|
Airport Name |
Grant amount |
Project Description |
|
Odessa/Schlemeyer Field |
$1,125,237 |
Construct terminal building and parking lot |
|
Collin County Regional Airport at McKinney |
$10,729,200 |
Construct replacement runway; construct taxiway B5 segment 1, B1 segment 1, and taxiways B2, B3 and B4; construct replacement Runway 18-36, and replacement runway; convert existing Runway 17-35 to taxiway B; install medium intensity approach lighting system at Runway 36; electrical and electronics for runway replacement |
|
Fort Worth Meacham International Airport |
$2,247,500 |
Construct perimeter road |
|
Stephenville Municipal Airport/Clark Field |
$1,003,280 |
Construct 12 unit hangar with access paving |
|
Hemphill County Airport/Canadian |
$500,000 |
Install game proof fencing |
|
Oldham County Airport/Vega |
$363,309 |
Install fueling system and construct fueling apron |
|
Cherokee County Airport/Jacksonville |
$371,880 |
Install game fencing; clearing and grubbing, install security and access gates and drainage improvements |
|
Palestine Municipal Airport |
$803,300 |
Rehabilitate and mark apron; reconstruct taxiway A; remove asphalt; raise apron inlets; repair concrete drainage structures; install barricades and markings for pavement closure; and improve 18″ storm sewer |
|
Mustang Beach/Port Aransas |
$140,000 |
Replace existing automated weather observing system |
|
Dimmitt County/Carrizo Springs |
$140,000 |
Install an automated weather observing system |
|
Lockhart Municipal Airport |
$762,720 |
Rehabilitate and mark Runway 18-36; rehabilitate and mark taxiways; rehabilitate hangar access taxiways and apron; rehabilitate FBO apron; and update signage |
|
Coulter Field/Bryan |
$140,000 |
Install an automated weather observing system |
|
TSTC-Waco Airport |
$1,000,000 |
Construct a terminal building |
Wingtips
Port San Antonio: Not Just Surviving, Thriving
by Chris Sasser,
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
In 1995, San Antonio residents learned that historic Kelly Air Force Base was slated for closure and many were alarmed by the uncertainty of what would become of the sprawling complex on the southwest side of town employing thousands of civilians. What ultimately occurred was the redevelopment of the base into a master-planned, 1,900-acre logistics-based aerospace and industrial complex that has defied recent economic odds.
A Proud History
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner is prepared for delivery to Japan Airlines.
Kelly Field, where chapters in military aviation were first written, was born in November 1916, when the “Father of Military Aviation,” Captain Benjamin Foulois, selected the site for the expanding activities of the aviation flying section of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. During World War I, Kelly Field served as a reception and testing center for recruits and as a training center for pilots, mechanics, cooks and bakers, as well as engineering and supply officers. Most American World War I flyers trained or were processed at Kelly Field.
During World War II, Kelly Field developed into a huge industrial complex that stored and distributed material, and modified or repaired aircraft, engines and related equipment. These adjustments marked the start of a distinct shift in Kelly’s mission, which, over the next 40 years, expanded into a worldwide logistics and support capability. Kelly Field was renamed Kelly Air Force Base in 1948 after the Air Force became a separate branch of the Armed Services in 1947. During these years, Kelly also became the region’s largest employer—providing thousands of civilian jobs to generations of San Antonians, and giving rise to the region’s Hispanic middle class.
Kelly maintained such aircraft as the B-29, B-36, B-47 and B-58 bombers, numerous types of fighters including the F-102 and F-106, and various cargo planes.
Kelly Air Force Base was closed and its assets realigned by the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure IV Commission. Parts of the installation were shifted to adjacent Lackland Air Force Base, with a significant portion of the former Kelly AFB becoming Port San Antonio.
A New Era of Economic Prosperity
Aerial of Kelly Aviation Center.
In 2001 Kelly Air Force Base officially closed and the Greater Kelly Development Authority, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, began overseeing the redevelopment and management of the property under the name KellyUSA. In 2007 the organization rebranded itself as Port San Antonio, underscoring its air, rail and logistics assets and growing relationships with U.S. and Mexican seaports.
