Here at the Pensacola International Airport, we try to be more than your local hometown airport—we strive to be good neighbors to all, humans and insects alike. That’s why we were thrilled to begin our partnership with the Escarosa Beekeepers Association (EBA) several years ago and do our part to support our hardworking, winged friends.

The EBA manages and maintains four bee hives on airport property. Through the group’s Citizen Scientist Program, they also monitor the bees and the apiary with digital sensors in order to determine new ways to help the honey bee population.

Shelby Johnson of the EBA says, “We are enormously grateful to the City of Pensacola for allowing the Escarosa Beekeepers Club to use its buffer zone land to care for these precious pollinators.”

Beyond the environmental benefits of supporting bees in their natural environments, the EBA also serves as a critical community education program—connecting with more than 1,000 fellow beekeepers and community members in 2023 alone to share important knowledge on protecting our buzzy friends and supporting local honey-growing efforts.

We are so grateful to the EBA for its vital work protecting our bees! You can learn more about their work and how to get involved at https://escarosabee.org/. 

If you or your group are interested in participating in an apiary tour, please contact Shelby Johnson with the EBA at 850.698.6419 (advance notice required).

The post You Won’t Beelieve What’s Buzzing at PNS first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

To celebrate Women of Aviation Week, we’re highlighting a handful of the many many incredible women who have made remarkable contributions to aviation throughout history. 

Bessie Coleman

First up is Bessie Coleman, AKA “Brave Bessie,” “Queen Bess,” and “The Only Race Aviatrix in the World.” Bessie was the first African American (and Native American) woman to earn a pilot’s license in the world.

The tenth of thirteen children, Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, on January 26, 1892. She learned about aviation through childhood reading. She finished high school and some teacher’s training before moving to Chicago where she was mentored by two Black philanthropists, Robert Abbott and Jesse Binga. 

Bessie was denied admission to American aviation schools due to her race and gender so she learned French and moved to France to earn her international pilot’s license. She returned to the U.S. where she spent the next five years touring, giving exhibition flights, barnstorming and parachuting at airports. 

Bessie challenged racial discrimination and refused to participate in segregated events. She planned to open a more inclusive aviation school for Blacks and other races, but her life was cut tragically short when she died during an exhibition accident. Her legacy continues today and pilots honor her life each year by air-dropping wreaths over her gravesite. 

Jerrie Mock

Self proclaimed as “The Flying Housewife,” Jerrie Mock was the first woman to fly solo around the world.

Born in 1925, Geraldine first flew at age five in a Ford Trimotor. A little over a decade later she became one of the first female aeronautical engineering students at Ohio State University. Flying cross-country with her husband, she enjoyed listening to other pilots discuss their various routes and destinations—so she began planning her own trip because she “just wanted to see the world.” 

Geraldine’s departure date and flight path was the same as Amelia Earhart’s last flight and though not in competition with one another, the media followed the progress of each to see who would finish first.

Jerrie set off March 19, 1964, from Columbus, Ohio. 22,860 miles, 21 stopovers, and 29 days later, she returned to Columbus on April 17. President Lyndon B. Johnson presented her with the FAA’s Exceptional Service Decoration the next month. 

Raymonde de Laroche
Raymonde de Laroche is believed to be the first woman to pilot a plane and definitively the world’s first licensed female pilot. 

Born Élisa Léontine Deroche on August 22, 1882, in Rue de la Verrerie in Paris France, Élisa had varied interests as a child, including sports, motorcycles, automobiles and later hoped to be a singer, dancer, and actress at a young age, using the stage name “Raymonde de Laroche” as she came to be known. 

Raymonde was inspired by Wilbur Wright’s 1908 demonstrations of powered flight in Paris. She was also acquaintances with many aviators, including sculptor Ferdinand Léon Delagrange, who was also one of the earliest aviators. They had a son together. Though Delagrange was tragically killed in an airplane accident in 1910, Raymonde’s interest in aviation was undeterred. She trained for four months at Chalons and made her first solo flight on Friday, Oct. 22, 1909. 

