"Developer wants to operate Alabama airport for commission"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Developer wants to operate airport for commission
By Clyde L. Stancil 
The Decatur (AL) Daily


MOULTON - If things go according to Tim Taylor's plans, the relatively open
space that is now the Lawrence County Airport could be filled with aircraft.


But first, Taylor, a local developer, must get the County Commission to
approve his request to assume operation of the airport. Then he must gain
Federal Aviation Administration approval to become a fixed-base operator. 

He envisions the airport filled with Army helicopters, charter flights,
midsize jets and aircraft carrying freight to local industry. Taylor asked
the commission Monday to consider a 15-year lease. 

"This is not an overnight fix," he said. "We're looking at a five-year
investment on our own part (before we generate any revenues)." 

Tennessee Valley Aviation 

Taylor would call his operation Tennessee Valley Aviation, and in addition
to charter flights and flying lessons, the business would operate an on-site
aircraft maintenance facility. Jim Achord, a former National Guard pilot and
aircraft mechanic, helped Taylor present the proposal to the commission. 

"Huntsville has taken on aviation logistics for the Army, which is basically
its helicopter operations," Achord said. 

Lawrence County would be ideal for helicopter operations because it has
abundant ramp space. While there, helicopters could fill their tanks with
aviation fuel, which is a large part of airport operation revenue. 

Achord also said larger airports, such as Huntsville International, tend to
charge higher fees for businesses that operate there, and that Lawrence
County's airport could be a viable option for companies that want to deliver
freight to the area. 

"It's basically ready for freight (operations)," Achord said of the airport.
"The landing strips are long enough that you would take freight up to 20,000
pounds." 

Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize Chairman Randall LouAllen and
county attorney Cecil Caine to negotiate a contract with Taylor. They will
discuss it publicly at the commission's May meeting.


   Post your opinion on this story in the CAA General Aviation Forum
http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php

*****************************************