Wingtips Spring 1997

Yoakum Municipal Airport is alive and well! Upon completion of a runway reconstruction project, and replacement of the runway lighting system in 1995, Yoakum officials set their sights on securing an FBO and providing fuel. They have accomplished this and much more!

Dynasty Aviation, FBO Gerry Shores, has moved to the Yoakum Municipal Airport and is training students for FAA certification in Recreational and Private-Pilot Instrument, Commercial-Single and Multi-Engine, and Flight Instructor ratings.

The flight training operation has three Cessna 150s, one Cessna 172, and one Twin Piper Aztec, and two full time Flight Instructors, Roy Hemenway and David Moll. Also at the airport is George Duffner, who is an Aircraft Inspector Airframe and Power Plant certified mechanic in maintenance operations. Mr. Duffner is also a certified Commercial Flight Instructor and has 30 years aviation experience. Yoakum Municipal now provides 24- hour refueling with 1 00LL Chevron fuel!

The airport recently completed resurfacing the runway, the T-mark stub, and apron. The segment circle was also replaced. In 1996, seven aircraft executed 15,000 operations and 3,600 enplanements. As the maintenance facility grows so will the operations at Yoakum Municipal Airport.

In February, the airport had its first fly-in in conjunction with Yoakum’s Annual Land of Leather Days and Chili Cook-Off festivities. Eighteen pilots, many of them bringing their families, flew in and joined in the throng of people enjoying the live music, good food, and great shopping downtown.

For more information about Yoakum Municipal Airport, call A. J. Veselka, City Manager, at 512/293-6321. That’s him pictured above showing off Yoakum Municipals new hangar paint job! He is understandably very excited about, and committed to the airport’s future and its potential for economic growth for Yoakum.

An airport is a valuable asset, and a viable economic gateway to your community. Have you ever wondered what the annual economic impact of the local airport is on your community? Economic impact can be determined using a three-part formula:

• Direct Impact
• Indirect Impact
• Induced Impact

Direct Impact is derived from providers of service at the airport, such as FBOs, air carriers, air freighters, flight schools, government/military facilities and the airport operator. The value of this impact is the sum of all payroll costs, capital expenditures, operating and maintenance costs, taxes and fees incurred by all those providers of service.

Indirect Impact is derived from the users of services at the airport — government agencies, aviation and nonaviation businesses, including both corporate and public users. The value of this impact is the sum of fees and charges paid, time and cost savings, expenses related to lodging, food, ground transportation and the income drawn by the retirees of the service providers. While it would be a major undertaking to gather all of the data necessary to determine the indirect impact, it can be estimated with sufficient accuracy for most applications by equating it to one-half of the direct impact (.5 x direct). This figure will, in all likelihood, be conservative for airports in major metropolitan centers where the indirect impact can be significant — even exceeding the direct impact.

Induced Impact, or the multiplier effect, gets its name from the action of a dollar spent. It does not disappear from the community, but continues to move throughout the community until it is slowly exported. To compute a conservative estimate of induced impact, use a multiplier of 2 to determine the induced impact (Induced = indirect + (2 X direct)].

Assume that your airport has a direct impact of $200,000, including all payroll costs, capital expenditures, operating and maintenance costs, taxes and fees. Using this figure as a starting point, you can estimate the total economic impact of your airport as follows:

Direct                             $200,000
Indirect (.5 X direct)       $100,000
Induced
Indirect + (2 X direct)     $500,000
Total Economic Impact  $800,000

Excerpted from “How To Assure the Future of Your Airport, A Collection of Articles” by Roy A. Eckrose, P.E., and William H. Green, P.E.

The FAA plans to phase out most current ground based navigation systems by 2010 and some even sooner. Omega will be terminated at the end of 1997 and LoranC in 2000. This is all part of the 1994 Federal Radionavigation Plan, and VORs, DMEs and ILSs will also be downsized and eventually phased out as transition to satellite based navigation takes place.

