Lauded For Growth At KJQF

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region Airports Division has named Richard Lewis, Aviation Director of the Concord Regional Airport in Concord, NC, its 2005 General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year. The award is presented to an airport director who demonstrates outstanding leadership.

Lewis, who was nominated by his staff, competed with other general aviation airport managers around the Southeast for the award.

While Lewis has managed the airport for only three years, it has been a period of tremendous growth for KJQF. In fact, Concord Regional has become the busiest general aviation airport in North Carolina.

It's not difficult to see why -- Concord Regional is the main reliever for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and it is the primary airport used by NASCAR race teams, most of which are based within a 60-mile radius of the airport.

"Richard Lewis sets a strong leadership example for airport directors around the country," said Rusty Chapman, Manager, Airports Division, FAA Southern Region. "In three short years he has made a positive impact on general aviation throughout North Carolina. He is well deserving of this honor."

Chapman added Lewis has worked tirelessly to meet the airport facility and service needs of the rapidly growing industry, and to anticipate future aviation needs of all airport users. In December 2005 the airport commissioned a 1,900-foot runway extension, bringing the airport’s one runway to a safety-enhancing 7,400 feet.

Lewis serves on the national Contract Tower Advisory Board. He received the North Carolina Airports Association President’s Award in 2005.

The FAA presented the award to Lewis at the annual Southern Region Communications Conference in Atlanta on January 23.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.airnav.com/airport/KHSA