DARKE COUNTY – Travelers passing along Ohio 121 south of Versailles may notice little more than a runway, several hangars and a handful of aircraft. But for nearly six decades, Darke County Airport has quietly served as one of the county’s most valuable economic and transportation assets, providing far more than recreational flying.

From its beginnings in the 1960s as a bold vision for rural economic development to its current role supporting business aviation, emergency medical transportation and local industry, the airport has become a gateway connecting Darke County to opportunities far beyond western Ohio.

The story began during the administration of Ohio Gov. James A. Rhodes, who championed the idea that every Ohio county should have an airport. Rhodes believed aviation infrastructure would become just as essential to future economic growth as highways and railroads.

His philosophy became widely known through a memorable quote:

“A mile of road will only take you a mile, but a mile of runway will take you anywhere in the world.”

That vision inspired local businessman R.E. Breaden, who in 1963 urged the Darke County commissioners to establish a regional airport authority. Although the proposal initially failed, Breaden continued promoting the idea until community leaders began taking concrete steps toward making an airport a reality.

Former Darke County Commissioners Mike Rhoades and Mike Stegall were instrumental in laying the foundation for the continued growth and success of the Darke County Airport, helping transform the facility into one of the region’s premier general aviation airports.

During their years on the Darke County Board of Commissioners, Rhoades and Stegall championed long-term investments in the airport, recognizing its importance as an economic development asset and transportation gateway for the county. Their support helped secure funding for key infrastructure improvements, including runway, taxiway, and facility upgrades that positioned the airport for future expansion.

Airport officials credit the commissioners’ vision and commitment to maintaining a first-class aviation facility with creating opportunities that continue to benefit Darke County today. The improvements made under their leadership have enhanced safety, attracted new aviation activity and strengthened the airport’s role in supporting local businesses, emergency services and community events.

The airport’s continued progress reflects years of planning and investment by county leaders, with Rhoades and Stegall playing significant roles in ensuring the facility remained a priority. Their efforts helped establish the foundation for ongoing improvements that have elevated the airport from a modest local airfield into a modern aviation facility serving pilots, businesses and visitors from throughout the region.

Current Darke County Commissioners Matt Aultman, Marshall Combs and Aaron Flatter have continued building on the foundation established by previous boards, ensuring the airport remains a valuable asset for the county. Through their ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements, economic development and long-term planning, the commissioners have helped position Darke County Airport for continued growth while preserving the vision that transformed it from a modest facility into one of the region’s premier general aviation airports. Today, the airport is widely regarded as being in capable hands, with county leadership committed to maintaining and expanding this important community resource for future generations.

In November 1965, the Darke County Chamber of Commerce appointed a committee to locate a suitable airport site. By January 1966, the State of Ohio had approved several potential locations.

Finding affordable land remained the project’s greatest obstacle until Sherman and Ruth Spillers offered property for the airport.

Their son, Walden “Moon” Spillers, was already an accomplished aviation enthusiast who had been flying experimental aircraft from the family farm since 1960. On Feb. 8, 1967, the county secured an option on the Spillers property, a decision that ultimately made construction possible.

The airport would later be named Darke County Airport–Spillers Field in recognition of the family’s contribution.

Construction proceeded quickly. Contracts were awarded June 28, 1967, and on Oct. 29, 1967, thousands of residents attended the airport’s dedication ceremony, introducing many local families to aviation for the first time.

The airport’s first terminal building was dedicated Sept. 8, 1968, and Walden “Moon” Spillers officially became the facility’s first airport manager.

His influence reached far beyond airport operations.

Spillers became known as a mentor, instructor and ambassador for aviation throughout western Ohio. Numerous local pilots credit him with introducing them to flying and encouraging aviation careers.

His commitment to aviation education later continued through his son, Dave Spillers, helping establish a family legacy closely associated with the airport’s development.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the airport expanded through state aviation grants and local investment.

Projects included:

• Expanded aircraft parking aprons.
• Drainage improvements.
• Navigation equipment upgrades.
• Construction of additional hangars.

The airport also became a gathering place for aviation enthusiasts through an active Experimental Aircraft Association chapter and regular appearances by homebuilt aircraft.

Historic aircraft further elevated the airport’s reputation. A TB-25 Mitchell bomber visited in 1976, while a P-51 Mustang associated with the Spillers family helped inspire aviation enthusiasts and preserve appreciation for military aviation history.

