North Platte FSS, 1973

North Platte FSS (LBF), Nebraska, 1973  

An up-to-the-minute flight service station building designed – with style – specifically for its purpose and the public it serves

North Platte FSS Building, 1975


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

North Platte FSS (LBF), Nebraska, about 1975  

The Flight Service facility entrance from the airport side is located under the small red sign near the center of the photo

North Platte FSS Building, 1980


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

North Platte FSS (LBF), Nebraska, about 1980  

The Flight Service facility entrance from the street side is located near the small red sign in the center of the photo

Imperial FSS Photos, 1989


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Imperial FSS (IML), Nebraska, October 1989

The Imperial FSS facility was was decommissioned February 1972. This photo was taken standing on the airport ramp looking northwestward.

The Imperial FSS weather observation equipment

Lincoln FSS Employees, 1987


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Lincoln FSS (LNK), Nebraska, 1987

Former employees, Ivan Cidlik, Ray Mahaffie, Jerry Francis, Joe Resac in front of the Inflight position. The facility was decommissioned October 31, 1987 and consolidated with Columbus AFSS (OLU), Columbus, Nebraska.


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Former employees, Russell Merrill, Ivan Cidlik, and Jerry Francis


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Former employees, Keith Dutch and Ivan Cidlik in front of the Inflight position

Grand Island FSS Photos, 1970’s


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Grand Island FSS (GRI), Nebraska, early 1970’s

The Grand Island FSS was built in 1935 and was known as the “Concrete Castle.” The facility was decommissioned October 1, 1988.

A view of the Grand Island FSS from the airport ramp side of the building

Grand Island FSS operations area

Far left is the teletype position, center, along the windows, is the Inflight position, and Orin Cooter standing on the right. The Seth Thomas facility clock (center) was transferred to Columbus AFSS (OLU), Nebraska when Grand Island FSS was decommissioned October 1, 1988. The Seth Thomas clock was donated to the Strategic Air & Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska, when Columbus AFSS eventually closed June 18, 2007.

Grand Island Employees, 1988


Submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Grand Island FSS (GRI), Nebraska, 1988

Grand Island FSS was decommissioned October 1, 1988. The above employees were the last to leave at facility closing. Left to right:  Dean Pearsoll, Carolyn Tucker, Ron McLeran, and John Russell.

Chadron FSS Photos, 1984

Chadron FSS (CDR), Nebraska, 1984
Photos submitted by Roger C. Bodtke

Dick Roberts, sending up a balloon to measure ceiling height over the airport.  A stop watch, probably in his left hand, is used to time the ascent of the balloon from the surface until it enters the clouds to determine the cloud height above the airport. The small white structure is where other atmospheric measurements are taken as part of a weather observers duties. The data is then recorded on a National Weather Service form and the weather observation is transmitted.

The FSS facility was located on the North side of the WW II hanger. Dick Roberts can be seen taking a weather observation.

The Chadron FSS manager’s office

Dick Roberts, the last CDR journeyman to be employed prior to CDR closing.

Dick Roberts, pointing to the old “CAA Chadron Radio” sign on the north wall of the WW II hanger, west of the south door to the FSS.