality Maintenance Specialists. In 1992, The company gained a large boost by preparing a Twin Cessna 310R for the First Around the World air race, placing 3rd in a competitive 28 day trip across Europe, Russia, North America and back across the Atlantic to a finish destination of Cannes France. With the lessons learned and exposure gained, TAS Aviation grew to be nationally known. In 1993, it was Tony Saxton's distinct pleasure to accept the National Maintenance Technician of the Year Award, being named #1 of nearly 350,0000 certified Aviation Technicians in the nation. Today, TAS Aviation works on over 200 Twin Cessna aircrafts from all over North America. In addition, the company, in conjunction with the Twin Cessna Flyers, teach quarterly Seminars on aircraft systems throughout the Country, as well as, support other aviation groups like the FAA, NTSB, Cessna Aircraft Company and other trade groups. Upgrades and Improvements
Transfer of direct control from County Commissioners to an independent 5-man Airport Authority Board.
Extension of Brunersburg water service Installation of National Weather Service Automated weather reporting station Updated runway approach slope indicator lighting systems Formation of the states only second JEDD (Joint Economics Development District) |
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Additional
businesses start on airport grounds (MeyersAvionics) and