Though created by the government, Port San Antonio is operationally self sustaining and runs like a business. It obtains its income from properties it develops, leases, upgrades and maintains for its growing private and public sector customers.
Port San Antonio has developed a strategy allowing it to align its mix of assets to an array of customers and dynamic market conditions. As part of its growth, it has focused on four key functional areas:
Kelly Field — An industrial airport within a foreign-trade zone that features an 11,500-foot runway which Lackland Air Force Base shares with Port San Antonio through a joint use agreement. South of the runway is one of the country’s largest arrays of jet aircraft engine test cells.
Since its inauguration, 14 aerospace-based businesses have established operations at Port San Antonio, initially focusing on military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul projects and, increasingly, on commercial aviation. Kelly Field also features an 89,500-square-foot air cargo hangar which Port San Antonio completed in 2008 and an adjacent U.S. Customs facility inaugurated the following year. Atlantic Aviation established FBO operations in 2006.
East Kelly Railport — A 350-acre site with logistics and manufacturing options, with rail access from BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. Opened in 2007, East Kelly Railport is a growing hub for regional logistics, with customers that provide warehousing and distribution for everything from consumer goods, bulk manufacturing materials and, increasingly, support for energy projects resulting from the nearby Eagle Ford Shale.
Lindbergh Park – 45 acres near existing Air Force operations at the Port for the development of additional force protected offices and necessary parking to support the growth of military operations and government contractors in the region.
Kelly Center — 400 acres at the heart of the property to serve the needs of a growing workforce, including housing and educational facilities that support training for the growing number of aerospace workers and to help future generations access promising careers with Port customers .
The impressive record of job creation at Port San Antonio during the past decade is the result of having attracted nearly 80 organizations employing over 14,000 workers. Port customers generate $4.2 billion in annual economic activity for the region, making it one of the most successful base redevelopment projects in BRAC history.
The sprawling Boeing hangar at Port San Antonio.
Among the 14 aerospace businesses that call Port San Antonio home are the following:
- Boeing Company’s Global Service and Support — This facility is one of the largest military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in the world. The first commercial aircraft at Port San Antonio, the 787 Dreamliner, arrived on March 4, 2011 for change incorporation and refurbishment work. Soon to follow were several 747-8 Freighters, which are also undergoing similar upgrades before delivery to customers worldwide.
- Kelly Aviation Center-An Affiliate of Lockheed Martin Corporation — Lockheed Martin Corporation’s only aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility.
- Chromalloy — A leading turbine engine service provider.
- Gore Design Completion — A turnkey completion center specializing in luxury commercial aircraft interiors for dignitaries, heads-of-states and other VIPs. Since its arrival at the Port in 2005, the company has grown from 150 to over 600 workers—making it the largest firm of its kind in North American and the third largest in the world.
Gore Design Completion hangar.
- StandardAero San Antonio — Within the Kelly Aviation Center facility, StandardAero operates the world’s largest T-56 engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility.
- Pratt & Whitney – One of the first private firms to arrive at Kelly Field, where it operates the world’s largest maintenance facility for F100 engines powering F15 and F16 military fighters.
A student works on an aircraft engine.
In addition to these businesses, St. Philip’s College operates its Southwest Campus at Port San Antonio. The institution provides education and training that enables the recruitment of new employees and ensures that current workers’ skills are up to date. St. Philip’s is also the site of the Alamo Aerospace Academy, which recruits high school students into a two-year program in aircraft structures and turbine engine maintenance and , through a paid summer internship program, provides them hands-on experience with companies at Port San Antonio. After graduation, many Academy graduates embark upon fulfilling careers with Port aerospace customers.
Under the terms of an agreement announced in December 2011, Port San Antonio will provide 40 acres and a 40,000-square-foot building to expand the St. Philip’s Southwest Campus. In return, Alamo Colleges, the local community college district which includes St. Philip’s, will provide over $5 million in training to existing and future aerospace workers—further cementing Port San Antonio as a center for aerospace excellence.
