Wingtips Volume 3 - Number 3

Originally published in 1995

Effective September 26, 1995, United Beechcraft, Inc. changed its name to Raytheon Aircraft Services, Inc. The corporation has integrated the Beech and Hawker products into a single company, Raytheon Aircraft Company.

The recent reconstruction of their San Antonio and Van Nuys FBO facilities, the certification of their Tampa and Van Nuys FBO facilities as Hawker Service Centers, the announcement of a new Northeast “High Technology Jet Center”, and the integration of the Hawker Little Rock Factory Service Center were all preludes to this new corporate identification. Accounts with United Beechcraft will remain intact, only their name will change.

Originally published in 1995

A pilot and his passengers suffered only minor cuts and bruises after his single engine Beechcraft developed problems with oil pressure causing the engine to “lock up” during take-off from Lago Vista’s Rusty Allen Airport. After veering off the runway, the plane skidded about 165 feet, passing directly over the primary surface area where two trees had recently been removed from the front of one of the airport’s hangars. The pilot landed the plane at the end of Runway 15 after clearing the runway end protection zone, where additional trees and obstacles had recently been removed.

An Aviation Division inspector reported his recommendations in January 1995, to the mayor and members of the airport association after he conducted a safety inspection at the Rusty Allen Airport recently acquired by the city of Lago Vista. The inspector advised that he had “observed certain conditions that could impact safety on the airport”. His report noted that the Approach Surface of the Runway Protection Zone was obstructed by trees, and that all obstructions to the Approach Surface should be removed to provide an unobstructed 20:1 approach. Also included in his report was that the Primary Surface was obstructed by brush located on both sides of the runway. In addition to the brush, there were several large trees on the southwest side of the runway that were in the Primary Surface, and a 5′ bank located in front of some of the hangars obstructed the Primary Surface. His report recommended all obstructions except FAA-approved frangible equipment be removed from the Primary Surface.

A recent newsletter from the airport’s Board of Directors expressed relief for their decision to follow the inspector’s recommendations to remove these obstructions. “It would have been a different story if we had not cleared our airport’s runway protection zones. This accident demonstrates the requirements of TxDOT which we must monitor and comply with.”

Originally published in 1995

Del Rio has a new airline service! Lone Star Airlines now offers two round-trip flights each weekday, and one daily round-trip flight on weekends. The route will be serviced by a new, luxurious 30-seat Dornier 328 built by Daimler-Benz. The Dornier 328 is the most advanced aircraft in its category. It combines state-of-the-art technology with jet speed and unmatched comfort. In addition to passenger service, Lone Star also offers cargo and small package shipping services.

Although Lone Star’s hub is at D/FW International, Lone Star enjoys interline agreements with most major airlines and offers competitive joint fares and convenient ticketing to destinations throughout the world. “With our service, we can connect Del Rio, Acuna, Eagle Pass, and Piedras Negras to Dallas/Fort Worth and beyond,” John L. Prendergast, President at Lone Star Airlines, said.

According to Prendergast, the airline hopes to be “a good corporate citizen to the community.” He predicts success for Lone Star as the community begins to realize what an asset air service is to the area.

In addition to its international routes, Lone Star offers regional service to cities throughout Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. The airline has established its niche by offering convenient, reliable service from DI FW to smaller markets that previously lacked air service.

For flight information and reservations, call 1- 800-877-3932, or your local travel agency.

Originally published in 1995

Sherman Municipal Airport is now under new management. The City of Sherman has entered into a 10- year contract with South Central Flying Service, Inc. Services are available during daylight hours and on call. There is a mechanic on the field to perform all of the needed aircraft repairs, inspections, etc. A courtesy car is available to pilots.

The Sherman City Council has also approved a Letter of Intent and passed a Resolution to go ahead with approximately $980,000 from TxDOT in airport improvements during the fiscal 1996 year. Major portions of the funds will be going to much needed repairs to the 4,000′ runway, taxiways, aprons, a new pilot controlled runway lighting system, and beacon light.

