Phase 1 of the construction project at the Campbell County Airport is complete

TOP PHOTO: Campbell County Airport Manager Bert Loupe signals the airport is open while Andy Bolinger comes in for the first landing on the newly refurbished runway.

Andy Bolinger was the first pilot to land on the new runway during a test run on Thursday morning. WLAF’s Charlie Hutson caught up with the former Marine not long after sun up.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- “It’s an honor that Bert gave me the opportunity. That’s all I can say,” said 34-year career military man Andy Bolinger. Bolinger was the first to take off and land on the newly refurbished runway at Stiner Airfield. The red, white and blue colors on his powered parachute are a testament to Bolinger’s love for his country.

Andy Bolinger ahead of Thursday morning’s take off.

The airport officially goes back into business today at noon. “Well, getting it open has been a chore. Full services are once again available; fuel, ramp space and runway,” said Campbell County Airport Manager Bert Loupe.

The airport officially reopens Friday at noon.

Phase 2, still in the works, of the project will complete the parallel taxi way, according to Loupe. “We’re looking for all of that to be ready, hopefully, by the last of July,” said Loupe.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-06/27/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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