Published: December 24, 2007 03:04 pm      

Crossville Aero wants to renew interest in local aviation

It has been over three months since the partnership of Mark Burris and Chris Bennett became the temporary Fixed Base Operator for Crossville Memorial Airport under the name of Crossville Aero.

With plans for expanding an already broadened array of services, increasing aviation education opportunities and bringing a new concept to the Upper Cumberlands, the two local businessmen are confidant they are on track to land a permanent contract to run the daily operation of the airport from the city. In the process, they hope to build aviation interest locally while helping the city improve education and relations between the facility and industry and the airport.

"There is a misconception that you have to be wealthy to learn how to fly," said Burris. "For the price that some people pay for a four-wheeler, a person can take lessons and learn to fly."

The two Crossville natives and their business took over operation of the airport after city commission members decided to do away with the long-standing airport committee and manager form of business. Crossville Aero was given a six-month contract to operate as interim Fixed Base Operator with two six-month renewals.

Crossville Aero has as its immediate objective, to build aviation interest in the community, in industry and in the pilot community, while helping the city of Crossville improve the airport.

Business and industrial leaders can use the airport facility to make fast and easy day trips, Burris said. "One can fly to Atlanta or Nashville or Memphis, conduct their business, and be home for supper," Burris said, avoiding hours of driving on the road.

Currently Crossville Aero provides car rental service for pilots, catering for pilots and passengers who stop for refueling, fuel, maintenance, (instrument) flight instruction, hanger space, pilot supplies and rental aircraft.

A new simulator allows student pilots to gain their instrument ratings faster and more economically by providing logable time while doing the bulk of that work study on the ground.

The two are researching the purchase of a Light Sport Airplane (LSA) that would expand flying to many on the Plateau who currently do not have a pilot's license.

The light plane is smaller than traditional aircrafts and do not require a pilot's license or medical certificate to fly, Burris said. The two-seat aircraft requires less training and has been a hit in European countries and other parts of the U.S., Bennett added.

"It would be a great opportunity for short business trips or for joyriding," Burris added.

Both men are natives of Cumberland County and both graduated from Cumberland County High School. Burris is a 1973 CCHS graduate. He also graduated from The University of Tennessee. He married Crossville native Sue (Wilson) and they have a son, Christopher, who is moving to Nashville, and a daughter, Becky Burris Hillis, a nurse in Crossville.

The Burrises also own Plateau Physical Therapy. They make their home in the Homesteads and attend Linary Church of Christ.

Burris has been flying since 1974 with an airline transport rating. He is a certified flight instructor in everything from single engine planes to jet engines. He is also an instrument instructor.

Bennett is a 1987 graduate of CCHS and is married to Linda (Barnes). They have two children, Tyler and Ashley, both who attend Martin Elementary. He formerly worked as a real estate agent for Crossville Realty where he remains associated, and the Bennetts attend First Church of the Nazarene.

The two invite those interested in learning more about the airport and the opportunities that exist to visit for a cup of coffee and a bag of popcorn, and to tour the facilities.

Crossville Memorial Airport, "In my opinion, is one of the top non-metropolitan airports in the state. Very few airports in communities our size have instrument approach landing. It is a great asset to the city."