CAA: GA News, "Stateside Flyer"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@cwnet.com>]

Friday, May 12, 2000

Stateside Flyer
GA News


Alabama — There’s more tiedown space for your plane at Auburn-Opelika (AUO).
Workers just finished surfacing a 350,000-square-foot aircraft parking area.

Alaska — An area for landing ski-equipped aircraft is included in the
Merrill Field (MRI) master plan. Airport Manager Dave Lundeby said the plan
calls for construction of a gravel strip that can be used in the winter by
ski planes.

Arizona — Douglas Municipal (DGL) may not have a restaurant, but that doesn’
t mean you have to go hungry if you fly in. Airport officials have worked
out a deal with the nearby Gadseden Hotel for a 10% discount for visiting
pilots. The restaurant is about four miles away, but the airport and the
hotel have courtesy vans.

Arkansas — An aviation maintenance business may soon be coming to Batesville
Regional (BVX). Airport Manager Mary Amos said the field is getting a grant
to build a maintenance facility. A business owner has shown interest in
moving in and hiring up to 20 people.

California — Making good decisions when you’re pilot-in-command is the focus
of a safety meeting that’s planned for May 25 at the Long Beach Airport
(LGB). The meeting is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. at 5001 Airport Plaza Dr., Ste.
100. The guest speaker will be Chris Connolly, a CFI and aviation safety
counselor. For more information, contact the receptionist at the Long Beach
FSDO, 562-420-1755.

Colorado — If you plan on flying in the vicinity of Calhan Airport (5V4)
about 35 miles northeast of Colorado Springs, look out above. The place is a
haven for skydivers this time of year, especially on the weekends. On some
days as many as 100 people will be jumping. Pilots are advised to monitor
122.725 to track the jumpers.

Connecticut — Pilots flying in to Waterbury-Oxford (OXC) will have someone
new to talk to by this time next year. An air traffic control tower now
under construction is scheduled for completion by fall. Once the tower goes
into operation, the airport will become Class D airspace. Workers are also
building more hangars to accommodate corporate clients.

Delaware — Who’s watching the fishermen? State contract pilots from
Chandelle Estates (0N4), that’s who. Between April and November they count
fishermen for Uncle Sam. In Delaware Bay there are several man-made reefs.
The fish like the reefs, and the fishermen like the fish, so everyone
gathers around. The counters take note of the number of fishermen moored by
the reefs and report the numbers back to the state.

Florida — The Florida Aviation Trades Association’s Annual Meeting and Trade
Show is scheduled for June 13-15 in Coral Springs. For more information call
Paula Raeburn at 800-280-9662 or visit the Florida Aviation Trade
Association’s Web site at fata.net.

Georgia — Baxley Municipal (BHC) has a new lighting system on its 5,000-foot
runway, and workers have added a self-service fuel farm that pumps Jet-A and
100LL.

Hawaii — The fuel farm and sewage-treatment plant at Walmea-Kohala (MUE) are
being expanded. The project is part of an overall construction plan that has
been in the works for 30 years. No completion date has been set.

Idaho — Uncle Sam is utilizing Boundary County Airport (65S) to keep an eye
on wildlife. Boundary is a staging airport for the U.S. Department of Fish
and Game’s radio-tracking project. Scientists stay safely in the air as they
monitor migration patterns and behavior of bears and cougars that have been
fitted with radio transmitter collars, or fish that have been imbedded with
microchips.

Illinois — It’s just about time for the annual fly-in at Carmi Municipal
Airport (CUL). This year officials plan to have radio-controlled airplanes,
homebuilt aircraft on static display, and maybe even a hot-air balloon.
Airport Co-Manager Lorelei Stone said the exact date hasn’t been set because
the staff is working around other aviation events in the area. She predicted
the fly-in will be held the second weekend of June, however. Call Stone at
618-382-7316 if you would like more information.

Indiana — Look out for skydivers June 24 at Crawfordsville Municipal (CFJ).
The field, which has a jump school, is hosting a “boogie” (that’s skydiver
talk for an air meet). They’ll be leaping from perfectly good airplanes, at
the rate of about 20 at a time. For more information call 765-362-0707.

Iowa — Construction on the crosswind runway at Ankeny Regional (IKV) is
finished. Jeff Denniston, director of operations, said Runway 4/22 measures
4,200 by 75 feet. He said he hopes to soon have a VOR approach for the
runway, and said plans call for doubling the size of the maintenance
facility this summer. An ILS is at least a year off.

Kansas — Double check the NOTAMs before you fly in to Anthony Municipal
Airport (ANY). The field will be shut down this month to reseal Runway 17/35
and a taxiway. The project will take about 30 days to complete, but Airport
Manager Richard Ake said closure of the entire field will last about three
days. The exact dates had not been determined as of press time. Runway 17/35
will be off-limits for the full 30 days, but the grass strip (10/28) will be
usable after the initial three-day closure.

Kentucky — Officials at Lake Barkley State Park Airport (1M9) near Cadiz are
hoping to get $55,000 in state funding for a new lighting system. The park
gets busy in the late summer and fall as tourists fly in to camp and play
the 18-hole golf course.

