Selected By The FAA SW Region As The 2017 Arkansas Airport Of The Year

The City of Arkadelphia’s Dexter B. Florence Memorial Field Airport (KADF) was selected by the FAA SW Region as the 2017 Arkansas Airport of the Year. The award was received by Ms. Michelle Anthony, Airport Manager and Mr. Gary Brinkley, City Manager. There are currently 92 airports operating in the state of Arkansas.

The award was presented by Mr. Glen Boles, Manager,  Arkansas/Oklahoma Airport District Office. Mr. Boles stated that the Airport continues to demonstrate responsible and disciplined planning focusing on enhancing safety and improving airfield conditions. The Airport Manager has been instrumental in implementing changes to their philosophy and culture. She is fully engaged in operations and all airfield projects from conception through construction.

The City of Arkadelphia made the airport a high priority and appropriated local funds to fast-track several projects to resolve long-standing airfield drainage problems. In addition to drainage issues, the airport also manages local wildlife concerns. They maintain a depredation permit from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and utilize a trap and depredation service to reduce wildlife incursion improving the safety and proactively addressing the potential for wildlife strikes.

The airport serves as an operational base for the Henderson State University flight training program, corporate aviation and recreational flying. The Henderson State University flight training department is located on the airfield.

“The operation and management of the Dexter B. Florence memorial Field Airport is excellent. The sponsor has created a culture of “Safety First”. They focus on enhancing safety at the airport, manage a disciplined capital plan and support FAA initiatives. Congratulations.” – Glen Boles

The award was presented to the City Board of Directors at the Board Meeting on February 6th.

(Image provided with City of Arkadelphia news release)

FMI: www.cityofarkadelphia.com