The Sarnia Observer

(1957) No aircraft are landing yet at Sarnia Airport but it won’t be long before they will, according to airport officials.

Bill Moon, vice president and general manager, is confident that by the end of the summer the airport will be in operation.

The site of the proposed landing field currently looks rather desolate. The skeleton outline of the first hangar, topped by a control tower, rises from the flat stretch of land. From the top of the tower the main runway can be seen stretching for 3,600 feet.

The base of this strip has been cleared ready for graveling. It would stretch from Christina Street at George and continue to Confederation. The width would extend from Christina to the river. It will be large enough to land any twin-engined aircraft. Next to the hangar will be a reception centre and washrooms, but the main administration building will be constructed on the far side of the main runway.

Mr. Moon said that during construction of the main runway last fall, so many aircraft were making low passes at the field, he had to write to the Dept. of Transport requesting pilots be told to keep away. When the airport is ready for operational flights the first aircraft will probably be a De Havilland Dove or Twin Beechcraft. These planes are capable of carrying eight to 11 passengers plus a quantity of freight and mail.

Flights will be inaugurated between Sarnia and Toronto twice daily and from Sarnia – London, Sarnia – Windsor and Sarnia – Detroit. Training programs are being planned for would-be pilots and it is hoped to give instruction to local air cadets next spring. Charter flights will also be operated to the Northland. The “tired” businessman will be able to leave his office at 5 p.m. Friday and by 6”30 p.m. he can be sitting by some Northern lake enjoying a spot of quiet fishing.

Chief pilot of Sarnia Airlines is Rod Pritchard. He was a Flying Officer in the RCAF and piloted Vampires and F86’s. Rod is not flying at the moment. He is taking a conversion course from single to multiple-engine aircraft. In his spare time, he takes a spade in his hand and helps level some of the ground inside the reception building.

One problem has been overcome. A roadway has been constructed from London Road to the airfield. This is a mile long and means that transport can now reach the field. When complete, the airport will provide a point of entry into Canada by air. All aircraft crossing the border at this point will be required to land at Sarnia for customs and immigration formalities.

So, it may not be long before the buzz of low-flying aircraft is heard in the air. But, as Mr. Moon says, “It all depends on the weather.”