Airport leaders began planning for long-term expansion during the early 1990s.

A master plan completed in 1991 established a blueprint for future improvements. Around the same time, Midmark constructed a corporate hangar, demonstrating how local industries increasingly viewed the airport as an important business asset.

Another milestone came in 1992 when an 800-foot runway extension was completed.

The longer runway significantly expanded the airport’s capabilities by accommodating larger aircraft and improving access for corporate aviation, laying the groundwork for decades of additional growth.

One of the airport’s most significant infrastructure improvements occurred in 2012 when a portion of nearby State Route 242 was permanently closed.

Previously, the roadway required aircraft to approach the runway at higher altitudes before touching down farther along the pavement.

Removing the roadway obstacle allowed pilots to utilize the full 4,802-foot runway, improving both safety and operational efficiency while maximizing the benefits of the earlier runway extension.

The airport’s role expanded beyond transportation in 2020 when CareFlight Air & Mobile established a helicopter base at the facility.

The emergency medical helicopter provides rapid transportation for critically injured and seriously ill patients throughout the region.

For residents facing life-threatening emergencies, having an air ambulance based in Darke County significantly reduces response times and improves access to specialized trauma and medical care. Even residents who never step aboard an airplane benefit from the airport’s presence through its emergency medical services.

The airport entered a new phase of modernization in 2022 after receiving approximately $1.35 million to replace its aging fixed-base operator terminal.

Construction began in 2023, and a new 2,500-square-foot terminal officially opened in April 2024.

The facility includes modern pilot amenities, conference space, improved passenger accommodations, and updated visitor services.

Additional recent improvements include:

• Full-length taxiway construction.
• Runway resurfacing.
• LED airfield lighting.
• Community hangar construction.
• Terminal modernization.

Together, the projects position the airport for continued growth in the coming decades.

Today, Darke County Airport features:

• A 4,802-foot paved runway.
• Approximately 30 aircraft hangars.
• A community hangar.
• Modern fueling facilities offering both Avgas and Jet A fuel.
• On-site weather station.
• Pilot crew lounge.
• Conference room.
• Courtesy vehicles.
• Modern terminal building.

Twenty-nine aircraft are currently based at the airport, and demand for hangar space remains so high that a multi-year waiting list exists.

The airport averages approximately 8,000 aircraft operations annually, including business aviation, flight instruction, recreational flying, agricultural operations and emergency medical transportation.

Fuel sales illustrate the airport’s recent growth.

Sales increased from approximately 31,744 gallons in 2022 to 71,866 gallons in 2025, more than doubling in just three years and reflecting increasing aviation activity throughout the region.

Darke County Commissioner Aaron Flatter said one misconception is that airport improvements are primarily funded by local taxpayers.

Instead, most major projects are financed through grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation.

“All three of us commissioners oversee the airport,” Flatter said. “We work together on it. All three of us being younger, we see a lot of value in the airport. Some people suggest we are doing it just for Midmark. Do we do it to help Midmark? Absolutely. They are one of the biggest employers in the county, and they bring in a lot of economic impact to this area, but it is neat to see the airport grow and see where it could become over the next 20-30 years.”

Flatter emphasized that FAA grants originate largely from aviation fuel taxes and airline fees rather than county property taxes.

“It’s not coming out of your property taxes,” Flatter said. “That money comes from when you fly out of Cincinnati or Columbus. Those airlines buy fuel. There is a fee or tax on those fuels that goes into a fund that is then dealt out for FAA grants. A lot of the money comes from outside the county, but we’re bringing it back in to help Darke County, so it is a very small investment from the local county.”

He said the airport plays an important role in attracting and retaining employers by providing convenient access for corporate executives and business owners.

“They like to know they can get in and out quick and come and check on their business,” Flatter said. “The owner of Rural King flies in once in a while, Midmark, the Eldora races — a lot of the owners of these race teams fly in. Several weeks ago, we had six jets sitting out on the taxiway, which was very exciting to see.”

Flatter summed up the airport’s importance in simple terms.

“The Darke County Airport has a big economic impact for the community.”

Nearly 60 years after thousands gathered for its dedication, Darke County Airport continues fulfilling the vision first championed by state and local leaders in the 1960s. What began as a single runway in rural western Ohio has evolved into an essential piece of infrastructure that supports business, emergency services, education and economic development while connecting Darke County to destinations around the world.