Bartow Executive Airport

06/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations Isaiah Cruz! 🎉

He successfully passed his Control Tower Operator (CTO) checkride!

We’re proud to see you reach this achievement through the partnership between the Bartow Executive Airport and Traviss Technical School.

FAA CTO Examiner: Hector Quirindongo
CTO Academy Instructor: Randy Clayton

05/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14h2a13MmtJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Aerospace Center for Excellence and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo are thrilled to endorse a new, specialty license plate that celebrates general aviation. The specialty plate colorfully highlights airplanes and a helicopter with a beautiful Florida backdrop. The new Florida “Support General Aviation” specialty license plate is on sale now via presale vouchers at each Florida County Tax Collectors Office.

Proceeds from the sales will fund a new Florida scholarship program for training future pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, airport operations, airline and airport management personnel, aeronautical engineers, aviation meteorologists, aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers and other career positions related to aviation. These scholarship opportunities will help sustain the pipeline of aviation professionals.

Please visit the link for more info and helpful links or visit your local Tax Collectors Office - https://www.floridageneralaviation.com/

05/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended last night!

05/05/2026

Today we celebrated Tom Hanby’s retirement from Bartow Executive Airport after more than 30 years of dedicated service to our staff, tenants, and our community.

Tom’s commitment, knowledge, and steady presence have helped shape the airport into what it is today. His impact will be felt for years to come by everyone who has had the privilege to work alongside him.

Wishing Tom all the best in this next chapter—thank you for your decades of service and lasting contributions to Bartow.

05/04/2026

Honored to accept the proclamation from the City of Bartow recognizing May 2026 as Aviation Appreciation Month.

This recognition highlights the vital role aviation plays in connecting our community, supporting economic growth, and inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.

The proclamation was proudly accepted by John Helms and Terry Beacham on behalf of the staff of the Bartow Executive Airport.

04/30/2026

Thank you for visiting us during SUN 'n FUN Sarah Daniels! Hope to see you again soon.

04/29/2026

04/27/2026

Florida Aviation Network interviewed John Helms, along with staff from Traviss Technical College to discuss the Digital Remote Tower program and the ATC school.

Ready to enroll?

https://techcolleges.polkschoolsfl.com/career_programs/industrial_manufacturing_engineering/controltoweroperator

26041604 JWT Randy Clayton John Helms Control Tower Operator Academy

04/26/2026

Happy World Pilots Day!