There are some new arrivals at the North Central West Virginia Airport. These arrivals aren’t coming off of any planes, but chances are good they may have played a part in the fact that you’re even on a plane.

 

Last week, the state of the West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame in the Benedum Terminal at the airport officially got its start. The first three classes of the Hall of Fame had plaques put up on the walls on the south side of the terminal building – the entrance closest to U.S. Route 50.

 

“When individuals walk into the terminal from that side, which I guess you could say is the side near Oliverio’s (Ristorante), they will see the recognition plaques for the Aviation Hall of Fame inductees for the first three years,” said Rock.

 

The new displays feature descriptions of the honorees, all of whom Rock described as pioneers in West Virginia Aviation. He said the new West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame logo is also on there.

 

“I think this will eventually draw visitors to our area as we grow. It’s actually drawn people to the terminal, but it’s primarily been family members of the inductees that have come by, including one inductee,” said Rock. “There’s a lot of things I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in at the airport, but this is one that I’m extremely proud of.”

 

For those wondering, this is only the initial phase of the State Aviation Hall of Fame. Right now, Rock said the plan is to make the entire terminal have displays, including some that could be more interactive in the future.

 

“There are more levels where we want to take this. For starters, we’re hoping to have historic articles sent to use from all of the state’s airport’s here for display because there’s a lot of aviation history West Virginia is part of,” said Rock. “The spruce wood used by the Wright brothers in their first flight came from West Virginia. Things like that a lot of people aren’t aware of.”

 

While the new displays are statewide, there are locals that have been honored as well. None of the members of the first three classes are more local than the late Angelo Koukoulis of Bridgeport, whose roots into state aviation are deep and entrenched.

 

“A person like Angelo was such a remarkable man; of these inductees are,” said Rock. “Not just anyone is selected. It’s a thorough process done by the selection committee each year.”

 

Rock said the future will likely see more additions other than new Hall of Fame members and items from other airports. Although plans right now are to have the material throughout the terminal, he said the possibility of a separate area exists.

 

“It’s going to grow, evolve and adapt to what we have. Eventually, we’ll tie in technology where perhaps you can listen to stories about the inductees or on state aviation history. We could see a separate facility, but that’s just discussion right now,” said Rock. “We want this to do well and think that we’re centrally located, have good traffic and it’s easily visible once inside that this will do well.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock standing by what is the initial area of the new West Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. Bottom photo shows Bridgeport's own Angelo Koukoulis who is featured on the first display at the hall of fame.