“I’ve seen the case where a base is closing and there is no plan to do anything with the property or its facilities,” says Curtis Morgan, program manager of the Multimodal Freight Program at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. “What Port San Antonio is doing in the area of economic development is impressive to say the least.”
General Aviation and Beyond
Port San Antonio’s industrial airport at Kelly Field (KSKF) also looks to expand its role with industrial and corporate general aviation.
“To our east we have Stinson Municipal Airport and to the north the community is served by San Antonio International,” explains Kelly Field Airport General Manager Rick Crider. “Kelly Field will enhance the aviation fabric of this community by adding industrial and corporate aviation capacity, and complementing the attributes of the other airports in this region. Our goal is to have a fully operational joint-use facility that serves everyone’s needs in a very safe and secure environment.”
In 2010, after nearly a decade of fundraising by the Port, the city of San Antonio began work on a road-building project at the port, which, when completed in 2013, will create a new access route into the complex. The new road will also allow for the addition of new air-served facilities on 150 acres at Kelly Field, which, upon full development, could support up to 8,000 additional aerospace-related jobs in that part of the Port alone.
Crider notes that the Port, in collaboration with FBO Atlantic Aviation, plans to expand corporate aviation services with the addition of a new terminal building and hangar facilities.
For more information, please visit http://www.portsanantonio.us/ or http://www.airnav.com/airport/KSKF.
Adopt-An-Airport
Private citizens, groups and organizations can play a role in their local airport’s development through the Adopt-an-Airport Program. Eligible adopters commit to beautify an airport, enhance its image and increase public awareness for two-year terms.
Eligibility
Publicly-owned airports included in the Texas Airport System Plan are eligible. The following groups are eligible to adopt airports through the program:
- Members or employees of civic and nonprofit organizations
- Employees of private businesses and governmental entities
- Families
Note: A group must be located or reside in the city or county in which the adopted airport is located.
For more information, contact TxDOT at (800) 68-PILOT or visit the Adopt-An-Airport website.
Grants Received – Summer 2011
|
Airport Name |
Grant amount |
Project Description |
|
Odessa/Schlemeyer Field |
$4,850,730 |
Rehabilitate and mark Runway 16-34; rehabilitate and mark taxiway C, E, F, and G; reconstruct north and south terminal apron; construct terminal building apron; rehabilitate hangar access taxiway; replace visual approach slope indicator with precision approach path indicator-2’s Runway 17-34; improve drainage, and replace signage |
|
New Braunfels Municipal Airport |
$1,099,700 |
Replace medium intensity runway lights at Runway 13-31; install medium intensity taxiway lights taxiway A; relocate/replace lighting vault; replace precision approach path indicator 4’s Runway 13; install signage; and improve drainage/ regrade ditches/ replace inlets grates |
|
Taylor Municipal Airport |
$250,000 |
Clear approaches at Runway 17-35 and reimbursement for power lines |
|
Graham Municipal Airport |
$237,830 |
Install deer proof fencing |
|
Arledge Field/Stamford |
$278,320 |
Replace medium intensity runway edge lights at Runway 17-35; replace rotating beacon and tower; install lighted wind cone; and install signage |
|
Collin County Regional Airport |
$11,451,250 |
Construct replacement Runway 18-36; construct taxiways B2, B3 and B4; repair drainage at existing taxiway A and E; and construct airport perimeter road with three gates |
|
Navasota Municipal Airport |
$5,500,000 |
Reconstruct and mark Runway 17-35; replace pulse light approach slope indicator with precision approach path indicator-2; replace guidance signs and extend medium intensity runway lights; relocate windcone and segmented circle |
|
Hale County Airport |
$803,552 |
Reconstruct hangar access taxiway northwest side and reconstruct northwest apron |
|
San Marcos Municipal Airport |
$7,105,555 |
Reconstruct northside Taxiway J, Phase 1 and 2; construct northside apron; construct new entrance road for northside terminal development and twenty-four parking spaces; northside apron; mark and temporarily displace threshold Taxiway, Runway 8,13,17: excavate shoulder and ditch; drainage improvements and NSD utilities |
|
Athens Municipal Airport |
$140,000 |
Install an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) |
|
Comanche Municipal Airport |
$90,000 |
Repair the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) |
|
Hearne Municipal Airport |
$175,000 |
Install 100LL fuel system with card reader |
Austin Executive Celebrates Grand Opening
by Slim Zimmermann
Texas Aviation Association
Inside the passenger lobby at Austin Executive Airport, looking over the Rolls Royce Olympus from the Concorde.
