If you’ve ever wondered who keeps an airport running when no one is watching, meet Luis Pratts.
For Luis, no two days at Sebring Regional Airport are ever the same. One morning he may be repairing fueling equipment. By afternoon, he could be responding to a wildlife hazard near an active runway. Whatever the challenge, his job is to keep airport operations running safely and efficiently.
“If something breaks down, that’s what I’m here for,” Pratts said.
As Airport Operations Supervisor, Pratts oversees Fixed Base Operator (FBO) fueling operations, supervises the airport’s line technicians, manages the airport’s fuel farm, and directs fueling services at Avon Park Air Force Range under the Sebring Airport Authority’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contract.
The airport’s fuel farm consists of four tanks holding nearly 48,000 gallons of aviation fuel. Keeping that system operating safely requires continuous inspections, preventive maintenance, and attention to every detail—from worn gaskets and damaged nozzles to routine quality-control testing.
Safety extends well beyond fueling operations.
Wildlife management is another important part of Luis’s job. Deer, hawks, eagles, pigeons, raccoons, coyotes, and even armadillos occasionally find their way onto airport property.
“The goal is to figure out where they’re coming from and keep them away from the runways,” he explained.
To safely discourage wildlife from lingering near aircraft operations, Pratts often uses a pyrotechnic launcher that produces a loud report, encouraging animals to leave the area without causing them harm.
Originally from Miami, Pratts never expected aviation to become his career.
After graduating from high school, his uncle helped him secure an entry-level position at Sebring Regional Airport as a line technician. His days were spent fueling aircraft, marshaling airplanes to parking positions, assisting flight crews, and helping customers.
That first job turned into a career.
Today, sixteen years later, Pratts helps oversee many of the airport’s critical day-to-day operations—work that keeps aircraft moving safely, customers receiving exceptional service, and airport facilities operating around the clock.
Whether maintaining fueling equipment, supporting military operations, or ensuring wildlife stays clear of active runways, Luis Pratts represents the dedication and professionalism that help keep Sebring Regional Airport flying every day.