For information on the status of GPS approaches for your airport, please contact Bob Woods, Deputy Director, TxDOT Aviation Division, 1-800-68-PILOT.

On September 1, 1996, TxDOT approved a new statewide program. The RAMP (Routine Airport Maintenance Program) objective is to assist communities in maintaining their airport facilities by utilizing existing district maintenance programs. The program has already been an overwhelming success, in terms of community participation.

RAMP was designed to utilize “existing” district resources to the maximum extent possible, services that could be provided by district personnel or through district maintenance contracts. The purpose of the program is to preserve the federal/state/local investment in our statewide airport system. The minute order approving this program is intentionally broad to encourage flexibility in assisting airport owners.

However, certain items and types of work are not eligible under this program. As a general guideline the following is not eligible:

– Consumables, e.g. light bulbs, windsocks, utility bills, etc., are not eligible under this program.
– Capital improvements such as runway extensions, new taxiways, or apron expansions are not eligible under this program. (These types of projects are covered under TxDOT’s airport capital improvement grant program.)
– Replacement of existing items such as fuel tanks, and the cost of EPA compliance, are not eligible under this program.

Sponsors cannot provide a service as a substitute for cash. In-kind or force account work is not allowed under this program. Examples of eligible items include:
– Pavement: base repair, specific area repair, hot mix asphaltic concrete, fog seal, crack seal, milling, pavement rejuvenator, fuel seal
– Pavement Markings: RW-TW reflectors (centerline and/or edge), paint and bead striping
– Grading/Drainage: blading, erosion control
– General Maintenance: Sweeping, chemical vegetation control

The Aviation Division is authorized to pay for half of the work costs up to $10,000. each state fiscal year. Simply put, the Aviation Division provides the cash, and the districts provide the maintenance services.

Your district representative should be contacting your community to offer this new program. If you have not heard from them please call 1-800-68-PILOT for the name of your representative.

Can they do it? Can the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) actually give 1 million young people an airplane ride by the year 2003 — the 100th anniversary of powered flight and 50th anniversary of EAA? Yes! Because they are absolutely dedicated to making it happen!

Chapter pilots from all over Texas will participate in the 4th Annual EAA International Young Eagles Day by volunteering their time to provide free airplane rides at Texas airports on and around June 14, 1997. This annual event, the most ambitious, internationally coordinated effort held in conjunction with EAA’s “Young Eagles Program” each year, seeks to introduce thousands of kids to the world of flight in a single day.

Each Young Eagle receives a certificate presented by their pilot to commemorate the experience. The young person’s name is entered in the “World’s Largest Logbook” at the EAA Air Adventure Museum, plus each receive a Young Eagles decal and two issues of Sport Aviation For Kids.

”The Young Eagles Program seeks young people that will be the next generation of aviators. It encourages them to dream and strive to reach positive life goals. The experience motivates responsibility and safety in a unique and exciting setting. The experience includes more than just a ride, however as pilots share the whys and hows of aviation and, more importantly, share the joy of flight. It’s a chance for youth to meet a positive aviation role model.”
– EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc.

For information about the Young Eagles Program or a Young Eagles Day Fly-in at an airport near you, call the EAA Aviation Center, 414/426-4800, or check out their website {http://www.eaa.org).

What do you get when you combine 11 pilots, 30 trained adult volunteers, 1 dedicated airport manager, 6 or 7 totally committed community leaders, an ex-NASA engineer, and then mix generously with 105 kids?

You get a group of caring and competent people providing kids with an adventure in flying that they will never forget. At least that’s what happened at Rusty Allen Airpark in Lago Vista on Saturday, February 22, 1997.

If you were a kid who wanted an airplane ride this was the place to be! On this day the airport conducted its very first Young Eagles Day.

