BUMPED: MCCLANAHAN TAKES FLIGHT FROM BOARD

After 14 years on the city's Airport Advisory Board the past three as chairman Jerry McClanahan was bumped from the board Monday.

The Cape Girardeau City Council reappointed Steve Nesler to the board, and named newcomer Michael Wandrick to it. McClanahan had sought a third, seven-year term, but was able to muster the support of only three of the seven council members.

McClanahan said Tuesday he was disappointed but accepted the council's decision.

A pilot since 1976, McClanahan has worked on behalf of aviation in Cape Girardeau as a member of the airport board and the now-defunct air transportation committee of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

"I've looked at it much the same way the council did," McClanahan said. "I think a guy can spend too much time at one position ... there's no doubt about it. Evidently they looked at it that way.

"But I wanted one more term

because there are so many things going that I really wanted to see finished."

Resigned to his dismissal, McClanahan said he's satisfied with his service to the city.

"It's been a pleasure being able to serve the city of Cape Girardeau and serve on a board that's overseeing the operation and handling of a $50 million piece of goods," he said. "I feel the thing's worth every penny.

"I'll still work on behalf of aviation and the city of Cape Girardeau. It's a tough thing to get out of your blood."

Former city airport manager Mark Seesing said he was surprised McClanahan wasn't reappointed.

"He's definitely been a contributing force on the board," said Seesing, who resigned recently as airport manager to take over operations of Cape Central Airways.

"He was always listening and communicating and always interested in helping. He had a good understanding of what goes on out here and was always willing to participate in a positive way."

McClanahan began his service on the airport board during the tail end of aviation's "hey day" in Cape Girardeau. He said that although aviation has declined dramatically since, the airport facility has continued to expand and improve.

"In the late 1970s Cape Central was the number-one dealer of single-engine aircraft in the world," he said. "We had the auction at the time and there were all those airplanes out there for sale.

"We watched that go away, the little airplane manufacturers go away, and the airlines go down. Yet, at the same time, the airport facility has steadily improved."

McClanahan said several million dollars have been spent at the airport during his tenure on the board to make it "one of the best facilities in the state."

It was in September 1976 that McClanahan began his training for a pilot's license. By December he received the license and was able to obtain his flying hours by delivering and picking up airplanes that were sold by the local airplane dealer.

But those were the good days. About two years ago, McClanahan finally sold his plane.

"I love aviation," he said. "It's a shame it's gone down the way it has.

"You get a young guy now, even if he's interested in aviation, he can get his pilot's license, but it's going to cost him $3,000. But the chance to get his free flying is almost nil.

"By the time he's in a position where he can further his career in corporate aviation, he's spent $20,000 to $25,000.

"The guy just having a $10,000 airplane and being able to go to the airport and fly, those days are gone, and that's a real shame," McClanahan said.

Although aviation has declined, McClanahan pointed to developments at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport such as a project to overhaul the terminal building as evidence that the city is poised to take advantage of a resurgence.

"We're getting ready to see the new terminal happen," he said. "We've got the new T-hangars, where, instead of having 10 when I came aboard, we've now got 32."

The terminal project was a contentious one for the airport board. The debate focused on whether to renovate the terminal or raze it in lieu of a new building. McClanahan favored the renovation.

"That was not an easy decision, and I still don't know if the decision we made is the right one," he said. "As it's turned out, we've displaced people in those businesses out there for a full year getting this thing built.

"But I really believe that's going to be a good project when it's done," he said.

McClanahan said the biggest challenge facing the airport board and city is fostering better passenger service in Cape Girardeau.

Currently, Trans World Express is struggling to continue providing limited airline service. It recently applied for a federal subsidy to continue operations.

"The board's going to have to work very, very hard with this thing in the depressed state that it's in," said McClanahan. "I can remember when Cape Girardeau was served by three airlines; now there are only three major carriers in the United States."

McClanahan said he's confident the positive steps at the airport will continue without him.

"We have probably one of the best airport boards operating right now, and I feel real good about leaving that kind of a situation," he said.

Board newcomer Wandrick is retired from the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked in the air traffic division in Los Angeles, and several other cities. He retired after 35 years with the FAA.

His experience in aviation dates back to 1944 - both as a civilian and military pilot. Wandrick holds a pilot's license, but does not fly now.

A native of the East Coast, he has lived in Cape Girardeau since 1982. He is currently a real estate broker with Century 21 Key Realty.

Wandrick said the big challenge is to improve conditions at the airport, and increase the activity. "It will be a challenge to make the airport a viable part of the community."