For 50 years the David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport has made flying fun and convenient for the greater Houston area.
Located in Spring, Hooks is one of the largest private airports in the United States in addition to one the busiest in the area. Its longevity and success is contributed to their quality customer service and excellent staff.
“It is our outstanding red carpet service that makes us so successful,” said Taylor Gresset, marketing coordinator. “We have a group of women and line men who take care of our customer’s needs from taxing the aircraft, to setting up sleeping and eating accommodations to making sure the coffee and fuel is topped off.”
The rapid growth of Tomball has positively impacted Hooks and business is also growing. According to Gresset, Hooks has had a great relationship with the city since the original owners Charles “Charlie” and Irma Hooks. Since then it has grown stronger, and Gresset said they have several customers from the area. The airport is a popular spot for those with a passion for flying and has several retired and active military clients.
Hooks started in the 1960s after Charles decided to build a runway for personal use and was called the Houston Northwest Airport. His son David was tragically killed in a plane crash under the supervision of a flight instructor and the name was changed to David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport.
Charles sold the airport in 1989 to the Gill family and the airport is known as the David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport at Gill Aviation, which provides FBO services (Fix Base Operator) for their clients. The airport also has five different flying schools on site, great food, charter aircrafts and a wide variety of mechanics and aircraft specialties. One of the main attractions is their “amazing” grill where families can get front row seats to watch the aircrafts take off and land.
On Saturday, June 27, Hooks will host its 50th year celebration inviting the public out for food, games and fun for all ages. Plane rides in B-17 (at a cost) will also be provided by the Texas Raiders. It is exciting, said Gresset, to celebrate being a part of the community for so many years.
“We are a small but full service airport just like the larger airports,” Gresset said. “We do everything that they do but we do it with a more of a personal touch.”