The following year, she became the first female licensed pilot in the world. She would go on to participate in various aviation events, and a news article erroneously called her “Baroness de la Roche,” a title that stuck. She was unable to fly in World War I so she served as a military driver instead, before dying in 1919 when she was co-piloting an experimental airplane that malfunctioned.

—

Katie Cook

Major Higgins Katie Cook was the first woman to join the elite aviation demonstration team known as the Blue Angels.

Born August 27, 1986, in Jacksonville, Florida, Katie grew up in a military family that moved around a lot. She graduated high school in Fairfax, Virginia, in 2004 before completing her Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2008. By then a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, she went on to study International Security at Georgetown University, where she completed a Master of Arts degree in 2009. 

A third generation military aviator, Katie became a naval aviator with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and served in Afghanistan—one of very only a few women who flew combat missions in the country. In 2013, during her first action against the Taliban, Katie fired two Hellfire missiles and eliminated an enemy position, thus saving the lives of a group of Marines nearby. Next she was assigned to Uganda to support contingency operations in Africa. It was during this time that she received an unexpected call from a member of the Blue Angels inviting her to apply for the team. By 2015, she had flown nearly 400 combat hours in seven countries.  

In July 2014, Katie was selected by the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron to join the 2015 Blue Angels demonstration team. Higgins flew in her first Blue Angels demonstration in March 2015 in the C-130 Hercules, better known as “Fat Albert”. After two years of completing some truly astonishing flights with her teammates, Katie served as the Airfield Operations Company Commander at EAF Bogue in North Carolina. She now lives in Texas with her husband and children.

Katie credits the amazing women like the WAVES of WWII, LtCol Sarah Deal Burrow (the first USMC Pilot), and the countless other women in support roles on the Blue Angels team for helping carve a path for her.

—

Amanda Lee

Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee is the first female pilot in the elite Blue Angels fighter jet demonstration squadron. 

Born in Mounds View, Minnesota, in 1986, Amanda was a natural athlete, competing in soccer, athlete, ice hockey, and swimming in high school, before graduating in 2004. While attending the University of Minnesota Duluth, Amanda worked at UPS before enlisting in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. She was selected to commission as a Pilot through the Seaman-to-Admiral commissioning program in 2009, and began officer training at the Naval Science Institute Newport, Rhode Island, the following year. Simultaneously she began her studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.   

Amanda earned her commission in the U.S. Navy in August 2013, and reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, to begin training as a Naval Pilot. She completed Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in April 2014 and completed Primary flight training in November 2014. Next, she reported to NAS Kingsville, Texas, where she completed intermediate and advanced flight training in the T-45C Goshawk while attached to VT-22 “Golden Eagles.” 

Amanda was designated a Naval Aviator in April 2016. After earning her wings of gold, Amanda received orders to the “Gladiators” at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for training in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Her first fleet assignment was with the “SUNLINERS” at NAS Oceana, Virginia, where she completed two combat deployments aboard USS Harry S Truman supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom Sentinel, and NATO Exercise Trident Juncture. 

In 2019, Amanda flew in the first ever all-female flyover as part of the funeral service for retired Navy Capt. Rosemary Mariner, one of the first female Navy jet pilots and the first woman to command an operational naval aviation squadron. 

Upon completing her 2019-2020 deployment, Amanda reported back to Virginia Beach as an F/A-18 E/F Instructor Pilot to train newly winged naval aviators and naval flight officers in the tactical employment of the Super Hornet. 

Amanda joined the Blue Angels in September 2022. She made her debut as Left Wing demo pilot in the number three jet in March 2023, and has accumulated more than 1,800 flight hours and over 225 carrier-arrested landings (and counting!). Her decorations include four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various personal and unit awards. 

You can still see Amanda in action today, as she continues to inspire generations of girls and women to achieve their aviation dreams.

—

We are so grateful to Raymonde, Jerrie, Bessie, Katie, Amanda, and all the other amazing women throughout history and today who work tirelessly to improve the air and space industry! 

