Page 12 - Volume 18 Number 10

Lyddon Aero CenterGives Full Service at LiberalbTy LeRoy Cookhe western half of the U.S.is big and tall country, sowhen heading east across the Rockies, or battling a headwind westbound, it’s not unusual to need a pit stop out on the plains, where the elevation is lower and the rocks don’t rear up off the end of the runway. One of the popular flatland stops is Liberal, Kansas, in the southwest corner of the state; I’ve used it on many occasions, and Lyddon Aero is always helpful.Lyddon Aero began as Lyddon Aviation in La Junta, Colorado in 1965, as Bill Lyddon, Sr. started a small FBO in the eastern Colorado town. Subsequently, the FBO at Lamar, Colorado was purchased and Lyddon expanded into charter services. Over the years, hard work and a good reputation brought success and Lyddon’s two sons, Steve and Bill Jr., went on to operate the FBO. The Liberal, Kansas operation was purchased in October, 1990.Today, the Lyddon family operates the FBO at Liberal, Kansas; Steve Lyddon and Bill Lyddon, Jr. are pilot/ mechanics, Bill’s son Nathan is a charter pilot and Steve’s daughter Jennifer Mannel is co-owner and manager. Six grandchildren are growing up in the business as well. The location is a natural crossroads of aviation on the Western Plains, where flying has always been second10 • TWIN & TURBINEnature. At Liberal, an airplane is not regarded as a luxury; it’s a necessity, if you want to connect to the rest of the nation. Lyddon’s Liberal facility is a convenient Conoco Phillips refueling stop, at an elevation of 2,885 feet with a 7,100-foot runway. Amenities include a conference room, a pilot lounge and snooze room, free ice, coffee, tea or lemonade to drink, and a crew car. Maintenance and avionics service is available on site, and catering is available.After nearly 25 years, Lyddon Aero Center continues to offer a full range of services, including flight training. As Steve Lyddon puts it “Training is absolutely necessary to maintain your base of customers. Without it, you don’t have a future.” Likewise, the Part 135 air taxi service is important to locally-based businesses; even though Liberal has commuter airline service, flights are limited. The Lyddon charter fleet includes 11 airplanes, ranging from a Cessna Turbo Centurion toa pair of Beechjet 400As. The larger airplanes are owned in partnership, with the co-owners permitted a proportionate time share of the hours flown. Steve Lyddon still flies up to 1,000 hours per year himself.Large or small aircraft are treatedthe same on the Lyddon Aero ramp,with none of the nickel-and-dimefees some FBOs levy. At the sametime, the staff knows how to takecare of business travelers’ needs. Myvisits have always been pleasant andefficient, whether I was staying orjust stopping. I’m sure you’ll enjoytheir hospitality if you drop in. Besure to check out the on-field Mid-America Air Museum’s collection ofover 80 vintage and military planes,if you have the time. T&TFor more information:Lyddon Aero CenterPO Box 945, Liberal, KS 67905-0945 Phone 620-624-1646toll-free 1-800-659-1646Fax 620-624-0566 www.lyddonaero.com•OCTOBER 2014