Recognition of Airport Commissioner for 30 Years of ServiceCopyrighted
October 6, 2025
City of Dubuque PRESENTATIONS # 3.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Recognition of Airport Commissioner for 30 Years of Service
SUMMARY: Airport Director Todd Dalsing will recognize former Airport
Commissioner Doug Brotherton for his 30 years of service on
the Airport Commission. Brotherton retired from the
commission in September of 2025.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Doug Brotherton Recognition 2025
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E01 ►o al
DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
September 23, 2025
10800 Airport Road + Dubuque, Iowa 52003
Tel:563-589-4128 Fax:563-589-4108
www.flydbq.com
Doug Brotherton first learned to fly in 1969, when the Dubuque airport advertised a chance to
learn to fly for $500. Early on, Doug began flying with the local Key City Flying Club. He then
purchased an aircraft, rented a T-hangar, and logged 1000's of hours flying family and friends.
As a long-term member of the Dubuque EAA Chapter 327, Doug has volunteered numerous
hours toward educational and mentoring programs at events such as the Fly -In Drive -In
Breakfast and Young Eagles. For many years, Doug made the annual pilgrimage to the
Oshkosh Air Venture Fly -In.
In 2022, after over fifty (50) years of flying, Doug earned the distinguished Wright Brothers
Master Pilot Award, respect and admiration of fellow aviators, Commissioners, staff, and
aviation community. Doug has always stressed professionalism and safety from preflight to
destination.
Doug has been a long-time supporter and advocate for aviation at the Dubuque Regional
Airport and the tri-state area. In July 1995, Doug took the oath of office as an Airport
Commissioner. Over the last 30 years, Doug has served in all positions including Airport Chair
multiple times.
Doug has helped guide Dubuque Regional Airport staff through three Airport Master Plan
development and implementation. Some of the notable projects during Doug's tenure as Airport
Commissioner include:
Runway 36 extension;13-31 and 18-36 runway overlays; taxiway construction and modification;
apron construction; airfield lighting and signage; safety area improvements; Joint Use facility
for Airfield Operation and Maintenance; Snow Removal Equipment storage facility; Aircraft
Rescue Fire and Snow Removal Equipment acquisitions; ATCT radar; new runway
approaches; T-hangars; bulk storage hangars; various land acquisitions. The design, sitework,
and construction of a new 33,000 sq. ft. commercial passenger air service complex, including
entrance road, parking lot, terminal, apron and taxiways, opened in 2016; Several non -
aeronautical and aeronautical land leases including University of Dubuque Aviation Program
construction of a new 11,000 sq. ft. Babka Flight Center training campus, which opened in
2019, and currently expanding hangar, building, apron and parking, with over 500 flight
students, instructors, and 30+ airframes, including rotor and fixed wing. Most recent projects
include solar array powering the Capt Martin Terminal, new taxiway alpha and GA Apron
construction projects.
Over the last 30 years Doug has worked with Airport staff to navigate through milestone
challenges; rescissions, 9/11 when the nation was grounded for weeks, flatline windstorm that
destroyed 3 hangars impacting multiple aircraft, and most resent global pandemic.
Doug, working with fellow commissioners and staff over the years always found innovative
ways to keep advancing Dubuque Regional Airport and tri-state aviation.
Thank you Doug, for 30 + years of service!
Todd Dalsing
Airport Director
Dubuque Regional Airport
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