The original idea for a state airport association had been discussed for sometime beginning in the early 1980’s.  George Hargett and Peter Van Pelt had originally tried to get the support of one of the commercial airport directors to no avail.

Undaunted, Peter and George then met with Bob Barnard,  one of the principals of Barnard Dunkelberg Co., in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Peter presented the idea to Bob and garnered his support for the undertaking.  Barnard Dunkelberg Co., as we now know, was in it for the long haul.

Peter wrote the original Constitution and By-Laws for the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association.  These were based on the premise that all airports, regardless of size, were to have an equal voice and the organization would work for the common good.

From its conception, the first formal or charter meeting was held at the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum in Oklahoma City on December 19, 1983.  38 charter members ratified the Constitution and By-Laws and OAOA   was born.   It was a year later on December 28th, 1984 that a Non-Profit Certificate of Incorporation was filed in Oklahoma City, Ok.

It should be noted that people like Terry Leard and Don Powers played an active role even before this fledgling organization became a reality.

OAOA has enjoyed a storied history and looks forward to many more years to come.

CHARTER SLATE OF OFFICERS:

 Peter Van Pelt, Stillwater                  President

George Hargett, Norman                   Vice President

Don Powers, Tulsa                            Secretary

Murry Witherby, Grove                       Treasurer

CHARTER MEMBERS:

Peter Van Pelt, Stillwater 

George Hargett, Norman 

Bob Barnard, Tulsa 

Don Powers, Tulsa 

Murry Witherby, Grove

Terry Randall, Muskogee

Duard Spleth, Enid

Terry Powell, Guymon

Wes Mainord, Shawnee

Jim Davis, Burns Flat

Stan Stamper, Hugo

Jonne Ackerman, Perry

Terry Leard, Oklahoma City

David Lankford, FAA, Oklahoma City