Wingtips December 1997

Originally published in 1997

The 5th annual 4-H aerospace camp was held July 21-25, 1997 at Martin Jr. High in Austin with 92 campers in attendance. This fine day camp is sponsored by the Travis County Extension Service in conjunction with its 4-H programs. The camp is open to all Austin area children ages nine through twelve with scholarships available for youth at risk.

The first three days of camp involved the children attending four class sessions per day. The subjects included: the mission to Mars, astronomy, toys in space, a talk with an airline pilot, kite making, and rocket building. There was also a physics circus (demonstration) put on by two physics professors from the University of Texas. In the rocket building class, each camper built their own rocket and the rockets were launched on Thursday morning. Each child’s rocket was launched successfully and they were able to take them home afterward. Some of the rockets flew higher than 500 feet, but most were in the 300-500 foot range.

Field trips for the camp included a tour of the military museum at Camp Mabry and a visit to the National Guard facility at Robert Mueller Airport where the campers were able to get in the pilot seat of a helicopter. On Friday, the final day of camp, the campers took a day long field trip to NASA and Space Center Houston leaving Austin at 8:00am and returning at 1 0:00pm.

Adult leaders of the camp included employees of the Travis County Extension Service, the University of Texas, local artists, an American Airlines pilot, and TxDOT Aviation Division employee Russell Deason. If anyone is interested in starting a similar camp in their community, please contact the Aviation Division for information.

Originally published in 1997

A first-of -its-kind facility soon will be getting off the ground at Arlington Municipal Airport. It’s not a new airline, but a flight friendly, multi-purpose center for both aviation and non-aviation clientele.

Millenium Holdings Corporation recently announced plans to develop the unique $8 million project on 375,000 square feet of airport property. The project will include 60,000 square feet of office space and more than 55,000 square feet of hangar space and a heliport. Designer plans call for expansive lobbies, large customer lounges, and conference and meeting areas.

An on-site travel agency, name brand car rentals, and pilot facilities will complement a full service FBO, as well as avionics, maintenance, and completion services. Leasing arrangements are being made for occupancy in the second quarter of 1998, with the heliport, FBO, and other services available by January.

Originally published in 1997

The City of Llano celebrated the reopening of their airport on September 17 with a ribbon cutting and reception, marking the successful completion of a recent TxDOT Airport Improvement Program. The project was funded through a grant with the Texas Department of Transportation, Aviation Division and included a runway extension and asphalt overlay and widening of the existing runway. The project also included reconstruction and expansion of the aircraft apron, reconstruction of the stub taxiway and construction of a new partial parallel taxiway. Medium intensity runway lighting was also installed along with a new wind cone, rotating beacon, pavement markings, fencing, and approach aids.

Attendees at the event included the Llano mayor and city manager, city staff, the airport manager, representatives from TxDOT Aviation, Smith Western Engineering and many area residents. The project was completed early and under budget with a minimum of difficulty and disruption and just in time for hunting season.

Originally published in 1997

In the interest of broadening the involvement of all who are interested in aviation in Texas, next year’s Texas Airport Operators’ Conference will become the Texas Aviation Conference. The Conference, which will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Austin on June 3-5, 1998, will have presentations, in addition to those about Texas Airports, pertaining to subjects of interest to aircraft pilots and owners and air transportation travelers. The Experimental Aircraft Association will be present to discuss their many activities including the Young Eagles Program. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will discuss the challenges and changes ahead for general aviation. We plan to have representatives from the regional airlines serving Texas to talk about what the future holds for air service in our state. Make your plans now to attend. If you would like more information, call Yolanda Alvarez at 1- 800-68-PILOT. See you in June.

Originally published in 1997

This symposium, sponsored by the Transportation Research Board and TxDOT, will address Aviation System Planning issues from both the public and private perspective and will bring together organizations and individuals responsible for Aviation System Planning. The Symposium will cover a broad range of concerns and issues including the planning process, institutional roles, planning products and their uses, and the relationship between system planning, master planning, and intermodal planning. It is a unique opportunity for Aviation Planners, Engineers, Researchers, Airport Sponsors and Operators, and others interested in Aviation System Planning to exchange ideas and information and to identify ways to improve existing planning processes. For more information, please contact Linda Howard, TxDOT Aviation Division at (512) 416-4540, (800)68-PILOT, or [email protected].

Originally published in 1997

West Houston Airport Owner Woody Lesikar has been inducted into the Amelia Earhart Airport Hall of Fame in Atchison, Kansas. The Hall is supported by “The 99’s”, a prominent women’s aviation organization. Mr. Lesikar was honored for his efforts on behalf of young flyers, contributions to public service projects, the Civil Air Patrol, the 99’s, and other flying organizations. He is one of the only 20 individuals who have been honored by the organization and the second Houstonian, along with astronaut Wally Schirra, to be selected.

Originally published in 1997

No matter how good the facilities, an airport can never be truly successful without good airport management. Sweetwater’s Avenger Field, with oversight responsibility in the hands of Paul McCarthy, City Services Director, has just the kind of professional, business-like management to ensure its success. Paul, who assumed control of the airport as part of his job function in May 1983, sees the airport as a vital tool in assisting the Chamber of Commerce in attracting industry to Sweetwater. Georgia Pacific Wallboard and U.S. Gypsum are two such companies located in Sweetwater that use Avenger Field on a regular basis in the conduct of their business.

