From the Airport Manager's Desk

As you have probably seen, reconstruction of runway 18/36 is well underway, with the north portion of the runway already completed, except for electrical work and pavement striping which will take place towards the end of the project. Super Excavators along with Payne and Dolan have done a good job so far in moving the project along on time, as an end of September finish to the entire project is still on track. Other areas of the airport that are having work accomplished include the terminal parking lot expansion, which is scheduled to be completed in the next couple of weeks; the perimeter road, which will be completed at the end of the project; the Southeast Hangar Area Phase II construction, in which earthwork is currently taking place; and the movement of the storm sewer from underneath runway 18/36, which is taking place at this time.

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Security Reminder

The TSA, local law enforcement, and airport management would like to pass on a friendly reminder to all airport users to be on the lookout for suspicious activity anywhere on the airport or in the airport vicinity. If any suspicious activity is seen, airport management should be contacted during weekdays, and local law enforcement along with the TSA General Aviation Hotline (1-866-427-3287) should be contacted on the weeknights and weekends. Cars parked near gate entrances to the airfield that try to piggyback onto the airport should not be allowed past the gate entrance, but if an uncomfortable situation develops in performing this action, the license plate and vehicle description should be obtained, and reported to the airport office. We are working on obtaining some signage to place on the gate entrances stating information about the airport watch program, and also stating information about no unauthorized vehicles going on airport grounds. Thank you for helping to keep Crites Field a safe airport for all to use and enjoy.

Airport Operations and Fuel Information

The first half of 2006 saw a large decline in airport traffic, as we are down 37% for the first six months of this year compared to last year. The high cost of fuel is the main reason for this decline, as the recreational traffic has seen the biggest declines compared to previous years. Fuel sales for 2006 are down as well, with gallons sold down 18% compared to last year. Corporate traffic into Crites Field continues to be pretty steady for the most part.

Congratulations

Michael Neau A.A.E.,ACE, Airport Operations Manager, obtained his Airport Certified Employee (ACE) of Operations designation from the American Association of Airport Executives in late June. He passed a 100-question exam to achieve this professional designation. Congratulations to him on his achievement.

Airport Manager's Desk

Being prepared for any incidents, accidents, or other emergencies at the airport can make the difference between life and death for persons involved in an emergency. That is why the airport conducts a full-scale live emergency disaster drill every three years. This drill involves all of the major components involved when an emergency occurs, such as County Emergency Management, Fire Department, County Sheriffs, City Police, American Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol, and the Medical Examiner. On Saturday, October 1st, the airport will conduct this drill from 8:30a.m.-11:00a.m. The airport will be closed during this time so that their will be no risk of any incursions with other aircraft during this drill. Volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol will be helping us out as "victims" to make this emergency scenario as real as possible. After the drill is completed, the Airport Emergency Plan will be reviewed and updated for any changes that are necessary. A big thank you to all help to make this drill possible.

Runway 18/36 Reconstruction

The FAA released the funds that the airport was awarded in August, which didn’t leave much time for the airport to get everything ready to start reconstruction of runway 18/36 before winter starts. Therefore, under advisement from Mead & Hunt, reconstruction of the runway will begin in early spring. Along with the reconstruction will be the creation of a new perimeter road to the south of 18/36, expansion of the terminal parking lot, and movement of the storm sewer currently under a good portion of runway 18/36. The runway will be closed for a long portion of next year, and more details about the closure will be forthcoming early next year. At this time, it is anticipated that runway 10/28 will be open for the entire year, and the repaving of 18/36 near the runway intersection will not necessitate a closure.

New Snow Removal Equipment

After many months of delays, the bids for the new snow blower and broom went out, and Oshkosh Truck was awarded the bid to build the equipment. It will be ready sometime in late October, and will be used during this snow season.

AAAE Accreditation

Airport Operations Assistant Michael Neau A.A.E. recently completed the three phases necessary to become an accredited airport executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). The three phases included a 180 question exam, a 30 page research paper, and a 3 hour oral exam with AAAE accredited examiners in Rockford, Illinois. Less than 10% of all members of AAAE have achieved accreditation.

Access Control System

The new access control system is fully operational, and has been a resounding success. Thanks to everyone who took the time to get their I.D. badges and/or codes at the office during the summer. If anyone has problems with their badge and/or code, please contact the administration office for assistance.

New Commission Chairman

The airport commission recently named Tom Schober the new chairman of the commission. He succeeds Ray Perry, who was the commission chairman since its inception back in 1992. The commission also appointed Michael Crowley as the Vice-Chairman, and Dick Richards remains as Secretary. The Commission meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 8:00a.m. at the airport terminal conference room.