Louisiana — Morehouse Memorial Airport (2F8) has a new beacon. Airport
Manager Billy Bolton said it’s the first of what he hopes will be a string
of improvement projects to make the airport more attractive to pilots and
aviation businesses.

Maine — A five-year master plan for Northern Aroostock Regional Airport
(FVE) in Frenchville is finished. Airport Manager Roland Martin said
projects include crack-sealing the ramp and repainting the runway numbers.

Maryland — Look out for the seagulls if you visit Martin State Airport (MTN)
near Baltimore. They are numerous this year.

Massachusetts — Every public airport in the state is getting a fresh coat of
paint this year, including Beverly Municipal (BVY). The work there is
scheduled for June 30. — Michigan — The easier it is for students to find an
airport the better. Ellen Engler, manager at Huron County Memorial Airport
(BAX) in Bad Axe, said that’s one reason she gets so many visiting student
pilots. The airport is located in the tip of the Michigan thumb, so it’s
easy to find. Engler and staff are hoping lots of people will find their way
on Father’s Day for a pancake breakfast. Call 517-269-6511 for more
information.

Minnesota — The new fixed base operator at Dodge Center Airport (87D) is
Wayne Trom, who performs aircraft maintenance and provides fuel. He can be
reached at 507-374-6245. Trom said he’s looking forward to his first flying
season in the state.

Mississippi — The folks at Tishomingo County Airport (01M) in Belmont are
waiting for an answer from the FAA on their request for a runway extension.
Runway 17/35 measures 3,000 feet; airport officials are hoping to add
another 1,000 feet, along with a GPS approach.

Missouri — A fly-in is planned for June 17 at Bolivar Municipal Airport
(M17). A temporary flight service station will be set up on the field to
facilitate the comings and goings of the vintage, military and experimental
aircraft. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and run until dark. Call
417-777-6816 for more information.

Montana — If you like to watch elk, visit Gardiner Airport (29S); the elk
often congregate on a hill near the field. Gardiner is a popular stop for
people who visit Yellow- Stone National Park, which is located five miles
away. If you plan to fly over the park, ask the folks at the FBO about rules
and procedures.

Nebraska — The folks at Columbus Municipal (OLU) are anxious to test their
new MALSR lighting system. They’re also making plans for an air show on Aug.
20. As of late April, Airport Manager Jerry Schultz didn’t have details on
who would be performing, but did say an invitation has been sent to
operators of a Super Constellation that’s hangared in Kansas City.

Nevada — Henderson Airport (L15) near Las Vegas could get a new runway
before the year is out. Plans call for replacing the 5,000- by 75-foot
runway with a 6,500- by 100-foot model. The new runway will have a new
alignment and be redesignated 17/35. The current designation is 18/36. The
project hinges on getting a lease from the Bureau of Land Management.
Airport officials are anxious to get that extra 1,500 feet of runway because
they operate near the Grand Canyon in density altitude. When it gets hot in
the summer, every inch counts.

New Hampshire — Crews at Berlin Municipal (BML) will be removing brush this
summer from the six hazard beacons that mark the hills surrounding the
airport. — New Jersey — Officials at Aeroflex-Andover Airport (12N), the
self-proclaimed “Prettiest Little Airport in New Jersey,” are gearing up for
the fire season by reminding pilots that Forest Service and firefighting
aircraft have priority in the pattern.

New Mexico — The forest-fire season has already begun for the air tankers
based at Alamogordo-White Sands Regional (ALM). Airport Manager Duke Prewitt
said at least one firefighting aircraft is launched daily to handle fires in
the Sacramento Mountains. Prewitt said he wishes the airport had a
restaurant to feed the firefighters. He has a building with a dining area
and all the appliances, but no one to operate it. Call Prewitt at
505-439-9036 if you’re interested in renting the space.

New York — The folks at Pine Hill Airport (9G6) in Albion have scheduled The
Great Orleans Unique Flying Machine Expo and Hot Air Balloon Family Festival
for Aug. 4-6. Attractions will include the Canadian Harvard Association with
its T-6s, several warbirds, antique and classic aircraft, homebuilts,
ultralights, balloons, helicopters and hang gliders. Rides will be
available. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children; weekend passes
are $8. Call 716-589-7758 for more information. The event is sponsored by
the Vintage Aircraft Group, which breaks ground Aug. 15 for a 70- by
100-foot hangar.

North Carolina — Banner towing is available at Michael J. Smith Field (MRH)
in Beaufort. Custom-built banners such as “Marry Me” and “Happy Birthday”
are popular. Also new to the field is a Cessna 206 rental plane. Call East
Air at 252-728-2323 for more information. — North Dakota — The Turtle
Mountain Soaring Safari is coming to Bottineau Municipal (D09). Glider
pilots will gather June 15-18 to share stories, swap information and ride
the thermals. Call Airport Manager Curt Aalund at 701-228-5265 or Leo Jostad
at 701-228-2983 for more information.

