(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
ANNUAL EVENT … The Williams County Airport attracted local residents during a recent Independence Day celebration
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Tucked into the quiet outskirts of Bryan, the Williams County Regional Airport (Airport 0G6) stands as a vital link in the “river of the sky,” serving both a historical and forward-facing role in the region’s growth.
Located at 16288 County Road D and owned by the County Commissioners, the airport is managed today by Steve Fortner, operating under the direction of the seven-member Williams County Regional Airport Authority.
History of Vision and Community
The airport’s origins trace back to 1964 when then Governor Jim Rhodes envisioned an airport in every Ohio county.
Williams County answered the call with donated land from a dedicated local volunteer who managed the airport for decades. Since then, the site has evolved significantly, formally becoming county-owned around 2008.
Over the decades, the airport has served as a gateway to commerce and adventure. In a notable piece of local lore, shared by Dave Newcomer, he mentions that two young businessmen of their time once flew from Bryan to the West Coast. They used highways as makeshift refueling stops and safely returned when their journey was over.
Technological progress has played a large role in shaping airport operations. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) introduction of real-time tracking mandates and pressure from insurance companies prompted key improvements.
These updates include developments of a parallel taxiway and a large hanger complete with overnight accommodations – further attracting business guests and investment. This was a huge key step to opening up the Williams County Airport’s traffic ways.
At one time, Aero Corporation, a significant local employer at the time, maintained its own plane and hangar at the site. They often shuttled salespeople and visitors alike.
Other regional businesses, including mobile home dealers along State Route 6, have used the airport to establish new partnerships and drive economic development.
A Hub of General Aviation and Connection
Today, the Williams County Airport is home to a single grooved asphalt runway stretching nearly 4,800 feet in length and sees roughly 8,030 aircraft operations annually – primarily general aviation.
Anywhere between seven to 15 aircraft are housed at the facility at any given time, including small private planes and several commercial crafts.
The airport offers pilots a full range of amenities: hangars, tie-downs, aircraft maintenance, a pilot’s lounge, and even courtesy ground transportation via a recently acquired van. Fuel for aircraft is also made available to visitors at the 0G6 station.
Though there are currently no flying clubs or formal education programs based at the airport, it maintains an active relationship with the community through annual events.
Among the most beloved traditions are the Fly-In Breakfasts held on July 4 annually. Previously sponsored by Kiwanis, the event features vintage and military aircraft, potential plane and helicopter rides, a classic car show, and community auctions.
These events not only celebrate aviation but highlight the airport’s role as a gathering point for families and enthusiasts alike.
Looking Ahead: Safety, Expansion, and Economic Promise
Future plans for the airport are firmly rooted in a 10-year development plan, largely steered by FAA priorities and funding eligibility.
With over $8 million invested by the FAA in recent years, the agency remains a significant influence over project priorities.
Upcoming improvements include concrete repairs near the runway, a new site study, and ongoing evaluations for compliance with FAA standards.
A major near-term goal is the acquisition of an AWOS (All Weather Observation System). This is a critical safety and insurance requirement that would enable more business aviation. The project, estimated at around $350,000, requires its own adjacent land and easement purchasing.
While FAA and state funds will eventually reimburse these costs, the Williams County Commissioners must approve the initial purchase.
This purchase is deemed necessary by many members of the Airport Authority, as insurance companies often do not permit their aircraft to fly without an AWOS system in place.
The FAA does not put money towards anything profitable inside the airport but instead focuses on projects centered around safety.
For example, an additional necessary infrastructure project includes a 10-foot tall wildlife perimeter fence – costing upwards of $100,000.
Most of the details in the Board’s 10-year plan center around safety projects in the airport. Despite its modest footprint, the airport has broad economic implications. It is frequently used by local companies like Titan Tire and Chase Brass for charter business travel.
Newcomer stated, “We need people to see Bryan as easy to get to. This is a fundamental investment to have a proper dock in the river of the sky.”
Many businesses in the area use the County airport for a transportation method if they have multiple locations across the country.
For many residents, the Williams County Airport remains a hidden gem, one whose contributions to local business, transportation, and community identity are often overlooked.
As county officials and airport leadership work to secure vital upgrades, they continue to offer accessibility, progress, and partnership.
“We need people to see Bryan as easy to get to in Williams County,” Newcomer explains. “
It makes them much more comfortable putting their business here. We will maintain a commitment to keep improving to make it more accessible and safer.”
Whether it’s hosting warbirds overhead on Independence Day or quietly facilitating the arrival of a potential investor, the airport’s message remains clear: the sky is not the limit, but a starting point for connection, growth, and opportunity in Williams County.