You can learn more about Women Of Aviation Week at https://womenofaviationweek.iwoaw.org/. 

The post Celebrating Women in Aviation, in Pensacola and Around the World first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

Pensacon

More than a decade ago, a handful of local media and film enthusiasts came up with an idea to host a sci-fi convention–known as a “con”– here in Pensacola. This con would focus on science fiction, fantasy, comics, and pop culture. That first event, dubbed “Pensacon,” kicked off in February 2014 and drew an estimated 11,000 attendees.

Fast-forward to 2024, where Pensacon expects to host 35,000 attendees. In addition, this year’s lineup of guests from across the galaxies of stage, page, and screen totals more than 100 actors, writers, illustrators, directors, producers, voice talents, and makeup artists. These guests include everyone from famous actors you will definitely know to animators and makeup artists whose names you’ve never heard, but whose work you will instantly recognize. 

But Penascon is more than just a celebration of sci-fi, pop culture, and cosplay (short for “costume play”). This convention is also an economic powerhouse, generating $3.8 million in economic impact in 2023 and a cumulative $28 million in economic impact since the 2014 inaugural event. 

We’re proud to support this unique and exciting event, and you’ll see some of your favorite sci-fi characters adorning the walls and columns at PNS. Mayor D.C. Reeves, in keeping with tradition, recently renamed the airport “Pensacola Intergalactic Airport” for the month of February, and our boarding gates are now known as “Stargates.” Hopefully, you enjoy these additions to the airport, er, spaceport, just like we do! 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Visit PNS

Most of the thousands of people we host at PNS daily are either visitors to the Gulf Coast or travelers from the Pensacola area. In addition, the airport and businesses located here employ an additional 2,000 people who come to work each day.

Now and then, we get to host groups that want to learn more about the airport, and we were fortunate enough to do that earlier this month with the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northwest Florida. As part of the BBBS “Beyond School Walls” program, eleven students from Pensacola High School were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport. 

The students were able to get up close and personal with aircraft, watch the luggage trucks and ramps in operation, view the inside of the PNS operations center, and learn about the wide variety of jobs required to keep the airport moving. 

Feedback from the students indicated that they enjoyed the trip, especially “learning about under the wing” of the plane, “seeing the camera footage in the operations room,” and “learning about the different jobs at the airport.”

We enjoyed sharing a little about what it takes to run an airport with these students, and it sounds like they enjoyed it, too!

Reuniting Families

As a military community, we often host servicemembers traveling to or from their posts along the Gulf Coast. We also frequently see families reunited after long deployments. Recently, we were able to see a father and son after fifty years of separation. 

Milton resident Jim Langdon was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He struck up a relationship with a local woman and had plans to marry her. As the war progressed, Langdon was quickly transferred and lost touch with the woman who was carrying his son. Fifty years later, Langdon and his son were reunited at PNS.

Read more about this touching story and how they came to find each other at the WEAR-TV 3 website. 

The post Keeping the “Pensacola” in PNS first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

You were busy traveling, visitors were busy coming to the Gulf Coast, and we were busy making sure that all 2,731,604 passengers who came through PNS had the best experience possible. That meant making some repairs, replacements, and upgrades while operating the airport 365 days last year (and we’ll do it 366 days for this Leap Year!)

Escalators
The most visible project for passengers inside the terminal was the replacement and remanufacturing of our escalators. Due to the age of the escalators, as well as the engineering of the building, we weren’t able to simply buy new escalators to replace the old ones.

As you may have seen, each escalator was remanufactured in place. This meant that the entire escalator was dismantled, each part was replaced or repaired, and then the escalator was entirely reassembled. It was quite an undertaking, and we are glad to have both escalators upgraded and working.

Parking
As the summer and holiday seasons brought about a significant increase in travel at Pensacola International Airport, the rise in passengers posed parking challenges. Despite adding over 300+ parking spaces in 2022, the demand exceeded our available parking, and the PNS team worked quickly to innovate new solutions to ensure a positive travel experience.

