General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport -- February 6, 2014

During our tour of the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, Gene Olson gave OLLI members an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the operational side of the airport. Gene joked that we'd start the tour with a different activity: walking the outside perimeter fence. That got a big laugh from the 22 members on the trip, all of whom braved wind chills of nearly 20 degrees below zero to attend.

Our visit began with a look at the secure operations room, where we learned about runway safety in severe weather. Gene discussed a myriad of details about the airport, including the differences between the yellow and white markings on the runways, how more than 100 cameras track the comings and goings of all airport personnel, and how the airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Next, we got a peek at the inbound baggage facility, where we watched staff members load and unload suitcases arriving in and departing from Peoria. We also saw the ticket counters, waiting areas, and jet bridges. Finally, Gene took us to the boardroom of the Peoria Airport Authority, where we had an amazing 180-degree view of the runway and the 182nd Airlift Wing, located just across the main runway.

OLLI extends its gratitude to Gene Olson, who took more than two hours out of his very busy schedule to host our group tour.

For more information about the airport, please visit www.flypia.com.