GERA's Crabtree to fly into the sunset.

A mainstay of the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport (KGOK) is flying off into the sunset. Glenn Crabtree, owner of Crabtree Aircraft Company, will hang up his commercial headset this month after 48 years of excellent service as KGOK’s fixed-base operator (FBO) and local flight instruction firm.

Guthrie-Edmond Regional’s Hangar 2 will host a reception in Glenn’s honor this coming Friday, January 12, from 3:00pm until 5:00pm.

Crabtree Aircraft moved to Guthrie Municipal Airport in 1975 and transformed from a small operation through significant growth and development under his stewardship. During Crabtree’s tenure at the airport, his operation went from just a few employees to more than ten, and it also witnessed the growth of KGOK from merely Guthrie Municipal to Guthrie-Edmond Regional. The airport has become a significant driver of economic activity in Logan County.

Today, the airport and Crabtree Aircraft together provide a robust foundation for the local economy, with the airport being named the Oklahoma Airport of the Year in 2006 and both KGOK and Crabtree Aircraft continuing to thrive together as an aviation hub in the region. KGOK brought in $19.2million in total economic activity in the City’s FY2023 while also providing 194 local jobs.

The company has offered a comprehensive range of services, including flight instruction, aircraft maintenance and sales, and hangaring and aircraft tie-downs, as well as fuel services for 100LL and Jet A.

With a commitment to excellence in aviation training, Crabtree Aircraft Co. has become the go-to destination for aspiring pilots in central Oklahoma over the past 40 years. A key highlight was their discovery flights priced at $99.00, offering an introductory experience into the world of flying. These flights are a stepping stone towards earning FAA-certified pilot credentials, personalized to meet individual needs and goals. The company's legacy includes training numerous pilots who have gone on to serve in the military and fly for major airlines.

Crabtree Aircraft also provided rentals of various aircraft models such as Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, and Piper Arrow. They stand out for their affordable rates and available financing options, making flight training accessible to a broader audience.

The public are encouraged to join in Friday’s event celebrating Crabtree’s retirement. Additionally, the reception event will also serve as the official ribbon-cutting for Apex Executive Jet Center LLC, who are taking over from Crabtree as the airport’s fixed-base operator. Apex has already moved into the main terminal and begun operations at KGOK.