In response to the higher travel volume during the Thanksgiving holidays, the airport opened an overflow grass lot on Tippin Avenue, providing an additional 400 spaces. As the Christmas holidays approached, we continued to assess and adjust our parking program to ensure we could accommodate as many passengers as possible. This process resulted in reconfiguring the employee parking area, which added 200 additional public parking spaces, contributing to a more efficient and convenient parking experience for travelers.

Looking ahead, Pensacola International Airport is committed to monitoring parking demands and exploring opportunities to further expand and enhance our parking facilities. Our goal is to ensure a stress-free and convenient experience for all our passengers. We appreciate your understanding and patience during these periods of increased travel, and we want to reaffirm our dedication to helping you “Fly Easy.”

Other Improvements
As we move forward into 2024, we will share more information and updates with you about our ongoing improvements at PNS. Some of these upgrades can happen quickly, once equipment, technology, or personnel are in place. Other improvements, such as our terminal expansion plan, take several months to design, engineer, and fund, before we can begin construction.

Nevertheless, we are continuing our work to make sure you can Fly Easy when you fly with PNS. Stay tuned for more information and updates, and be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

The post 2023 Year in Review, and 2024 Look Ahead first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

PENSACOLA, FL – It’s not too late to join hundreds of runners and walkers who will take off at the USO’s Runway 5K at Pensacola International Airport.

The 11^th Annual Runway 5K, sponsored by Pensacola International Airport and the City of Pensacola, and benefiting the USO of Northwest Florida, offers runners a unique perspective of the airport while enjoying a fun event that supports a great organization. All proceeds go to USO Northwest Florida, whose mission is to keep our local military connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation.

“The Runway 5K is a special event we enjoy hosting here at the airport. The USO Northwest Florida does such important work for our military members and their families, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to support their mission. They are great partners here at the Airport, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to this fantastic event,” says Airport Director, Matt Coughlin.

All participants receive a t-shirt, timing bib, a special finisher’s medal, and FREE food before and after the run. Special awards will be given in several categories. Walkers, strollers, and children are welcome.

The post-run event will feature lots of fun activities for the whole family.

Packets will be available for pick-up on December 1^st from 3-6 pm at Running Wild, located at 3012 E. Cervantes Street, Pensacola, FL 32503. On the day of the race, packets can be picked up between 8:30 am – 9:30 am.

The run begins at 10 am, so sign up today and join us for the 2023 Runway 5K. Registration is $45 the week of the race. Don’t miss this opportunity to RUN THE RUNWAY! For more information or to sign up, visit www.runway5k.com.

The post 2023 Runway 5K – Ready for Takeoff first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

The contest runs through the month of September to October 2, 2023, and the best part is, you can vote every day! 

Click here to vote each day!

Now, we think it should be obvious that PNS is one of the best small airports, but in case you need some extra convincing, here are a few of our favorite things about, well, us! 

Free and fast wifi. 

Seriously, how many airports offer free wifi that isn’t loaded with plugged-in ads or isn’t so slow that the tablet entertaining your kids can barely stream Netflix? 

There’s nothing worse than being in an airport and needing to respond to an email or check out that funny TikTok video and being charged $9.99 for an hour of wifi. We think its a pretty great amenity for our airport to offer passengers, and we’ve heard from many of you that you agree. 

Easy access to everything. 

Aside from our location right in the middle of Pensacola, with hotels, shopping, dining, and neighborhoods right around the corner, we think PNS is a pretty accessible airport in other ways too. 

We have ticketing, security, departure and arrival gates, baggage claim, rental cars, and visitor information all inside the terminal. No need for extra trains, subways, shuttles, or other transport. Once you get here, your next stop is your destination. 

More Blue Angels than (almost) anywhere. 

As the birthplace of Naval Aviation and a place that sees our fair share if airplanes, we’re big fans of the Blues. You’ll find them pretty much everywhere around our airport–and sometimes flying over the airport–which we think is pretty cool. 

