Chamberlin Drive

In the meantime, Commissioners faced the task of naming the long, serpentine drive off Daniels Parkway that millions of people would use to approach the airport. Many names had been submitted, but LeTellier recommended Chamberlin Drive. Commissioner Roland Roberts had heard Chamberlin speak and was also impressed with the internationally famed aviator who had made Fort Myers Beach his home. Thus, on March 9, 1983 commissioners voted and made it officially Chamberlin Drive.

The work was accelerated. Repairs were made, runways were finished. However, while the opening of the new airport on May 14 would be a momentous occasion, May 10 was probably every bit as exciting to LeTellier.

On Tuesday, May 10, at approximately 5:55 p.m., a Lear jet rented from Jet South and carrying three reporters, a television cameraman, Gary LeTellier and FAA air traffic manager Gerry Norris took off from Page Field and flew to the Southwest Florida Regional Airport.

In a matter of seconds, the jet--piloted by Donald J. Vecchie and Buddy Cardullo--flying at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,500 feet approached the new airport. It was about 6:10 p.m. when the jet touched down on the black asphalt.

LeTellier's face, according to reports in the News Press, broke into a large grin. That touchdown marked the culmination of a dream that had at times been a nightmare, but was now at last reality.

After this historic first, it was back to business -- airport business -- of getting approval from the FAA to issue a certificate of operation to open the complex to commercial flights, of flight checks as the jet made 10 to 12 test landings, of checking the runways for smoothness at various speeds. Some of these test rides were made after dark to assure that the navigational lights along the runway were working correctly.

An added safety factor was that the runways were grooved making them more secure and giving better traction to prevent slipping in rainy weather. These were the first runways to be constructed in this manner, and LeTellier was pleased to find the grooves did not make the ride any bumpier.

On May 11, 1983, employees were treated to a sneak preview of the new facility. From 10 a.m. till 8 p.m., airport employees, their families, contractors and people in the tourism business toured the facility enjoying complimentary refreshments. By midafternoon, more than 2,000 people had been served.

A musical group comprised of Eastern Airlines employees and named "America's Favorite Way to Fly" entertained with foot tappin' country and western tunes.

   Previous         Next   

Return to Table of Contents