Future plans for the Allen County Airport — including hangar rental rates and construction — drew extended discussion from county commissioners Tuesday.
A portion of the conversation centered on local airport tenant Vince Hill, owner of Black Horse Aviation, a Kansas City-based company specializing in aircraft paint refinishing and polishing.
Hill spoke with commissioners about continuing a community fundraising event while also asking for clarity on hangar availability at the airport.
Hill said the fly-in and car show he sponsored last year at the airport raised about $2,500 for the local school district and that he hopes to expand the event this year.
“I’d like to get the county more involved and see if we can make it bigger and better,” Hill said.
He said he would like to split this year’s proceeds between the school district and the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in LaHarpe.
Hill also took time to recognize individuals who help support airport operations, including Commissioner Jerry Daniels.
“Jerry is a huge asset to our airport,” Hill said. “I don’t know if you guys really know what he does.”
He added that Public Works Director Mitch Garner and Airport Manager Robert Poydack are also important contributors.
HILL HAS been a key presence at the local airport for more than a decade. In addition to renting the majority of the airport’s hangars, he has contributed thousands of dollars to airport-related activities.
In May 2022, Hill organized a $10,000 airshow honoring Vietnam veterans that brought about 30 war-era airplanes and helicopters to the airport.
During the meeting, Hill also raised concerns about a recently completed hangar, built by the county, that remains vacant.
“I would like that hangar,” Hill said. “We need it for expansion for the aircraft that we have. We need it for maintenance.”
Hill said he is preparing aircraft for the upcoming air show season and needs to know whether the space will be available.
“Air show season is coming, so I’ve got to start maintenance on two airplanes. I’ve been kind of waiting for two or three months to get a yes or a no,” he said.
Hill said he simply wants to understand the current process for hangar assignments.
