FBO returns to West Aviation

Just over three years after agricultural-based aviation business Nor-Wes took control of the Creston Municipal Airport’s FBO (Fixed Base Operator), the reigns have been handed back to the locally-owned West Aviation.

West Aviation has run the FBO since its inception, providing maintenance, fuel, parking and hangar space. In December 2020, Nor-Wes signed the contract and became the new service provider. However, after a void in contract, the FBO is back in local hands.

While West Aviation was originally run by Larry West, son Tyler West is taking over with the FBO change.

“I’ve been out there with my dad since I was a little kid, so I’ve been there my whole life,” Tyler said. “I’m just looking forward to being out there all the time and being a part of it.”

Tyler was 6 years old when the FBO was founded and grew up around aviation, alongside his brother Brian. Though training to be an airline pilot, Brian helps out at the FBO part time. Larry also helps out, signing off on annuals until Tyler completes his IA. Having an IA allows a person to perform and approve annual inspections.

Tyler already has his A&P license, meaning he can work on both the external frame (airframe) and engine (powerplant) portions of an airplane. An IA is added on to that certificate once the mechanic has at least three years of experience and has received further certification from the FAA.

In other airport news...

The airport will be putting in a new fuel system this summer. The new system, the M4000 QTPod, will provide more credit card options to pay for the fuel and allow the city to process the payment digitally. The FAA has agreed to fund 90% of the cost.