– Ross Richardson, Chairman Sherman Municipal Airport Board

Originally published in 1995

“I am very aware of the significant economic development responsibility shouldered by the rural airports of Texas. Aviation is to our Texas towns and cities in the 1990’s as was the railroad to the early American communities of the 1860’s; it has opened up the heartland of America to economic development.

Air transportation capabilities are a major consideration to most successful industries in search of a site to relocate or expand their operation. Communities lacking adequate aviation facilities will be passed over by entrepreneurs looking to invest capital in ways which jobs would be created.”

– Phil Gramm United States Senator

Originally published in 1995

Winston Field Has A New Look! A project which organizers say will work in concert with economic development efforts in Scurry County is near completion. The airport terminal building at Winston Field, which has seen only limited use since the mid-1970’s, has been renovated and now serves as the greeting point for pilots who fly in.

“About 50 percent of the prospects we get come in by air. This goes hand in hand with the new industrial park. It’s not an isolated project,” said Doug Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Development Corporation of Snyder. The Development Corporation of Snyder anticipates a cost of $1.5 million for the development of the industrial park infrastructure.

“The runway is good and takes jet traffic with no problem. We’ve had several pilots come in on jets and compliment the condition of the runways,” he said.

An effort to bring Winston Field into harmony with Snyder’s economic development began more than a year ago. New rules and regulations have been instituted, and a manager has been hired. Work is expected in the near future on the large hangar, and the airport contains a 64- acre tract of land suitable for development,” Hutchinson said.

Renovation of the terminal building – built in 1951-was a joint effort of the Board of County Development (BCD) and Scurry County and got underway in February. The county sheriff’s office inmate work program provided labor under the direction of Deputy Bobby Goodwin. Inmate help from the Price Daniel Unit was also utilized. The BCD provided most of the funding. Over $36,000 has been spent on the project to date.

Some local businesses and the pilot’s association have donated items such as window blinds and furniture recovering.

Hutchinson said cost has averaged $9.15 a square foot. A new terminal would have cost $75 a square foot, he said.

The terminal building was renovated with efficiency in mind, said Commissioner G.D. Gray, Jr. A new roof was added and insulation was put in throughout. The new air conditioner and heater are energy efficient. Ceiling fans and storm windows help keep energy costs down also.

New wiring, plumbing, floor coverings and a complete paint job enhance the building.

The building features a lobby, several rooms for offices, a group meeting area and a kitchen. Some items are still needed, such as appliances for the kitchen and a large table and chairs for the meeting room. Project organizers are looking for donations to add those items. Organizers are also looking for aviation-related artwork to display in the building.

Originally published in 1995

With an official dedication ceremony September 26, 1995, the Vintage Flying Museum (VFM) became responsible for the newest FAA Aviation Education Resource Center.

For over a decade, Doc & Chuckie Hospers have led a group of like-minded persons dedicated to preserving America’s Flying Heritage in word, deed and aircraft. In 1990, they founded a non-profit museum to restore vintage aircraft as “flying museums” and preserve the exploits of those who “Keep ’em Flying!” With sheer determination, long hours and a tight rein on modest resources, the fledgling museum just outside Meacham Field gained national prominence.

Listed by the Texas Historical Commission and named by the Defense Department as a Commemorative Community Organization, the Vintage Flying Museum takes an active role in the ACE Academy … FAA’s program to turn-on today’s youth to tomorrow’s aviation careers.

Today, the Vintage Flying Museum serves as a forum for sharing technical, historical and educational information world-wide. VFM’s initiative to include youth, senior citizens & veterans into its mainstream activity brings a wider sense of historical perspective. After first breathing new life into an old B-17, the intrepid all-volunteer organization has blossomed into a multi-faceted Community Aviation Resource.

