Florida Airmotive Founder Spurred Airport's Growth

It's a fitting tribute, for a true aviation pioneer. A section of the Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA) near Lantana, FL was recently renamed for the man who was once the airport's most vocal advocate.

As ANN reported, Owen Gassaway (shown at right) flew west in December 2007, at the age of 83. He was the owner and operator of Florida Airmotive, the aircraft maintenance, fixed base operation and charter flying company Gassaway first opened in 1945.

Gassaway wasn't "just" a businessman, however. He was also a highly vocal and persuasive advocate for the small airport, which back the was little-more than a spot on the chart.  Under Gassaway's leadership, however, the airport rose to become one of the premier general aviation airports on the East Coast.

To reflect his service to the field, the Lantana terminal bears his name -- The Owen H. Gassaway Aviation Center. And in February of this year, West Palm Beach officials also renamed the original airfield in Gassaway's honor.

Today, Florida Airmotive is managed by Owen Gassaway III. He told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel his father would have appreciated the gesture... though he never was in the business for recognition or fame.

"He had a love for all things aviation, but he really loved the maintenance side of it," said Owen Gassaway III. "He worked nearly every day, and he flew, and he liked the business side of things, but he so much enjoyed helping [children] get involved and getting them in the air."

While Palm Beach County Park Airport remains the field's official (and somewhat awkward) name, most local pilots already refer to the site simply as 'Lantana.' Perhaps soon, they'll use a new name to call up the field... "Gassaway."

FMI: www.lantanaairport.com/HISTORY.HTML