Work wrapped up on the two-year construction of the Austin Executive Airport (KEDC) with a Texas size grand opening celebration this week. Over 400 guests toured the modern facility which includes a new 29,000 sq. ft. FBO terminal building, corporate hangar, GA hangars, service buildings and a 6025 foot long runway.
Airport owner and developer Ron Henriksen spent over $33 million and transformed the run down Bird’s Nest Airport into a state-of-the-art aviation hub that will attract business and GA aircraft from around the world to Central Texas. The new airport will be a huge boost to the Texas economy. Airport manager Jim Craig has already hired over 15 employees and looks to hire more.
Guests dined on delicious BBQ before the official opening ceremony. Austin Executive officer Andrew Perry introduced guest speakers which included Craig Fuller, president of AOPA, Steve Hadley of NBAA, Texas state senator Kirk Watson, Travis County commissioner Ron Davis and Pflugerville mayor Jeff Coleman.
The new Austin Executive Airport is operational and open for business.
T-hangars that can house twins are under construction as well as hail sheds. Those interested in getting hangar space need to call Jim Craig at 512-AIRPORT.
Visit the Austin Executive Airport website.
Mid Valley Airport Goes International
By Elizabeth Findell
The Monitor
WESLACO—City leaders holding that morning’s Mexican newspapers were beaming Friday as they stepped out of a Hawker jet onto U.S. soil at the Mid Valley Airport.
The day marked the first time international flights were able to land at the site, which recently became the first “landing rights” customs processing center that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has opened on the U.S.-Mexico border in 40 years.
The designation allows international planes to land there if they so request. The airport will not be fully staffed with customs inspectors, but inspectors from the Progreso and Donna-Rio Bravo international bridges will be on call to drive up to check incoming planes.
Plans for the landing rights have been in the works for a decade. Weslaco’s Economic Development Corporation built an $800,000 customs building at the airport to donate to the city for a $1 per-year fee.
Airport administrators have no idea how much the service will be used.
“This is new for us,” George Garrett, the airport’s aviation director, said. “It’s a milestone for Texas because this is the first on-call landing rights area along the border.”
The on-call status, Garrett said, does not require the same advanced flight plans that other airports do— fliers can simply call ahead and have customs officers meet them when they land.
“We anticipate seeing a lot of traffic because it’s faster,” he said.
Because the customs agents who will be working at the airport merely will be on-call from local bridges, no user fees will be required to utilize their services, unlike the region’s other international airports.
Weslaco officials said they hoped the ability to fly into the city from Mexico would attract more businessmen to the Mid-Valley.
“It’s amazing what this is going to do for the area,” said Alicia Aguilar, director of business retention and marketing Economic Development Corporation.
George Lawley, customer service supervisor with McAllen’s McCreery Aviation, said he thought the landing rights would be beneficial to Weslaco, but didn’t expect it to hurt McAllen’s clientele.
“I don’t see it affecting us very much because we’ve got the mall right next to us,” he said. “All the larger businesses are in McAllen, so flying to Weslaco, if they’re going to be driving to McAllen or Pharr anyway, doesn’t make much sense.”
Garrett said he expects the customs service to be used primarily by corporate customers who fly to Mexico.
The airport has 106 planes based there, and previously has had about 70 planes per year come in from elsewhere in the country. Garrett said they can accommodate aircraft ranging from single-engine planes to medium-sized corporate jets.
A planned 2012 runway expansion would make the airport accessible to larger jets.
