By William Scott
Lifeguard Aeromed, Inc.
Horseshoe Bend Airport, a public use airport in Southern Parker County, got a much-deserved renovation through the efforts of Chase Idleman and more than 27 energetic project volunteers. Idleman, a 17-year-old student pilot, spearheaded the Eagle Scout project which succeeded in benefiting the community by making this small airport safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Idleman began his project by contacting various local businesses for the donation of supplies, collected old tires, and arranged a work day for the job. He efficiently gathered all materials necessary for the project and arranged for the filing of NOTAMS /safety officer with unicorn, oversaw the the closure of the runway while the work was performed, scheduled food catering and recruited BSA Troop 326 for assistance. Working with precision, Idleman and his work parties got the job done in one day–one group cutting and painting tires, another group marking their placement and another group building the segmented circle.
At the end of the day, these young, hard workers canvassed the runway, which included trimming overgrown grass on the runway; and cleaned and picked up additional debris.
Through Idleman’s coordinated efforts with the FAA, Texas DOT, Airport Association and Longhorn Boys Scouts of America (BSA), the airport now has a runway completely outlined in brightly painted tires, along with the parking area and taxiways, as well as a new segmented circle, complete with an airport identifier which now complements the windsock.
This project provided an excellent example of getting the public involved and caring for their airport. A special thanks to Chase Idleman, BSA Troop 326 and all the volunteers and contributors for a job well done!
Editor’s Note: Chase Idleman grew up in aviation; his parents fly for a living – own an air ambulance company in Fort Worth. His current interests are obtaining a private pilot’s license, playing basketball and the restoration of his ’69 Camaro.