Prior to their flight, all of the Young Eagle wannabees were required to participate in a short ground school, conducted by Jim Wood. The same Jim Wood who is an ex-NASA engineer who developed the audio visual equipment that made it possible to transmit pictures and audio from the Apollo Mission. “He spent a great deal of time explaining the theory of flight, but more importantly, conducting a safety seminar focusing on conduct around an aircraft,” said Carl Vernon, Airport Manager.

The Lago Vista Fire Department and EMS each volunteered their trucks and services for the day, and scouts from Troop 198 took charge of directing vehicle parking for the event. George Eads remarked, “After attending Oshkosh, I really wanted us to participate in the Young Eagles Program. I am very pleased at how the day went!”

As a result of their experience, 3 girls and 1 boy from Lago Vista High School will be returning to the airport in a few weeks to begin taking flying lessons! Interesting, since according to Carl Vernon, the first ever 3 student pilots at Rusty Allen Airpark were girls!

The staff and volunteers did a remarkable job. The entire event was run very professionally by individuals that were obviously confident in the training they had received to prepare them for this exciting and rewarding day.

If you’ve never been to an airport on a “Young Eagles Day”, you are in for a real treat. You won’t stop grinning at the obvious wonder and excitement that this first-time adventure provides for kids.

The City of Weslaco Invests In Airport!

In keeping with the idea that an airport is only as good as the service it offers, the Weslaco Mid Valley Airport continues to improve. Over the last three years the City of Weslaco has funded from its own resources several improvements to this general aviation airport. They built a new terminal facility and 4800 square foot hangar, purchased a crash rescue vehicle, installed a 12,000 gallon self service fuel system and hired a full time director of aviation. Weslaco is now taking another step forward and is funding the purchase and installation of an AAI/Systems Management weather observation system (NEXWOS). This system will provide real time on airport weather to pilots flying into this lower Rio Grande Valley airport. Information will be accessible by both radio (frequency to be assigned) and telephone. In addition to the NEXWOS system the airport is also installing Omni Directional Approach Lighting (ODALS) for Runway 13. The ODALS system is being purchased from Manairco, Inc. Of Mansfield, Ohio for less than $10,000. Both systems should be operational by late April of this year. These two projects are funded totally by the city!

“Donald R. Cress, Principal and Aviation Department Manager for PDR Engineers, Inc., in Lexington, Kentucky, passed away January 16, 1997, at his home after a long illness.

Don received his Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1958 and his Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1960, both from the University of Kentucky. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Don started his career in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He was an officer on the staff of the Director of Civil Engineering responsible for the planning activities at 19 air bases in the western half of the U.S. After the Air Force, Don went to work for the Kentucky Department of Highways, where he served as a staff assistant to the Highway Commissioner and managed the Off ice of Program Management. After this, Don worked for Spindletop Research, Inc., in Lexington as Manager of the Transportation Program for the applied research organization. Don also worked for Landrum and Brown, Inc., in Cincinnati as Vice President. He was responsible for their marketing program, and conducted assignments for the firm’s air service and airport physcial planning consulting practice. After leaving Landrum and Brown, Don founded his own consulting firm, Cress and Associates, and in 1989, after 1 O years, dissolved the firm and went to work for PDR Engineers, Inc. While at PDR, Don was a member of the Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission.

Don was a ”True Blue” University of Kentucky sports fan. Only when he was in the hospital did he ever, physically miss a sporting event, and then he watched it on television. Don was also a charter member and trustee for the Aviation Museum of Kentucky where he dedicated a lot of his time helping build the museum from its infancy into one of the finest historical aviation museums around the area. Don loved his work. It was his home away from 6 home. He loved to travel and to meet people. He had a passion for life and lived it to its fullest. Even when he was down, he was never out.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Carmen Cress; 1 son; 2 daughters; 6 stepchildren; 3 granddaughers; 1 grandson; 8 step grandchildren; his mother and 2 brothers. If interested, donations can be made in Don’s name to: Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 4000 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky, 40510. A memorial for Don highlighting his work and accomplishments over his 25+ years in aviation will be set up in the museum.”

