Sweet Aviation Chosen as Next FBO for the DeKalb County Airport


Sweet Aviation

Sweet Aviation announced today they have been selected to become the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) for the DeKalb County Airport located just outside Auburn, Indiana beginning November 1, 2022. This expansion means that Sweet Aviation provides service at the Fort Wayne International Airport, Smith Field Airport, and now the DeKalb County Airport too.

Working alongside the DeKalb County Airport Authority (DCAA), Sweet Aviation will enhance the already superb customer experience that will drive DeKalb County Airport to its next level of service for pilots, aviation fans, and the local community. Being a significant gateway to the Auburn community, Sweet Aviation is confident this combined effort will increase the economic impact and local pride.

Chuck Surack built his businesses on one defining principle, “Always Do the Right Thing,” which aligns well with the motto of the DeKalb County Airport, “We’re Ready When You Are.” This means no matter who the pilot is using the airport, what kind of aircraft he or she is flying, and no matter the weather, their team is ready when they are day or night to support them.

“From a personal perspective, I am excited about the opportunity to continue to grow the aviation community in Northeast Indiana,” said Chuck Surack, owner and founder of Sweet Aviation and Surack Enterprises. “My dad was a private pilot, and I have always had a fascination with air travel and I have used it extensively for pleasure and business purposes. In 2008, I obtained my certificate to fly a helicopter and a few years later acquired Smith Field Air Service which we renamed and grew into Sweet Aviation. We have seen incredible growth over the last 10+ years and look forward to continuing to develop and grow in Northeast Indiana.”

Sweet Aviation sees this partnership with the DeKalb County Airport Authority as an exciting opportunity that aligns with their current vision of expanding Sweet Aviation and Surack Enterprise in the region. Their current presence in northeastern Indiana allows Sweet Aviation to utilize our established brand, proven marketing strategy, and service offerings to foster a thriving aviation community for the DeKalb County Airport.

Home to the world-famous Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival held each Labor Day weekend that coincides with the one of the longest running classic car auctions on the planet, Auburn was recently designated as one of the region’s top micropolitan areas by Site Selection Magazine, was named one of the safest cities in Indiana by Alarms.org, and is in the midst of a multi-year downtown revitalization project.

This new venture of Sweet Aviation serving as the FBO at the DeKalb County Airport joins the Surack Enterprises portfolio of aviation-related businesses including: Sweet Helicopters which does the same for rotorcraft and is the official helicopter services provider of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Aviation Specialty Insurance, which insures the aviation industry including corporations, light aircraft, flight schools, drones & UAVs, and more, and the Enstrom Helicopter Corporation which has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance proudly manufacturing helicopters in the United States and delivering them worldwide.


About Sweet Aviation

We offer airplane charters, flight training, aircraft rentals, and aircraft maintenance, and feature a diverse and modern fleet of airplanes and helicopters. Whether you’re learning to fly, you already pilot your own aircraft, or you are planning a trip for business or pleasure, Sweet Aviation is the area’s one-stop shop for all things general aviation.


About Surack Enterprises

Founded by Chuck and Lisa Surack, the businesses of Surack Enterprises are a group of local companies that provide trusted services, products, and experiences to countless friends and families in and around Northeast Indiana & the Midwest. As we continue to grow, our mission stays the same — always do the right thing.