Under Paul’s leadership, a significant improvement in airport maintenance has been achieved by using the city’s Public Works Department in providing routine maintenance at the airport. Some of his immediate goals for the airport include the establishment of a standalone Global Positioning Satellite System Instrument Approach, making further strides in improving the appearance of the airport, and continuing to entice aviation-related businesses to the airport.

Paul’s previous career with the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Air Force prepared him well for the challenges of overseeing an active general aviation airport. It is obvious from the appearance and functionality of the airport that his efforts have borne fruit. Avenger Field is an outstanding facility due to the commitment of the city in general and Paul in particular. Keep up the good work!

Originally published in 1997

Norm Scroggins Retiring as AOPA Representative for Texas

Norm Scroggins, a true friend of aviation in Texas, has announced his retirement as Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association field representative for Texas. Norm has served in this capacity for Texas, as well as the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, since 1990. His contributions to aviation in Texas, to name just a few, include leading the effort that resulted in equal tax treatment for all flight schools in the state, gaining an exemption for personal property tax on non-business use aircraft, playing a leading role in seeking legislative support for increased state airport grant funding, and serving as a listener to and problem solver for pilots and aircraft owners who encounter aviation-related problems. Norm’s involvement with the state legislature and state and federal agencies has resulted in a much broader understanding of the importance of general aviation to our state. His commitment to general aviation and contributions are widely known and will be greatly missed. Fortunately, Norm has agreed to continue in a limited role with AOPA by providing assistance in airspace matters.

As we say goodbye to Norm, we welcome Jerry Hooper, the new Texas AOPA field representative. Jerry comes well prepared for the challenges ahead. He began his aviation career as a fighter pilot in Vietnam and has been actively involved in general aviation for many years. We look forward to working with Jerry in the years ahead in pursuit of our aviation goals.

 

New Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Member Appointed

On October 30, 1997, the Texas Transportation Commission appointed Corky Pledger from Addison to a three-year term as a member of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. Corky replaces Loretta Scott, Manager of the Grand Prairie Airport, who completed a three-year term. George Mitchell from Beaumont, Chairman of the Committee, was also reappointed for an additional three-year term. The four remaining members are Bill Knowles from Palestine, Blair Bisbey from Jasper, John Schwab from San Angelo, and Mark Huffstutler from Uvalde. The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee 2 provides a direct link for users of the Texas Airport System to the Texas Transportation Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation. Members of the Committee are your advocates and representatives for state aviation matters. Get to know the committee member in your area.

Originally published in 1997

Fiscal year 1998 brings an increase in both state and federal funding for airport grants. The Texas Transportation Commission sent a budget request to the 75th Legislature asking for increased aviation funding for airport development grants. While the legislature did not approve the entire request, state grant dollars were increased to $15 million for fiscal year 1998 as compared to $12.8 million for last year. Additionally, federal appropriations for the State Block Grant program for fiscal year 1998 increased to $21,810,553. These increases allow the Aviation Division to meet more of the ever-growing needs of the aviation community.

While federal funding for airport improvements comes from aviation-generated revenue, funding for state grants comes from the state highway fund. An attempt to redirect existing state aviation industry tax revenue from the general fund to an airport development fund was undertaken during the past legislative session. Unfortunately, the effort was not successful. However, the needs of our statewide airport system did receive considerable attention by the legislative members. Hopefully, progress toward adequate state funding for airport improvements will continue in future sessions of the Texas Legislature.

As another plus for the Texas aviation program, TxDOT Aviation was selected for a federal discretionary grant award of $1 million for the new Innovative Finance Program. Under this program, TxDOT will award grants to publicly owned airports on a 75% federal, 25% local funding basis. Eligible items will include as many as eight Automated Weather Observation Systems, seven visual approach aids, and four safety and security items. The actual number of projects to be funded in each category will depend on the number of participating local airport sponsors and the actual contract costs for each type of proposed project. In a recent mail notification, eligible airport sponsors received details on how they may be selected.

Originally published in 1997

Robert L. Nichols, a pilot and businessman from Jacksonville, Texas was recently appointed by Governor George W. Bush as a member of the Texas Transportation Commission. The three member commission on which he serves is responsible for funding and managing transportation systems in Texas, including highways and general aviation airports. Mr. Nichols, an ardent supporter of general aviation, is an experienced pilot having flown 14 different types of aircraft and accumulated over 1800 hours of pilot time since 1969. He holds a multiengine license with instrument rating.

As a successful business entrepreneur, Mr. Nichols founded and served as chief executive officer of four different companies doing research and manufacturing in plastic products. It was during this period that he developed an understanding and deep appreciation of the benefits that general aviation provides for conducting business in a state the size of Texas. He recalls a situation many years ago when a large manufacturer wanted to establish a plant in Jacksonville. They were eager and willing to do this until they realized that the airport was inadequate for their needs. According to Mr. Nichols “We lost a new business development opportunity for our city due to the inadequacy of our airport. Fortunately, efforts since that time have brought the local airport up to business use standards.”

Mr. Nichols further stated “In my businesses, many times I felt it absolutely necessary to conduct business meetings around the state on a face-to-face basis rather than by telephone. Being a pilot and aircraft owner provided me an excellent opportunity to do that”

Having recently retired from his business career, Mr. Nichols, as a member of the Transportation Commission, intends to commit all of his time to serving the people of Texas. He believes that an adequate general aviation airport system is essential to the economic development of our state and has committed his support to meeting our state’s air transportation needs.