– Provided by: Jim Wikstrom, Senior Aviation Consultant PDR Engineers, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky

The following are personal reflections from some individuals here who knew Don well and cared deeply about him.

“I began my association with Don in the early seventies. At that time, he was preparing airport master plan studies for several airports in Texas, and I was working with the Texas Aeronautics Commission staff developing the Texas Airport System Plan. We continued our association for many years, sharing ideas, methods, and visions for different communities and their airports. Don’s experience grew nationwide as he worked on projects throughout the United States. My experience was more geographically limited, and I always benefited from Don’s wider experience, which he was always happy to share. I considered Don to be one of the nation’s finest airport planners and the consummate professional planner. Don had excellent technical planning skills, unusually good presentation skill, and great people skills. Everyone liked Don the person. He did well at both marketing the services of his firm and delivering a quality planning study to the client at the conclusion of the project. Don also contributed to the advancement of the airport planning profession through participation and continuing contributions to airport-related committees of the Transportation Research Board. In this capacity, he encouraged and contributed to the professional development of many other planners. Don contributed much to many communities within Texas and to orderly development of their airport facilities. His mark is widespread throughout the state. I will miss my visits with Don, but know he is now working on even bigger plans and projects for the ultimate Client.”
– George B. Dresser, Texas Transportation Institute The Texas A&M University System

“I would say that Don was one of the most positive, energetic, and optimistic people I have ever met. It was a pleasure knowing him and working with him, and I know we will all miss him and his infamous green jacket that he wore to every Texas Airport Operators Conference.
– Linda Howard Director of Planning & Programming TxDOT Aviation Division

“Don Cress was the consumate airport planner. He was liked and respected by everyone who knew him, be it client, acquaintance, or competitor. Don truly believe in the importance of general aviation and the role of the states in developing and maintaining good statewide airport systems. His support for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) over the years was unequaled. We have all lost a true friend and compatriate in Don Cress. He will be missed.”
– Dave Fulton, Director TxDOT Aviation Division

“Don was the most energetic consultant I have ever worked with. It was not unusual for him to be in Nebraska working on a project one day and in South Texas for another project the next day. He was diligent and optimistic about everything he did. He was most conscientious. Don was a strong supporter of our Texas Airport Operators Conference. He even provided pinata airplanes at our 50th Anniversary Celebration in 1995! Don was a devoted father and often told me about his children and was exceptionally proud of them and their success. Two of his children were make-up artists for movies and television. He would call me to tell me about the famous stars his children were involved with. His all time actress heart-throb was Dana Delaney. His son was working on a set doing her make-up and he got Don on the set to meet her. Needless to say, Don was thrilled. Also, he told me about the time Susan Sarandon became the “set baby sitter” for his granddaughter who travels with Don’s children. He thought that was really neat to have such a famous baby sitter for that adorable child. He had 3 children and 4 grandchildren from his first marriage, and over a dozen stepchildren and step grandchildren from his current marriage. All of these children were very important to him, and it was obvious from our conversations that he was very important to them! About 3-4 years ago, Don met up with an old college sweetheart after all those years. They started dating and were married close to two years ago. Her name is Mary Carmen. For a kinda honeymoon months after they were married, he took her to the south of France. He said he had a real hard time adjusting to driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. He said they had a marvelous time as they drove throughout the beautiful countryside, and he wanted to go to other countries and do the same thing. Don loved to wear his green (and I mean BRIGHT GREEN) blazer to his proposal interviews. He told me it was his lucky jacket and always tried to wear it. It was so bright, it nearly put your eyes out!! If no one remembered his name or face, they would have to remember that green blazer.”
– Karon Wiedemann Director of Grant Management TxDOT Aviation Division

“Everybody knows that Don lived a great life … but it was the way he faced death that showed his true spirit of living. He never complained … everyday was a new beginning … a new day to him. That’s what I found so incredible about him … so incredible. I never met a person who didn’t like Don. There was just something about him … maybe it was his joy in living.”
– Michelle Hannah Airport Facilities Planner TxDOT Aviation Division

“I didn’t know him, and I wish I had. As I reflect on the things being said by those who did know him, something Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote many years ago seems appropriately to belong to Don Cress.

