'Airport of the Year' 2009 Award

At the annual meeting of the South Dakota Aeronautics Board, Yankton's Fixed Base
Operator - Carlson Aviation was awarded 'Airport of the Year 2009.'  Proving that last year was no fluke, Chan Gurney Airport has again been recognized as one of the state's top airports for large general aviation.

This is the first time an airport in the large general aviation category has gotten the award in back-to-back years.  Dozens of airports around the state vied for this recognition.  Carlson Aviation holds the contract with the city of Yankton to be the fixed-base operator.

"What this has done is basically set a precedent for the entire state of South Dakota since it has never been accomplished by any city," said Gary Carlson.  The cooperation between the city and the fixed-based operator has given rise to the airport's shining ability to attract large and small aircraft to the airport.  The hospitality at the airport terminal is above and beyond any airport of similar size.  Gary Carlson credits his wife Kaite for being the ''hostess with the mostest!"  Every pilot and guests to the airport are greeted warmly and you will find Katie offering to arrange for other services such as catering, rental vehicles or lodging to the guests with overnight stays.

Katie said the recognition has fulfilled one of the earliest goals of Carlson Aviation.  The Carlsons plan to use the recognition to promote the airport. 

                       Flying High Again
Thumbs Up to Carlson Aviation and the City of Yankton for their continuing commitment to make the Chan Gurney Municipal Airport among the best in the state.  It was recently named the state Office of Aeronautics' 2009 large general aviation Airport of the Year.  It is the first time an airport in the large general aviation category has gotten the award in back-to-back years.  While many improvements have taken place at the airport in the last decade, perhaps the most important change at the facility was the decision several years ago by the city to make Carlson Aviation the fixed-based operator of the airport.  Gary and Katie Carlson go out of their way to make visitors - whether they hail from Yankton, England or any point in between - feel at home.  They have opened the airport to the community with various events, and they have done a lot of promotional work to bring pilots to Yankton from around the world.  City staff certainly does an exceptional job in maintaining the airport, but it is the generous spirits of the Carlsons who make it feel like a home.


Patriotic Employer Recognition

Carlson Aviation has been recognized as a Patriotic Supporter by 
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Re
Reserve.  

The Carlson's employ their son Josh, part-time at the airport.  Josh recently returned from active duty with the Navy.  He is currently in the Naval Reserves and is in college full-time pursuing a Bachelor's degree.


Certificate of Sponsorship

Recognized for sponsorship for radio broadcast community awareness program for Missing Children.

Carlson Aviation supports this campaign program. 




'Airport of the Year' 2008 Award 

At the annual meeting of the South Dakota Aeronautics Board, Yankton's Fixed Base Operator - Carlson Aviation was awarded "Airport of the Year 2008".  The award was presented in Aberdeen, SD in March 2009 for large general aviation airport.

This is the first time in the history of the Yankton's Chan Gurney Airport that the award has even been won.

Carlson Aviation deserves all of the accolades for accepting and winning this award.  Gary and Katie Carlson, in the two years that they have operated the FBO, have made significant improvements to the airport in both the physical outlay and the customer service that they provide.

Yankton's airport has witnessed increased usage since Carlson Aviation has been the Fixed Based Operator.