David "Gunner" Wiles
Manager of Operations
Salina Airport Authority
As
the manager of operations, Gunner Wiles is responsible for
managing the operations, maintenance, aircraft rescue and
firefighting, and security activities at the Salina Municipal
Airport and Salina Airport Industrial Center. He supervises,
trains and leads construction projects, capital improvement
planning, development of vehicle, equipment, building and
airfield maintenance programs, and compliance with laws and
regulations.
Wiles joined the Salina Airport Authority after a number of
years in fire suppression technology and a career in the
United States Marine Corps. Before retiring as a chief
warrant officer, he conducted flight line operations that
included aircraft rescue and firefighting, aircraft recovery,
airfield design and construction; as well as fueling
operations, range control and flight line security around the
world. As an emergency services officer and fire chief at the
Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Va., he supported the
Presidential Helicopter Squadron.
Wiles supports development of the Salina Municipal Airport and
the Salina Airport Industrial Center. Known as America’s Fuel
Stop, the Salina Municipal Airport is a familiar cross-country
refueling location with two world-class FBOs selling more than
four million gallons of aviation fuel annually.
As a member of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract
Tower Program, the Salina Air Traffic Control Tower handles
nearly 90,000 operations each year, including 7,000 business
jets that stop for refueling. The Salina Airport Industrial
Center is one of the nation’s most successful airport
industrial parks with more than 80 businesses and
organizations.
Wiles has participated in the following professional
organizations:
-
Past
President; Navy, Marine Corps Fire Protection Association
-
Member; National Fire Protection Association 1801 Task Force
-
Member; Retired Officers Association
-
Member; Marine Corps League
-
Member; Kansas State Firefighters Association
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Member; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
-
Member; Experimental Aircraft Association
Volunteer leadership roles include:
Awards:
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Meritorious Service Medal
-
Navy,
Marine Corps Commendation Medal
-
Navy,
Marine Corps Achievement Medal
