Garry Dokter Is No Longer GM of Big Bear Airport; Plans Continue for Air Fair and Young Eagles Program

Given a decision made on Wednesday, Garry Dokter is no longer the General Manager of the Big Bear Airport. A statement issued by the Airport District Board, which is overseen by President Butch Waymire, reads: “The Big Bear Airport Board of Directors and Mr. Garry Dokter have agreed not to continue his employment. We appreciate the time he worked for the airport. The Board will be designating an interim General Manager in the meantime. Airport operations will continue as usual. We will have more information as it becomes available.” Dokter joined the airport as General Manager in February 2006 and was, at that time, on a one-year contract, which had been renewed twice; his current contract had expired earlier this year. When reached at his home on Thursday afternoon, Dokter’s response to KBHR’s inquiries was, “I have no comment.”
In other news from Wednesday, when the Board last convened for their regular monthly meeting, Waymire tells KBHR that with regard to the proposed (and since approved) Big Bear Disposal project neighboring the airport, “We unanimously agreed not to oppose it.” The Airport Board and staff are also proceeding with plans for this year’s Air Fair, which is scheduled for August 29, and will so far include two P-51 Mustangs in additional to a number of other special aircraft.
In the meantime, another special activity takes place at the airport tomorrow; the second round of Young Eagles, sponsored by the Big Bear Pilots Association, takes flight at 9am. Kids fly free, and learn about airplanes, in the Young Eagles program, offered on the second Saturday of each month. There is no cost to participate for children ages 7 to 17, though parents must sign a waiver prior to the flight. For more information on Young Eagles, parents are welcome to call Roger Schmidt at 585-0266.