Thought of Everything

Jan. 11, 8 a.m.: Arriving for the first time in Redbird Skyport in San Marcos, it is hard to underestimate the size and scope of the facility nor its potential value to aviation students such as those at Vaughn. At more than 27,000 square feet, its expanse is that of a small, planned community; a newly built community as well.

Clean, uncluttered and well-designed, it's no wonder Vaughn students have to be, in the words of Skyport General Manager Randy Clark, "ushered out of the building at the end of the day." Who would want to leave?

For those interested in dimensions and statistics, Skyport boasts two 5,000-plus feet runways and another in excess of 6,300 feet. A hangar, similar to Vaughn's, anchors the center of the facility, which Skyport officials plan to use for alternative revenue generation. Imagine a wedding reception in May or a vintage car show in October!

A state-of-the-art simulator lab and conference rooms dominate one end while classrooms and even a restaurant sit on the opposite side. In between is a computer area open to all, so a laptop or iPad is hardly a necessity.

Redbird seems to have redefined state-of-the-art. Still, it is hard to conceive of such a facility wholly constructed in less than five months, but the partnership between Redbird, Texas Aviation Partners, which manages the facility, and the city of San Marcos seems to have benefited all parties.

"We wanted a location that was near our corporate headquarters in Austin," Clark explained. "Here, we're only 40 minutes away."

Link to the Redbird Skyport homepage here and discover more about the facility.

-- James Stephen Smith,

Director of Public Affairs

 

Vaughn students from left, Cajetan Ferrao, Ryan Barren, Erika Barcenes

and Gagandeep Munder discuss assignments. Below, 

Margarita Cholakova reviews her morning's work.