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Sign at the Summit Blvd Entrance to the Airport
The park's entrance sign.
The Chappie James Memorial Monument
Looking along the park's Runway 26 showing the park's control tower with the real thing in the background.
The park's control tower
The intersection of the park's Runways 17/35 and 08/26, as seen from the park's control tower.
The view from the park's control tower looking toward the approach end of the park's Runway 08. The PNS control tower is seen in the upper left and the terminal in the upper right.
A close-up, of one of the spring-rider airplanes.
A close-up of one of the shaded tables.
CURRENT STATUS On October 1 the park was officially opened with a fund-raising event co-sponsored by PAFW and the local branch of Embry-Riddle University. The Phase I construction is complete and allows visitors to observe aviation operations at the Pensacola Regional Airport with a view available nowhere else. Phase I contains open viewing facilities, miniature runways, a miniature control tower, and play areas. Phase II will add a hall of Honor with plaques commemorating aviation personalities and significant events related to the Pensacola area, an area recognizing major contributors to the park project, a shaded viewing area, and additional play areas. PAFW is currently raising funds to provide for completion of Phase II. The total cost to complete the park is estimated to be $350,000. Contributions by PAFW members and a few local citizens total over $50,000. The City of Pensacola has provided $125,000, Escambia County has given $60,000, the City of Gulf Breeze has donated $6,000, and Santa Rosa County has donated $15,000. These funds have allowed the completion of Phase I and partially funded Phase II. Because of the increasing costs in the aftermath of the major hurricanes affecting the Pensacola area over the past year and a half, there currently is insufficient funding for completion of Phase II , consisting of an elevated, covered observation platform and the Hall of Honor. (See Phase I and Phase II discussion below). The PAFW Board of Directors deemed it appropriate to commence construction without the viewing stand and Hall of Honor in order to get the project moving. PAFW will continue its fundraising efforts to ensure that both elements of the original plan will ultimately be implemented. Named for a true aviation hero, Pensacolian General Daniel F. "Chappie" James, USAF, the park will also honor other famous aviation personalities with ties to the local area, such as:
Harry and Ann Blanchard For a description of the park project, see the discussion below.
AVIATION PARK AT PNS One of the objectives of Pensacola Area Flight Watch, in fulfilling its mission of support for General Aviation in the Pensacola area, is the promotion of the image of General Aviation, and airports within the region in the eyes of the general public. To the general public, the airport is a sterile environment in which they are prevented from interacting in any way with the elements of aviation, other than boarding and leaving aircraft through enclosed jetways. Long gone are the days when the general public could park near the airport and have an unobstructed view of aircraft operations. In an effort to allow public observation of aircraft operations at Pensacola Regional Airport, PAFW has identified the establishment of an aviation park at the airport as a major objective.
Shown below is a synopsis of the park's objectives.
What is an Aviation Discovery Park?
•An
observation area located at Pensacola Regional Airport providing:
–An
excellent view of airport operations; including both runways, the Control
Tower, Terminal, and General Aviation facilities.
–Radio
equipment providing the ability to listen to communications between the
control tower , and arriving or departing aircraft at Pensacola Regional.
–A
display containing a picture and biography of Gen. James, a short
–history
of the airport, and a layout of the airport showing the location of major
facilities.
–A
miniature Control Tower.
–Play
area and facilities for younger visitors.
Why is there a need for this facility?
•To
stimulate new and existing interest in aviation.
–There
is a continuing demand in all
areas of aviation for bright, reliable, and enthusiastic young people.
–Families
or young individuals can no longer view airport operations up close as in
the past because of security restrictions.
•A
visit to the airport involves moving from a parking facility, to a building
with a limited view, through a metal tube to an aircraft.
•To
provide a view, unavailable at present, to all citizens of the Pensacola
area of their airport in operation.
•To
promote the idea the airport is part of the community.
Where is the park be located?
•The
park is located in
strategic point in the Southeast portion of the airport,
as shown in the diagram below. This location is between Pensacola Aviation Center and the
commercial hangar facilities. It is
accessible from either Spanish Trail Rd. or Summit Blvd.
•Although the
area is separated from other airport
property for security reasons, the view is excellent, and the atmosphere one of
welcome.
Aviation Park Project Fundraising Effort A donation to PAFW's Aviation Park Fund is a small investment to not only allow our children to dream but also to encourage them to follow that dream and ensure the future of America's aviation industry . PAFW is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. All contributions are tax deductible. PAFW has established the following levels at which donations will be gratefully recognized Supporter---$50 to $499: Names of supporters will be recognized in the dedication ceremony program. Bronze Underwriter--$500 to $$999. Silver Underwriter--$1,000 to $$4,999. Gold Underwriter--$5,000 to $$9,999. Platinum Underwriter--$10,000 and above. All contributors at the Underwriter levels will be recognized by an engraved brick set in a wall distinguished by the level of contribution. Contributions to the building fund for the Aviation Park can be in the form of a check payable to: "PAFW for the Chappie James Memorial Park Fund" Post Office Box 10877 Pensacola, FL 32504
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