MATTOON – Andrew Fearn, manager of the Coles County Memorial Airport, was inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 16. 

Fearn accepted the award from Charles Rodriguez, President of the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame, at the organization’s induction ceremony in West Chicago. 

QUOTE from Andrew: I am humbled to receive the award, honored to be included with so many mentors and respected aviation community members. I’m proud to serve the community as the manager of the Coles County Memorial Airport, and I appreciate the nomination to the Hall of Fame. 

Candidates for the Hall of Fame must be involved in some aspect of aviation over an extended period of time, making a substantial contribution to the development of Illinois aviation with a high degree of excellence in activities. 

Fearn was joined by eight other inductees into the Hall of Fame, which includes close to 200 members. 

He has served as airport manager since 2003 and as Chairman of the Illinois Public Airports Association for two terms, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors. 

Fearn is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale School of Aviation. 

The Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame honors Fearn for his dedication to the development of the Coles County Memorial Airport and for his tireless support of aviation in Illinois and community events at the airport.