Wingtips March 1999

Originally published in 1999

By Ed Mayle

Utilizing funds from an FAA Planning Grant, the Aviation Division has recently conducted nighttime airfield lighting inspections at approximately 250 Texas general aviation airports. Beginning in March 1998 and finishing in September 1998, the division’s “Night Flight Crew” – Ed Oshinski, Jim Curl, Greg Miller and Ed Mayle – conducted 22 inspection flights. The crew gathered and compiled information pertaining to several aspects of the airport nighttime environment.

The purpose of the study was to identify airports that had lighting or visual aid deficiencies, and to rate the individual facilities relative to other airports in the state. Additionally, this study is expected to provide valuable information to airport sponsors about their particular airports and, consequently, to assist them in correcting their lighting problems. Our goal is to increase aviation safety through the repair or replacement of non-functional equipment.

The division will present the results of this study along with other information at the Texas Aviation Conference that will be held on April 7-9, 1999, in Austin. Look for us in the Thursday morning session entitled “Nighttime Operations, A Pilot’s Perspective – How Your Lighting Systems Look When the Sun Goes Down.”

Originally published in 1999

Adopt-An-Airport Program Begins

As we continue to make a sizable expenditure in time and money to establish a statewide airport system that will provide adequate access to cities and counties throughout Texas, it is vitally important that we ensure that our airports meet the needs of the traveling public. An airport is much more than mere pavement and hangars. It is a place of business and, in many instances, an intermediate stopping off point to a final destination. When travelers arrive at any one of our airports, they should be able to find clean rest room facilities, telephone access, fuel services and ground transportation readily available. The airport is the “front door” to a community. The appearance of the airport will create, for the traveler, an immediate positive or negative impression of the city to be visited.

To assist in improving the appearance of our airports, the Texas Department of Transportation, has initiated an Adopt-An- Airport Program.

The TxDOT Aviation Division, in conjunction with our 25 district offices, is ready to assist in undertaking an Adopt-An-Airport program for your airport. If you would like to participate in this program, call Bob Woods at 1/800/68-PILOT or your local TxDOT office.

Contract Awarded for Automated Weather Observing Stations (AWOS)

Thanks to a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, TxDOT recently awarded a contract to Vaisala, Inc., to install AWOS units at sixteen airports in Texas. Installation should take about six months. When operational, the AWOS systems will provide pilots with ceiling, visibility, temperature, dewpoint, and barometric pressure information updated every 60 seconds. The information can be accessed by either VHF radio or by telephone. Airports scheduled for AWOS installations are: Alpine, Brenham, Hemphill County, Gillespie County, Gainesville, Jasper County, Kerr County/Kerrville, Fayette County, Lampasas, Harrison County, Palestine, Hale County/Plainview, Scurry County, Sweetwater, Uvalde and Wilbarger County.

Due to the strong interest of this program, we expect to extend an opportunity for additional airports to apply for AWOS units within the next two or three months.

Originally published in 1999

AUSTIN – Governor George W. Bush announced on Feb. I, 1999, the appointment of John W. Johnson of Houston to the Texas Transportation Commission for a term ending Feb. 1, 2005.

Johnson is chairman and president of Permian Mud Service, Inc. and chairman of its subsidiary, Champion Technologies, Inc. Permian Mud Service, Inc. is an oil field service business with a presence in the Permian Basin and Fort Bend County areas. Johnson al so serves as chairman of the executive committee of the Southwest Bank of Texas, N.A. and is a member of the executive committee of Weatherford International, Inc.

“Johnny Johnson is a knowledgeable and experienced businessman who will bring a statewide perspective to transportation decisions,” said Governor Bush. “He is committed to working with local and regional governments to make sure the state’s transportation dollars are spent effectively and efficiently.”

Johnson is a member of the board of trustees of Vanderbilt University and former chairman of the board of trustees of St. John ‘s School. A former trustee of St. Luke’s Foundation, he served as a trustee of the Houston Museum of Natural Science from 1985- 92. He is a former director of Goodwill Industries and was actively involved with the American Leadership Forum and the Young President’s Organization.

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Vanderbilt University. He will replace Anne S. Wynne of Austin, whose term expired.

