SAULT STE. MARIE — A new airport manager is bringing a lifetime of flying management and experience to Sanderson Field.
The small airport on the edge of Sault Ste. Marie recently welcomed Chandler Cass as its new manager.
Cass’s love for flying runs in the family, but his own passion for aircrafts began when he was a child. He was only 7 when his father began taking Cass and his younger brother up in his personal plane. Cass said he was instantly hooked.
“I was only 7 years old when my father started taking me and my brother up in his 172,” said Cass. “I knew then already that that was my passion. I fell in love with it and knew I would be doing something in aviation.”
To this day, Cass’ family is still passionate about flying and many have made it either a career or a hobby.
“I was happy. I fell in love with it. I love the people in the industry,” Cass said. “It’s like we’re one big family and that’s what I love about this industry.”
Cass grew up in Saint Clair, Michigan and spent years learning about planes, flying and different aspects of aviation. He would go on to run a fixed-base operator, a type of commercial business providing various aeronautical services.
Cass said he learned a lot in that job, such as selling planes and managing clients. Later, he would become a pilot himself.
“It was hard at first making the transition. It’s a whole new mindset and learning new systems,” said Cass. “When I was training for my license, I kind of missed running the operations and thinking about it, I really do like being involved in the business side. But I also still want to fly and enjoy flying.”
Cass decided to transition back to the business side of aviation and has now made his way to the Sault. On Sept. 26, the city officially welcomed Cass as the new airport manager for Sanderson Field.
At Sanderson Field, Cass will guide the transition of airport operations from a fixed base operator model to in-house operations, helping ensure continued growth and high-quality service at Sanderson Field. His experience in managing fixed base operations will help him as the airport adapts to a new format.
“I found out Sanderson was looking for a manager and thought it looked like a great opportunity and here I am,” said Cass. “It’s been good. I see a lot of similarities to stuff I am used to and learning new ways of doing things, too.”
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Chippewa County’s Sanderson Field welcomes new airport manager
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
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