December Ramp Report
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Santa is making a special stop at three of our Apex Aero Center locations this holiday season spreading holiday cheer on December 14th! He’s expected to arrive at Platteville Municipal Airport in Platteville, WI from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.; Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport in Guthrie, OK from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and the Midwest National Air Center in Excelsior Springs, MO from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. We are excited to share our love of aviation with our community’s so come ready to see some fun aircraft, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy festive snacks!
Employee Spotlight, Jack Cooley!
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jack Cooley, Apex GPH, who joined our team in June of 2024.
Jack is a multi-commercial instrument-rated pilot with over 300 hours of flight time. His journey in aviation began three years ago when he started working line service at KOJC and KMLE, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Jack’s life has been full of adventure—growing up, he lived in Louisville, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Omaha, and Kansas City. A die-hard Kansas City sports fan, he loves cheering on the Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Jack’s passion for sports isn’t just on the sidelines; he’s a two-time high school football state champion from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, KS (Class of 2017).
In his free time, Jack enjoys playing Xbox, pickup basketball, and hanging out with friends. Most recently, he celebrated his 26th birthday with a memorable trip to Phoenix with his family.
Arris Pardolas, General Manager at GPH says, "I've known Jack for 3 years now; I was there when he got his first job in aviation as a line service tech at KOJC. I am proud to call him my friend, and I am so happy he is part of the Apex Aero team."
Jack, we’re lucky to have you on the team and can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll achieve at Apex!
Big News: Apex Adds Terrell, Texas to Our Growing Network!
Exciting news! Apex is thrilled to welcome Terrell, Texas, into our growing family of locations! Starting January 1st, we will begin operations at the historic Terrell Municipal Airport (TRL), a cornerstone of general aviation in the region.
Located just east of Dallas, TRL boasts a well-maintained 5,000 ft. runway, full-service facilities, and convenient access to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it an ideal destination for both private and business aviation. Beyond its modern amenities, TRL is steeped in rich history. During World War II, the airport was home to the No. 1 British Flying Training School, where more than 2,000 Royal Air Force and American Army Air Corps pilots trained, fostering international cooperation and aviation excellence. Today, that legacy is honored with the nearby No. 1 BFTS Museum, celebrating the airport's role in aviation history.
As we expand our footprint to this vibrant community, we’re eager to bring our unwavering commitment to exceptional service and hospitality to Terrell. We will continue building on this airport’s proud history while elevating its future. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare for takeoff!
Great news for pilots flying under BasicMed!
A new law, signed on May 16 and effective as of November 18, 2024, increases the aircraft weight limit under BasicMed from 6,000 pounds to 12,500 pounds and raises the occupant certification limit from six to seven.
Since its inception in 2016, BasicMed has streamlined medical certification for thousands of pilots, with its safety and effectiveness paving the way for this expansion. AOPA alongside Rep. Sam Gtaves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has been instrumental in these improvements, ensuring more pilots have the freedom to fly.
As BasicMed continues to grow, efforts to expand its acceptance into Canada and beyond remain a top priority. Fly high, and enjoy the added flexibility of this updated program!
Looking for festive destinations this season?
Here are a couple of holiday experiences near two of our Apex locations that are perfect for a quick getaway:
Let Apex Aero Center help make your holiday season unforgettable. Fly in, refresh, and explore these incredible holiday destinations!
Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza Lights (Near Apex GPH, Kansas City, MO)
Soar into the heart of Kansas City for one of the most dazzling displays of holiday lights in the Midwest. The Plaza’s iconic architecture shines with thousands of colorful lights, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for shopping, dining, and celebrating. The lights shine through Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
Guthrie’s Victorian Christmas Walks (Near Apex GOK, Guthrie, OK)
Step into a winter wonderland in America’s largest historic district! Stroll through streets adorned with twinkling lights, enjoy live entertainment, and embrace the holiday spirit. Make a new memory by flying into Apex GOK—just minutes away from this magical event. The event takes place December 7th & 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All of us at Apex Aero Center wish you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
We’ll be closed on December 25th (and a half day on December 24th), but our self-serve fuel will remain available, and a staff member will be on call at each location just in case you need assistance!