The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Source: News Release from the Governor “s Office

Originally published in 1999

By Carla Dedera, Giddings-Lee County Airport

Last June, the airport at Giddings received a face lift. The Lee County Economic Development Council (EDC) built a new terminal building and a large hangar. (The yellow trailer filled with wasps is gone forever.) TxDOT is funding a $500,000 capital improvement project scheduled for completion in June 200 I to improve the ramp area. Plans for a future restaurant on the field are also in motion. You can see that the city and county are serious about promoting their airport.

The new Field-Based Operator (FBO) is “BAT’s Aviation, Inc.” Carla Dedera is president of BAT’s Aviation, as well as acting airport manager and active certified flight instructor. To encourage aviation activities of all kinds, the FBO has scheduled fly-in pancake breakfasts on the second Saturday of each month, with other fly-in activities in between. Call 409/ 542-6237 for more information.

So, when you’re looking for a place to fly, head to Giddings-Lee County Airport. Good things are happening there.

Watch carefully in the Airport Facility Director, Giddings has also applied for a special UNICOM frequency.

Originally published in 1999

At long last, after two years of construction, the new terminal complex – a $35 million project – at the Midland International Airport is operational. The switch over from the old terminal building to the new one went smoothly, except for some sentimental feelings of leaving “an old friend.”

The 155,000-square-foot building, which includes five passenger loading gates and two gates for use by commuter aircraft passengers, provides more space for passengers at the ticket counter and in the baggage area. There are wider aisles in the concourse, which features a sports bar, business club, central food court and gift shops according to Carroll Thomas, who heads the airport’s business development. Additionally, the new terminal design accommodates a business area with fax and copy machines along with other telecommunications gear. All of these areas are located beyond the security checkpoints allowing travelers easy access between these facilities and the gates.

Moreover, access to the new terminal is easier now – no more struggles to reach the old terminal building while the new terminal construction was in progress. However, for the present time, all flights will be restricted to three gates at the south end of the terminal. This will allow jets and other aircraft access to one end of the new terminal building while the older terminal building is being tom down. The plans are to pour concrete aprons where the old terminal stood, including the section of Laforce Boulevard which ran in front of the building. These aprons will allow aircraft to approach the remaining gates of the new terminal building, making it fully operational. This last phase of construction should be completed in about a year, according to city officials.

While the citizens of Midland are going to miss the old terminal building – they hold fond memories of its history, its beginning and purpose, they will, in time, embrace the new terminal building with the same affection and set a new course for the 21st century.

Originally published in 1999

There were 1,151 school children from across Texas who submitted artwork for the 1999 International Aviation Art Contest. Texas participates in the contest through the Texas Department of Transportation, Aviation Division. The contest offers school children the opportunity for greater interest in aviation through art. The annual contest is an international event of the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) and is co-sponsored at the state and national levels by the National Association of State Aviation Officials Center for Aviation Research and Education (NASAO/Center), the National Aeronautics Association and the Federal Aviation Administration. Special thanks to our state judges: Mel Brown, Texas Aviation Artists; Michelle Hannah, TxDOT Aviation; and Julie Provost, TxDOT Travel and Information. The state winners will go to the national competition in March. This year’s contest theme is: “Flying is Fun.”

Originally published in 1999

By Bob Woods

Effective March 31, 1999, Nona Gold will retire from the Aviation Division with more that 22 years of total state employment. Her retirement letter read in part “It is with both joy and sadness that I submit my intent to retire effective March 31, 1999. There is joy because after over 22 years with the state and almost 28 years working outside the home, I think it will be nice to be able to sleep in late and dressing up will mean wearing “new” tennis shoes. There is sadness because I will be leaving people I’ve worked with for such a long time they became a part of my extended family, and apprehension because I’ll be facing the unfamiliar, changing routines and starting a new life.”

Needless to say, we in the Aviation Division will miss Nona more than she knows. She has provided our office continuity through many difficult transition periods, from being the Texas Aeronautics Commission with very little money for airports, to the Department of Aviation with at times “NO” money, even for employee salaries, to being merged into a new Department of Transportation. Through all this, Nona has been a pillar of strength and purpose. Starting as a secretary, and continuing her career through several administrative titles, Nona has always cared deeply about all the employees, which culminated in her being selected as the Human Resource Officer for the Division.