Located within and operated by the Vintage Flying Museum at Meacham Airport in Fort Worth, the Aviation Education Resource Center functions as an information distribution center for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation education materials and resources. The Resource Center maintains & provides quantities of FAA resource materials. Center personnel answer general information requests, conduct workshops, and make aviation-related presentations. They are used by the media, the public, and the educational community, and there is no cost associated with the use of the center.

Originally published in 1995

Airport sponsors who participate in federally-funded projects for pavement replacement or reconstruction must now commit to a grant assurance which stipulates that an effective pavement maintenance/management program will remain in effect throughout the “useful life” of the constructed pavement.

Along with the release of the 1995 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds, Congress mandated that facilities receiving federal monies for replacement or reconstruction of paved surfaces create a pavement maintenance/management program.

TxDOT will work with sponsors to comply with the letter and spirit of the legislation by providing assistance in creating a pavement maintenance/management program plan that is appropriate for each airport.

During the past three years detailed pavement inventories have been completed for virtually all general aviation airports throughout the state. That data will serve as the basis for creating a plan for each facility involved. Annual inspections will be conducted by TxDOT personnel.

Pavement programs will haye four basic components:

A pavement inventory which shows the dimensions, locations and maintenance history of all paved surfaces; A prescribed inspection schedule which will involve detailed annual assessments, and monthly “drive-by” observations;
Record keeping which documents inspection dates, findings, locations of distress and remedial actions scheduled and performed, and;
A method of data retrieval which permits a comprehensive presentation to the FAA, if requested.

Ultimately, we hope to include all airports with which we are involved in a similar program, whether or not they are recipients of a federal grant. A statewide pavement maintenance/management program creates a winwin situation. Airports will have a structured method of addressing maintenance requirements in a timely fashion, thereby minimizing repair costs. And repairing and rehabilitating pavements, instead of having to reconstruct them, will allow us to maximize state and federal dollars for system improvements.

Originally published in 1995

The Texas Transportation Commission has authorized project funding for the following airports. Requests for qualifications for engineering services and requests for proposals for planning projects have been issued for most of these projects.

Alice International
Aransas County
Avenger Field
Bridgeport Municipal
Brooks County
C. David Campbell Field
Castroville Municipal
Charles R. Johnson
Cherokee County
Cisco Municipal
Colorado City
Comanche City/County
Cox Field
Cuero Municipal
Curtis Field
Edinburg International
Fayette Regional Air Center
Floydada Municipal
Gonzales Municipal
Granbury Municipal
Harrison County
Hearne Municipal
Huntsville Municipal
Jasper County-Bell Field
Jim Hogg County
Kerrville Municipal
Kimble County
Livingston Municipal
Llano Municipal
• Moore County
Munday Municipal
Nueces County
Ozona Municipal
Palestine Municipal
Panola County-Sharpe Field
Pleasanton Municipal
Possum Kingdom
San Patricio County
Sherman Municipal
Smithville Municipal
Starr County
Sulphur Springs Municipal
T.P. Mccampbell
Taylor Municipal
Terrell County
Wills Point Municipal
Yoakum County

Originally published in 1995

The Biennial Program includes the projects programmed for the two most immediate years of the Capital Improvement Program. The 1996-2000 CIP includes 127.0 million of nonreliever general aviation airport improvement projects. Over the five-year period, this represents projected funding of about 56.4 million federal, 58.9 million state, and 11.7 million in local contributions. Projects included in the Biennial Program are those that the Commission has determined should be funded for the upcoming fiscal year and the fiscal year following that year.

Once a project is approved for the second year of the Biennial Program, work begins on preparing the project for implementation in the following year. Preliminary work may include preparation of environmental assessments, plans and specifications, and land acquisition. All other projects listed in the CIP are subject to change as needs, priorities, and funding availability change. If you would like a copy of the CIP, contact the Aviation Division, 1-800-68-PILOT.