Montgomery County Plays An Essential Role in the Aviation Industry

November is National Aviation History Month, and a wonderful time to reflect on the impact of aviation on the Montgomery County, Kansas, economy. The power of flight transformed the nation, from enhancing its military capabilities during World War II to expanding the economy through business travel and eventually the tourism industry.

“Montgomery County has an aviation industry today because flight pioneers invested in the region,” says Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). “This area played an essential role during WWII, and then turned the military runways into commercial resources. Our community has always been innovative with what it has.”

Montgomery County stands on the shoulders of aviation giants and contributes to the industry today through several local manufacturers. Learn more about this community’s connection to aviation and get to know the companies that operate here. 

Montgomery County Has Invested in Aviation for a Century

There are several ways to connect with aviation history in Montgomery County. Tourists can visit the Aviation Heritage Museum in Coffeyville to learn about the 125-year history of reaching the skies in this part of Kansas. What started with balloon rides in 1900 turned into airplane exhibitions in 1909. Montgomery County remained a hub for aviation through the operations of the Big Hill Airport, which was open from 1933 to 1960.

Today, there are two airports in Montgomery County. The Independence Municipal Airport operates Monday through Friday and was converted to commercial use after serving as Independence Army Airfield during World War II. Along with two runways, the airport is home to the Independence Industrial Park.  

Coffeyville Municipal Airport boasts two runways and a tie to World War II. McGugin Field started as an army training base and was then turned over to the City of Coffeyville in 1946.

Montgomery County also has a special tie to space exploration. Miss Able was half of a pair of rhesus monkeys sent into space on a Jupiter rocket in 1959. She was born in Independence and lived there until she was chosen for space research. Miss Able and her counterpart, Miss Baker, both returned safely after reaching an altitude of 300 miles, traveling at speeds past 10,000 miles per hour. Miss Able’s body is preserved at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and she was featured in the movie Night of the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

Montgomery County Companies Lead Aviation Development

Several companies in Montgomery County work tirelessly to keep planes in the air, offering quality repair services on existing aircraft while shipping parts nationwide. Every part is important on an airplane, which means Montgomery County plays an essential role in military operations, the global supply chain, and the safety of air travelers who board planes every day. Here are a few aviation companies in the region.  

• MPAC Aviation Services: This company has over 40 years of experience in overhauling engine accessories. The company reviews inspection reports to see what airplanes actually need work on, saving their customers money. The company operates out of Independence.  
• Nordic Turbine Services: This team offers jet engine repair services, specializing in the Pratt & Whitney J52 engine. Founder Daniel Thorenson has worked in aviation for over 30 years and served in the Navy, where he started working on jet engines. 
• Textron Aviation: This company produces some of the most widely recognized aircraft names, including Cessna and Beechcraft. Several aircraft are assembled in their facility at the Independence Municipal Airport. 
• VSE Aviation Services: This organization services military, commercial, general, and rotorcraft operations, offering maintenance and repair services for various parts. It also provides aftermarket parts distribution.  

The aviation companies in Montgomery County range from small shops run by passionate owners to global enterprises that see the value of investing here. Each part, plane, and repair has an impact on the aircraft in today’s skies.  

There’s Room for Additional Aviation Investment

While Montgomery County has a thriving aviation industry, there’s room for additional investment. Independence and Coffeyville Municipal Airports have room for additional companies, and shovel-ready sites are available for businesses to build on.

“Not only are there existing aviation workers in Montgomery County, but there are also relocation programs and workforce development systems in place to make hiring easier,” says Johnson. “Montgomery County has the right sites, utilities, and workforce for aviation businesses.”  

Utilize the available site selection tools to identify potential properties that align with your size and amenity needs. The proximity to the airport means there are location advantages and safety features designed for aviation companies. You can also reach out to MCAC directly to ask about potential properties for your business expansion.

Your aviation workforce can be found in Montgomery County, along with the right sites to build on. Let MCAC help you build a future in Kansas.