Rob Hancik: Aviation aficionado

In Rob Hancik's college days at St. Louis University, the sign above his dorm desk read: "There's more to life than aviation."

After 37 years in the field, the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport director is seeing that through. "I'm at that crossroad right now," Hancik said.

Hancik, an Ohio native, began his aviation career working for a commuter airline in 1967.

He later worked as a defense contractor and then as assistant director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. In Indianapolis, he oversaw four general aviation airports. In March 1972, Hancik was named Springfield-Branson Regional Airport's aviation director.

Among the highlights during his tenure are:

Hangar One conversion to an intermodal facility;

board approval for $10 million airport in Ozark;

airfield improvements, including a runway extension and rebuild;

expanded taxiways, parking lot and baggage claim;

environmental assessment clearance for Midfield Terminal;

increased air service to five airlines servicing eight hubs.