From a model Blue Angel welcoming you at our entrance, to a cockpit that keeps kids occupied at baggage claim, to several Blue Angel displays around the terminal, and an occasional sighting of the Pensacola Police Department’s Blue Angels Patrol Truck, we think that’s something that sets us apart from other airports. 

So, take a moment for the next few days and cast your vote for Pensacola International Airport as the Best Small Airport in the country! 

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The post Vote for PNS as USA Today’s Best Small Airport first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

Regular travelers to Pensacola International Airport will know that we are currently in the middle of several projects to modernize and expand the airport terminal. One of those projects earlier this year was the replacement of the “down” escalator. Since there are two escalators at PNS, it is time to begin work replacing the “up” escalator.

Beginning the week of August 14, 2023, we will start work on this project. Initially the contractors will put up the construction wall around the current “up” escalator to prepare for the actual removal and replacement of that equipment. We expect the work to be completed before Thanksgiving.

In the meantime, the current “down” escalator will be reversed to carry passengers up to the security checkpoint from the first floor. Once off the escalator at the second floor, there will be a new walking path to get to the security screening checkpoint. This will prevent arriving and departing passengers crossing paths at the terminal’s most congested spot near the top of the escalators.

What This Means for Travelers
If you are departing from PNS, you will be able to use the elevators, the stairs, or the one escalator to go from the first floor up to the security checkpoint. Look for the signs guiding you to the updated walking path toward the TSA checkpoint.

If you are arriving at PNS, the elevators and stairs will be available for you to use to descend from the concourse to the first floor for baggage claim or ground transportation.

In addition, the second floor of the terminal can be accessed from the second floor of the parking garage, where there are two elevators available for use as well.

Regardless of whether you are flying to or from PNS, we would recommend that you continue to arrive two hours early for your flight to allow plenty of time for parking, checking-in and security screening. Pay special attention to your airline’s web page or mobile app to stay updated with any flight changes or delays during this hectic travel and weather season. You can also check the status of PNS departures or arrivals at our website.

We apologize for this inconvenience. As part of our ongoing improvements at PNS, we have tried to time these upgrades and manage their timing as much as possible to allow you to Fly Easy. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

To learn more about Pensacola International Airport, visit flypensacola.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jay Tusa
850-436-5015
jtusa@cityofpensacola.com

The post August 2023 Escalator Update: What’s Up is Down, and What’s Down is Up first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

Pensacola International Airport has been honored with the Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year award by the Florida Department of Transportation for Project Titan Element 1, ST Engineering’s second hangar at the airport. This recognition was announced at the FDOT Annual Aviation Awards Ceremony, held as part of the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference from July 23-26, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

Pensacola International Airport distinguished itself among other Florida airport nominees, including Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport, by demonstrating exceptional contributions to airport development, sustainability, efficiency, capacity, and safety. This award-winning project further signifies the airport’s steadfast commitment to innovation and economic growth in the region.

Completed in October 2022, Titan Element 1 is a cutting-edge 177,000 square foot maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, facility developed by ST Engineering. It is the second hangar in a planned four-hangar aircraft MRO campus, part of a project co-funded by ST Engineering, Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., the City of Pensacola, Escambia County, the State of Florida, and various state and federal organizations. The facility can accommodate large aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A300. Additionally, it includes a 21,000 square foot Support Service Center equipped with warehousing and vertical lift modules for efficient parts and materials handling.

Titan Element 1 is part of an MRO campus that is projected to create over 1,700 jobs, with each hangar generating more than 400 full-time jobs. These jobs offer an average wage of nearly $50,000, contributing to economic resilience in Northwest Florida and providing individuals with opportunities for career advancement and financial growth.

“This award is a testament to the visionary leadership and hard work of all the stakeholders involved in the Titan Element 1 project,” stated Pensacola International Airport Director Matt Coughlin, “We are immensely proud of this achievement, which not only elevates Pensacola International Airport’s standing in the aviation industry but also contributes to the growth and diversification of our region’s economy.”

