photos by David Halterman

More and more people are getting that travel-itch now that old man winter is hanging up his gloves, and the days are getting longer. And those that take to the skies, whether in commercial or private planes, rely on the help of those on the ground to get them where they want to go. TheTelegraphrecently spent a day on the tarmac with the crew at the Durango Jet Center and Director of Operations Bill Frame to see what goes on between landing and takeoff. From aircraft refueling, maintenance and hanger storage, to charter flights and aircraft rental, these folks are the essential middle-men for those who choose a winged migration.