‘To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived … this is to have succeeded.’

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Don’s family and friends. We obviously lost one of the good guys.”
– Cheryl Williams Public Information Officer/WINGTIPS Editor TxDOT Aviation Division

The Federal Communications Commission has permanently abolished radio licensing requirements and fees for domestic aircraft radios.

The FCC also called for partial refunds on the $115licensefeespaidafterJuly 17, 1994. Owners issued a license after that date are entitled to a refund of up to $63, for the regulatory fee for the unexpired years of the license. Application fees, however, will not be returned.

To obtain the refund, submit the station license with “REFUND” written across the top to: FCC, Aircraft Refund, 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325- 7245.

An estimated 16,000 owners who have applied for but not yet received a license will automatically receive a refund of $75 which should arrive between January and March, 1997.

Gainesville Keeps Going… & Going… & Going!

Last year we told you a little about Gainesville Municipal Airport and their recent improvements. At the recent dedication of their new terminal, Dave Fulton said, “I would just say that you’ve accomplished the three things that it takes to make any airport successful. A few years ago you lengthened the runway to 5,000 feet so you could attract corporate aircraft. Now, you have a beautiful facility serving as a front door to your community to welcome those people who use this airport. And you now have professional airport management on the airport. Those three things are vital to the success of any airport.”

Here’s a rundown of what is going to be happening at Gainesville Municipal Airport just from April through June!

The North American Top-Gun, a World War II Air-Combat Fighter Pilot Flight School, will be operating out of the airport between April 5 and June 1, 1997.

Gainesville Municipal will then host the Lone Star Unlimited Aviation Expo June 4-8, 1997, as the second race in the World Championship Series of Air Racing. This world class event attracts spectators from around the country and competitors as far away as Japan. These giant scale radio-controlled aircraft, some with wingspans as large as 1 O feet and weighing up to 55 pounds, race wingtip-to-wingtip at speeds over 200 MPH around a 3/4 mile closed pylon course. Five different classes of aircraft: Unlimited, AT-6 “Texan”, 42% Formula One, Biplanes, and “Golden Age” Thompson Trophy aircraft will compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes. This is a family entertainment event that promotes all aspects of aviation and includes Hot Air Balloons, Skydivers, Historic Aircraft Displays, and a full scale General Aviation Fly-In “Pancake Breakfast” on Saturday morning.

But wait, there’s more! Following this event, the Texas Chapter of the Antique Airplane Association will hold their 35th Annual Fly-In at the Gainesville Municipal Airport on June 13-15, 1997. Th.is fly-in is possibly the largest in the State of Texas. Typically, between 350-500 aircraft and pilots attend the three-day event. This event, scheduled the following week after the Lone Star Unlimited Expo Air Race, will be an economic benefit to the airport and to the City of Gainesville.

To be sure the airport stays in top condition to accommodate aircraft and to host these kinds of events, the City of Gainesville has signed a contract with TxDOT to participate in the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP). RAMP is a new program offered by TxDOT to help communities preserve their airports. It is a major step towards improving and maintaining the Texas Airport System.

The City of Gainesville is excited about the RAMP, and is planning to participate every year. Airport Manager Mike Shahan states “We cannot go wrong with the program. We are getting $20,000 worth of airport pavement improvements with only $10,000 being contributed through the City’s Airport Fund. This program is another major step in improving the airport and making it a marketable asset for the City of Gainesville.”

Gainesville’s continued hard work and dedication has created tremendous success for their airport! For more information on the events at the airport, call Mike Shahan, Airport Manager, at 817/668-4565.