Ohio — Ashtabula County Airport (7G2) will soon have new neighbors. Plans
call for construction of an industrial park adjacent to the field. To
prepare for the new complex, corporate hangars are going up on the airport,
and the sewage-treatment plant will be expanded.

Oklahoma — Workers at Altus Municipal (AXS) have completed a taxiway
extension project. Five hundred feet was added to the north end of the
stretch that parallels Runway 17/35.

Oregon — There will be a Memorial Day celebration May 29 at Independence
State Airport (7S5). A flag ceremony and speeches by local dignitaries will
accompany lots of vintage aviation, including squadrons of T-34s and T-6s.
Also on the agenda: a B-25 fly-by.

Pennsylvania — Flying is a lot like golf – t’s expensive and it takes a lot
of time to master. If you’re looking to work on your aviation and golf
skills on the same trip, visit Butter Valley Golf Port (7N8) in Bally. The
strip, located in the middle of the golf course, was originally a private
runway on a farm. The farm was eventually converted into a family-owned golf
course. Owner/operator John Gehman said the golf course is nice, but most
pilots visit because they like the food at the Runway Grill (601-845-2491).

Rhode Island — Last year it was a complete overhaul for 4,005-foot Runway
14/32 at Westerly State Airport (WST), including asphalt, lights and a
drainage system. This year officials are hoping to build a terminal. A
previous one was destroyed by fire two years ago, and temporary buildings
have been put to use ever since. Airport Manager Mike Anderson said a
private firm on the field is also planning to build more hangars. Contact
Hawthorne Aviation at 401-596-2357 for more information.

South Carolina — Your relationship with your aircraft mechanic is a lot like
the one with your doctor. It just doesn’t feel right to go to someone else.
People fly to Bamberg County Airport (99N) from all over the state to have
John Barbieri work on their planes. Barbieri has been operating the
maintenance facility at Bamberg, located about 40 miles southeast of
Columbia, for 35 years. Many of his customers have been with him for
decades. He can be reached at Edisto Aircraft Maintenance, 803-245-3147.

South Dakota — The new manager at Hot Springs Municipal (HSR) is Kevin
Miller, who was raised in South Dakota. Miller said the state attracts
tourists who have an interest in geology. Hot Springs has the world’s
largest naturally heated swimming pool (the hot springs) and lots of caves,
including the world-famous Crystal Caverns. For those who prefer their
recreation above ground, there’s a nine-hole golf course that gets rave
reviews from duffers.

Tennessee — McMinn County Airport (MMI) in Athens should soon see a boost in
student pilots. McMinn County Aviation, a new Cessna Pilot Center, is
offering Sallie Mae financing. The program helps pilots pay for their
primary training. Call McMinn County Aviation at 423-745-4939 for more
information.

Texas — Alpine-Casparis Municipal (E38) is a long way from Hollywood, but it
gets it share of screen time on TV. The airport is adjacent to a ranch where
many car commercials, movies, television series and even a Brooks and Dunn
music video were filmed.

Utah — Runway 16/34 at Duchesne Municipal (U69) is ready for the summer
flying season. The 5,800-foot strip was recently sealed and re-striped.
Workers are also installing an above-ground fuel system that will pump Jet-A
and 100LL.

Vermont — Summer construction at Franklin County State Airport (FSO) in
Highgate has begun. The tiedown ramp has been expanded to accommodate an
additional 18 planes. Plans call for installing an ASOS and RCO. Airport
Manager George Coy said a new perimeter fence may go up this summer as well.

Virginia — Officials at Virginia Highlands Airport (VJI) in Abingdon are
planning to double the size of the apron. The project includes an asphalt
overlay of the existing apron to the west of the terminal. Officials are
also hoping to remove trees for PAPI and REIL installation.

Washington — Organizers of the Second Annual Gathering of Warbirds are
hoping to attract some 50 warplanes to the Olympia Airport (OLM) June 17-18.
The event will serve as a fund-raiser for the Olympic Flight Museum. In
addition to visiting warbirds, the museum’s collection is scheduled to fly.
A hangar dance is scheduled the evening of Saturday, June 17. Admission to
the fly-in is $5; museum members and kids 6 years and younger will be
admitted at no charge. For further information call 360-705-3925 or send an
E-mail to ofm@olywa.net.

West Virginia — The folks at Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in
Beckley are looking forward to a summer that will be free of wildlife.
Airport Manager Tom Cochran said a newly installed 500,000-foot perimeter
fence is keeping animals out.

Wisconsin — Baraboo Wisconsin Dells Airport (DLL) will play host June 10-11
to Wings Over Wisconsin 2000. The fly-in, sponsored by the Baraboo Optimists
Club, will include a breakfast, static displays, gliders and balloons. Call
Mike Olah at 608-356-2270 for more information.

Wyoming — Officials at Utna County Airport (EVW) in Evantson are planning a
taxiway extension and relocation of the runway threshold to accommodate an
ILS. The projects will go out for bid this summer. Officials hope to have
the work finished in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. EVW is just
50 miles from Park City, Utah, where several skiing events will be held.


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