Nona also organized and ran many Aviation Conferences and thankfully had enough time to train Yolanda Alvarez to pick up those duties in fine fashion.

Nona, we will all miss you and wish you much happiness and continued success in your future endeavors.

Originally published in 1999

We believe that our employees are the most important resource that we have available to support us daily in the fulfillment of the “aviation” mission for the State of Texas. They are, as team members, our winning hand. In this and future issues of Wingtips, we will showcase an employee, so that you can get to know them, their responsibilities and their interest.

By Mane C. Peinado

The highest mast in our ship [aircraft] is “Miss Susan,” who keeps us on course daily as we soar in good weather, turbulence and, heaven help us, microbursts. This analogy is a play on words, of course, but for most of us, Susan sets the pace for our working day.

Susan is the first person that people reach when they contact our office – by phone or in person. She is the one whose knowledge and attitude projects a “good image” to our public; and who professionally can problem-solve a situation before it reaches a dangerous point. Situations that start out innocently: “Who in your division handles noise? . . . Some crazy pilot is buzzing my animals.” … “I want to file a complaint Aviaton Division about an airline . . . they lost my luggage.” . . . “What is your address? … Are you sure you are located there?” … “Why don’t you take credit cards? … only cash or checks.” Is this the Motor Vehicles place? … or where am I?” … and the beat goes on. Cool and collected, Susan disperses information right and left, efficiently and effortlessly, it seems. Multi-talented Susan pinch hits as a fleet driver, emergency courier, recycling coordinator, telephone liaison person, project mailings facilitator and in many other capacities.

She came to us in 1989 when we were still located at the “old” Anson Jones Building – oh, what memories – an artifact, the building, that is, which used to house at one time, Austin’s most famous medical office: the morgue. Dutifully converted to a state agency, Aviation enjoyed a long and healthy life there, along with Susan. If I remember correctly, she developed a close relationship with the Fire Department folks across the street, who were experts at helping out damsels who occasionally locked themselves out of their vehicles. Oh, and there is more . . . seriously, we have enjoyed Susan tremendously and appreciate her contributions to our division.

A native Texan, born and raised in Houston, Susan continues to infuse us with her friendship and spirit of cooperation. She is married to Kenneth Page an antique store owner and a successful Austin entrepreneur. Kenneth and Susan have three children: John, a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps; Deborah, a Delta Airlines flight attendant; and Carmen. a CPA in Fort Worth. Believe it or not, Susan has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. An avid reader and weekend gardener, Susan greatly enjoys her Oak Hill acreage along with Big Red, where the deer and the antelope roam…

Originally published in 1999

Common Misconceptions about Fatigue

1. Eight hours of rest are as beneficial as eight hours of sleep.
2.  I know exactly how tired I am.
3. I have lost sleep before, and I did just fine.
4. I’m motivated enough to just push through it.
5. I am a highly experienced and capable pilot (have the “right stuff’) and can still fly an aircraft even if I am tired.
6. I don’t need more than three or four hours of sleep every night.
7. If I’m tired, all I need is a cup of coffee to feel better.
8. There is a quick and easy fix for fatigue.
9. One cure will work for everyone.

Originally published in 1999

By Tammy Stone

The Dec. 22, 1998, deadline has come and gone. If you have not done anything to be in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations, you may be in BIG trouble. The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) can assess you fines or penalties. Or, if you have your jet gas and/or aviation gasoline delivered by a private distributor, they may choose not to deliver, if you are not certified by TNRCC as being in compliance.

The TNRCC will be doing 400-600 inspections during the next few months. So be prepared! If you were in compliance or had a signed contract with a contractor to perform the necessary upgrades on Dec. 22, 1998, you should have a good inspection report. Let’s hope so! If you have not started, beware of the consequences for not being in compliance and the impact to your airport.

You MUST notify TNRCC when you get certified, in order for them to know you are in compliance. TNRCC uses their database as a tool to monitor who has registered or is in compliance and who is not. Therefore, your registration is important, and can be done at any time. Register promptly so that you can receive valuable notices on further requirements at your earliest convenience. If you have questions regarding the regulatory requirements, contact the TNRCC’s Petroleum Storage Tank Division at 512/239-2106 or the Waste Program at your local TNRCC regional office.