Over the years, we’ve published thousands of stories about airport projects. Discovering the right projects is a key part of what we do. Ideas for stories come from sources as diverse as the projects themselves. Among our top sources are you, the airports and their consultants and suppliers. A healthy number of stories also start from press releases or local news outlets. From there, we cull the list and choose a wide variety of projects for a given issue.

In many regards, it’s a leap of faith as to how a story will turn out. Certainly, the scope of the project is important. But a lot depends on the interviews—what questions our writers ask and how sources respond. Do sources give one-word answers, or are they more comprehensive and engaging? The dialogue between writer and interviewee makes a huge difference because our articles go well beyond what is offered in a press release or
basic project summary story.

Our best work is when we have a story within a story to tell—when you’re not sure if the airport or project partner will overcome difficult obstacles or clear all of the hurdles that were in the way.

Two articles in this October issue are perfect examples. The first is a tale of perseverance from Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS), and you might want to read it around a crackling campfire, preferably with the sound of coyotes howling in the background. The other story chronicles the revitalization of Coleman A. Young Municipal (DET), an airport that was on life support but has come back in a big way.

In both articles, you get the details of what has been accomplished, and which consultants and suppliers helped make it happen. Not to be overlooked, however, is the tenacity and vision that both airport leaders exhibited to conquer the many challenges they encountered. What they’re doing is inspiring, and it’s our honor to share their stories with you.

Cheers!