A Silver State update

[fry]

http://www.lvcitylife.com/articles/2007/09...iq_16925978.txt

 

Airola update

 

Businessman and former sheriff's candidate Jerry Airola is everywhere these days. A few weeks ago, his Silver State Helicopters company was listed as one of the fastest-growing firms in the country in a story carried by a national wire service. Airola followed that up with an appearance on the popular TV show American Chopper. And now, Knappster has received word that the smooth-talking entrepreneur has cut a deal to move most of his operations to Texas. The way we hear it, Airola sold a large chunk of his helicopter company to a New York investment company. That company supposedly negotiated a deal with officials in rural Texas. The community is said to be donating more than 150 acres of land -- if Airola agrees to move much of his operation there. There's even talk among the Texans about supporting Airola in a run for sheriff if he wants the job. Ya think? A real live Texas lawman? Talk about a dream come true.

 

Airola will keep a corporate shell here in Las Vegas, and his far-flung firm will retain its hubs in other towns across the West, including Sacramento, where we hear the new district manager is a guy named Ron Williams -- the same Ron Williams who resigned from his position as a lieutenant with Metro Police last year. Williams, as you may recall, was caught red-handed making secret audio recordings of his conversations with Metro colleagues, including sheriff candidate Laurie Bisch. At the time, many wondered if Williams was secretly working for the Airola campaign when he made the recordings. Funny that he would end up working for Airola's company. We wonder if the former police officer has been able to get a helicopter pilot's license in light of his admitted battle with alcoholism?

[icqa]

There goes the neighborhood. They are moving to my town of New Braunfels, halfway between San Antonio and Austin. We had heard rumor for months they were moving their HQ here especially since they set up their ATC school here. They confirmed it when they held the American Choppers event last month. Even gave free rides.

[ADRidge]

It's going to be a sad day for me when I come back home and see SilverState's HQ clogging up the airspace.

[icqa]

Traffic at the airport has tripled from a few years ago. I tended to stay away from there but usually encounter them further north at San Marcos.

 

It's going to be a sad day for me when I come back home and see SilverState's HQ clogging up the airspace.

[Tenacious T]

Traffic at the airport has tripled from a few years ago. I tended to stay away from there but usually encounter them further north at San Marcos.

 

They have a tower now so the increased traffic shouldn't be a problem. They have already had a school there for a few years now I don't see the addition of corporate offices significantly increasing traffic.

[icqa]

Traffic jumped from 24,000 in 2004 to nearly 80,000. SSH opened in 2005. The tower and ATC school opened last year but they are still having teething problems, and it's mainly student controllers. New Braunfels is still technically an uncontrolled airport (last time I checked) and they are still working out how to get the traffic flowing more efficiently.

 

Don't get me wrong I think it's great and while I don't know how it works I hope that New Braunfels becomes a Class D airport in the near future.

 

They have a tower now so the increased traffic shouldn't be a problem. They have already had a school there for a few years now I don't see the addition of corporate offices significantly increasing traffic.