Titan Element 1 enhances the region’s aerospace industry, attracting talent and supply chain businesses, while also providing a valuable civilian career option for military personnel transitioning out of the service. Furthermore, the project strengthens educational opportunities at institutions like George Stone Technical College, Pensacola State College, and Booker T. Washington High School.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s recognition of Pensacola International Airport’s Titan Element 1 as the Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year reflects the airport’s unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and progress. This achievement underscores the airport’s vital role as a catalyst for economic development and reinforces its position as a leader in the aviation industry.

To learn more about Pensacola International Airport, visit flypensacola.com.

For more information about ST Engineering, visit stengg.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jay Tusa
850-436-5015
jtusa@cityofpensacola.com

The post Pensacola International Airport Wins Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year Award for Project Titan first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

After a record-setting travel weekend and an exciting Red, White, and Blues week, things are still busy here at Pensacola International Airport. To help you Fly Easy during this busy travel season, we have a few updates to share with you. 

The heat doesn’t seem to be slowing down the travel season, and we are working to keep things moving in front of the terminal for arriving and departing passengers. 

Here’s how you can help:

Use the inside lane and outside lanes for actively loading or unloading passengers.
If you are dropping off a passenger or can see the passenger(s) you are picking up, pull over to the right-hand or left-hand curb to meet them. Feel free to greet your passenger,  give them a hug, and help them with their luggage. However, please do not park and wait for passengers who have not yet exited the Airport. 

Curbside parking and waiting can cause traffic congestion with so many passengers coming and going through PNS. If you are picking up a passenger or party, please have them call or text you as they depart the building and are ready for pickup. Once you see your party, pull over, quickly load up, buckle up, turn on the appropriate blinker, and slowly move out into traffic to depart the Airport.

Avoid stopping in the middle lane–except for pedestrians!

We want to keep the middle lane open for through traffic as much as possible, but remember to stop at the marked crosswalks for pedestrians!

Need to wait longer? Park for up to an hour in any lot – free!

We understand that flights can be delayed or bags can take a while to arrive at baggage claim. If you are picking someone up at PNS and prefer not to driving around the airport, feel free to park in one of our designated parking areas for up to an hour at no charge. 

Then, when your party is ready to be picked up, you can drive up and meet them curbside as they exit the terminal. 

We hope these adjustments will help you Fly Easier with us. While we don’t have much control over the weather, the airlines, or the TSA, we do hope we can make it easier for you to come and go through PNS. We know you have choices when you fly, and we thank you for choosing us!

The post Fly Easy With Curbside Passenger Pickup and Dropoff first appeared on Fly Pensacola.

Contact must be made with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Pensacola to receive landing rights and to coordinate the estimated arrival time. Additionally, if arriving from areas south of the United States such as Mexico or the Bahamas, aircraft operators must have a valid overflight exemption on file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in addition to receiving landing rights. Be advised, there are advance notice requirements for overflight exemptions and for landing rights requests and these must be adhered to. Any request for after-hours services, including weekends and holidays, must be made before 4:00 pm on the Friday before the service is needed.

The General Aviation Facility at Pensacola International Airport can clear US citizens returning to the United States as well as foreign nationals traveling with acceptable entry documents. Aircrew, passenger, and aircraft needs may be accommodated through one of the two FBOs located on the field:

Pensacola Aviation Center and Innisfree Jet Center

To coordinate arrival times or for additional information, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Pensacola facility at:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
4121 Maygarden Road, Pensacola, FL 32504
Office Phone: (850) 433-3205
Office Fax: (850) 433-3756
Email: cbppensacola@cbp.dhs.gov
Operational Hours: Weekdays (Monday – Friday), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Central)

Weekends, Afterhours, and Holidays: By Appointment Only

More information: flypensacola.com/fly/international-aviation

Photo Credit: Michael Taylor

The post Flying Into Pensacola From Foreign Countries first appeared on Fly Pensacola.