Bonnie Hyra
TRIPS will explore behind-the-scenes at the Tucson International Airport on Wednesday, November 16. Thirty participants will be able to learn about all of the new and exciting things going on at the TIA. The new 252-foot control tower has opened giving the air-traffic controllers better views of all planes on the ground and in the air. “This is the newest most state-of-the-art control tower in the country,” stated the Airport CEO recently. The old tower is being left standing with its welcoming TUCSON neon signage. There are now 19 non-stop flights out of the airport and several new restaurants opening up.
In addition to the morning tour of the airport, in the afternoon the participants will be visiting the Pima Air and Space Museum. This is the third largest aviation museum in the world. The main hangar includes exhibits of sea planes and amphibious and aerial reconnaissance aircraft.
U.S. firepower brought to bear on North Vietnam from 1964 to 1975 is also on exhibit. Hangars Three and Four focus on World War II aircraft. The TRIPS group will visit the 390th Memorial Museum and take the tram tour of the museum’s 80 acres, which feature more than 150 aircraft.
Carpools will meet at the Creative Arts and Technology building parking lot at 9:00 a.m. The TIA airport tour will take place at 10:00 a.m.
An early lunch is scheduled for the Triple T Truck Stop on Interstate 10 and the tour at the Space Museum will take place after lunch. TRIPS will be able to accommodate 30 participants on this special all-day tour. The $25 fee includes admission, tram tour and transportation to and from Quail Creek by reimbursed carpool. The fee does not include lunch. Return time to Quail Creek will be approximately 4:00 p.m.
A sign-up sheet will be at the Concierge Desk on Tuesday, October 17. Checks and cash are accepted. Use of credit cards is not permitted. A government-issued ID is required at check-in. Breaks for drinks or snacks will be at your convenience. For more information call Bonnie at 777-4230.