Rick Sessions brought his  near 20-year career to a close early this summer after overseeing one of the state’s more popular airports in Afton

Sessions watched the aiport grown in size and the number of flights during his tenure.

To accomodate the growth came a series of airport projects. “We did a parallel taxiway,” he recalled. “That was a major project, and we [upgraded] the runway lighting.”

With that growth came additional taxi lanes that helped to accomodate an expanding hanger area.

“When I started, there was probably 30 hangers,” he recalled. “I think we’re up to somewhere around 63.”

He advised the people flying to Afton often support the area businesses. “People enjoy it,” he said of the community. “They support businesses in the community when they’re here.”

Sessions also noted the importance of the airport for expanded health care services

“If you have a loved one that needs critical care, this is a lifeline with a helicopter and fixed wing,” he said of the Afton airport services

Sessions also noted the importance of an adequate airport to serve the local aviaiton industry.

“We have Aviat, which are the people that build the Husky,” he said. “That’s jobs there. Without the airport, you wouldn’t have those jobs. It’s a good fit, the two of them together.”

In addition to overseeing the airport, Sessions serves on the Afton Fire Department and the two jobs have complimented each other at times.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be first on scene or unlucky enough to be first on scene on some of the accidents,” he said of the two responsibilities.

Sessions continued, “We’ve been fortunate that they’re just that. There have been accidents, but no major injuries, no deaths.
Since I’ve been there, we’ve averaged, probably one accident every two years.”

“It’s been a privilege and honor to be a part of all that,” Sessions said as he looked back on the years of managing the aiport, a key part of the valley’s transportation. “I’ve met  a lot of great people. The aviation community in the state of Wyoming is great. “

He concluded, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s been a great job, and I’ve met lots of people.”

Among those meetings, some “famous people,” to “just your everyday people, and their small general aviation aircraft,” he said. “You get to meet them along the way.”

“Yes, it’s been a major journey. I’ve enjoyed it.”