ADDISON, Ala. – Community leaders and aviation partners gathered on Friday, Sept. 19, to celebrate a new chapter for the Addison Municipal Airport. Earlier this year, Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley; Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; and local leaders worked to form a 501 (c)(3) and set up Boone Creek Aviation Foundation, and entered into a lease with the Town of Addison.
“This was a group effort where everybody came together to keep this airport going,” Wadsworth said. “It’s critical that the east side of Winston County has an available airport. Keeping it open helps us long-term as a community.”
The partnership also directly benefits Wallace State Community College’s aviation program, which relies on Addison’s grass runway for specialized training.
Nicholas Jenkins, director of Wallace State’s aviation program said, “Our students are required to practice short-field and soft-field takeoffs and landings, you can simulate that on a paved runway, but it’s far more valuable to train on an actual grass strip.”
Airport Manager Randall Wisener, who also serves as president of the Boone Creek Aviation Foundation, said the facility is now set for growth. The nonprofit structure enables the group to apply for state and federal grants and explore opportunities, such as community events or scholarships, in the future.
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth (a candidate for Alabama lieutenant governor) noted the airport’s importance beyond aviation training. “For rural students, it creates access to opportunities in the field of aviation,” she said. “For industry recruitment, being able to say we have a public-use airport is a critical asset.”
With nearby Double Springs Airport closed in recent years, Addison Municipal Airport remains the only active public-use airport in the area. Leaders aim to expand their role by hosting fly-ins, community events and providing additional workforce development opportunities.
“It’s a blessing to see everyone come together,” Dr. Wadsworth said. “The airport was at risk of being lost, and now it has a future.”
Rep. Wadsworth elaborated on Facebook, posting, “Congratulations to Winston County and the Town of Addison and its council for their joint cooperation in keeping the Addison Airport open!
“A huge thank you to Wallace State Community College and the flight school in Jasper for utilizing the airport for short field and unusual field landings, playing a vital role in supporting the Airport’s operations.
“Additionally, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Boone Creek Aviation Foundation, Randy (Wisener), Chris Tyree, Chris Cookenmaster and its directors for their unwavering support in this endeavor and Senator Garlan Gulger and Lt Governor candidate Nicole Wadsworth during this project.
Working together is critical for success in Winston County.
“This has been a year long project that was successful by people working together.
“Rep. Tim Wadsworth – House District 14”