The Hawker, a Weslaco-based plane belonging to WoodCrafters Home Products, flew Thursday to Veracruz with Mayor Miguel Wise, City Manager Leonardo Olivares and Economic Development Corporation Director Hernan Gonzalez. Mitch Jones, WoodCrafters’ vice president of procurement, accompanied the city officials with his wife, Rosa Elena Jones, and 3-month-old daughter Audrey Camille Jones.
The group spent the day touring Veracruz with executives of coffee-shop company Gran Café de la Parroquia, which recently opened its first U.S. coffee distribution center in Weslaco. The Gran Café executives also flew to Weslaco Friday morning in a company Learjet to celebrate the new customs facility.
“An airport without customs these days is not an airport,” said Angel Fernandez Cervantes Ceballos, director of commercial business for Gran Café, who was the first to clear customs in Weslaco.
Ceballos said his company would probably use the airport on a weekly or monthly basis.
“It’s helping a lot because we have an airport,” he said of the facility. “We can be with our business.”
Reprinted by permission of The Monitor, Copyright 2011.
Spreading the Word – Lenny Llerena Leads New Braunfels Municipal Airport
By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
New Braunfels Municipal Airport Director Lenny Llerena in front of the terminal building.
Ever since New Braunfels Municipal Airport Director Lenny Llerena can remember, he’s always been passionate about aviation. The Ecuadorian-born Llerena began his aviation career as a director of a crop dusting company, and he now oversees a busy airport that welcomes aviators looking to conduct business or grab a tube and cool off in the Guadalupe River.
When asked about the importance of general aviation to his community, Llerena’s excitement is evident.
“When I’m talking to a group of folks, often people don’t know the day-to-day operations of our airport,” explains Llerena. “I explain to them that even the small planes that fly in are very important. They fly in, gas up, stay at our hotels and buy products. They are flying all over the place and spreading the word about our community.”
The New Braunfels airport recently underwent some improvements—notably a ramp expansion that nearly doubled its capacity. The airport also has a modern terminal building with a large meeting room, refreshments, showers and courtesy cars.
“The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was very generous in helping us maximize the size of our ramp,” says Llerena. “We have the space to accommodate planes from a 172 to a G5 and are able to demonstrate to the business traveler ‘We have space, we can accommodate you.’”
Besides his duties as airport director, Llerena is passionate about another calling: helping out those less fortunate. About once a year, Llerena and his family travel with their church group to his native country of Ecuador to work at an orphanage. He has also made multiple trips to Haiti to assist with earthquake disaster-relief efforts.
“Giving back to the country where I was born is a very important part of my life,” says Llerena. “We’re a little more privileged so the need is for us to give back.”
Llerena left his native Ecuador to move to the United States, where he obtained his B.S. and master’s degrees at Embry-Riddle. After he obtained his master’s degree, Llerena began working on the management side of aviation, where he eventually ended up as the manager of the Orange County Airport in New York.
“I traveled to Texas quite often to attend conferences and always enjoyed my time there,” says Llerena.
When the opportunity to manage the New Braunfels Municipal Airport became available, Llerena and his family jumped at the opportunity to move to Texas. The move has paid off. The citizens of New Braunfels have a dynamic and respected director of aviation for their airport and Llerena and his family enjoy living in Texas.
“It’s very nice here,” says Llerena. “This feels like home away from home.”
New Braunfels Municipal Airport (KBAZ) at a glance
FAA Identifier: BAZ
Lat/Long:
29-42-16.2000N / 098-02-32.0000W
29-42.270000N / 098-02.533333W
29.7045000 / -98.0422222
(estimated)
Elevation: 651 ft. / 198.4 m (surveyed)
Sectional chart: SAN ANTONIO
Control tower: yes
ARTCC: HOUSTON CENTER
FSS: SAN ANGELO FLIGHT SERVICE STATION
Wind indicator: yes
Fuel available: 100LL JET-A
Runway 17/35—5364 x 100 ft. / 1635 x 30 m
Weight bearing capacity: Single wheel: 25.0
Runway edge lights: Medium Intensity
Runway 13/31—5352 x 100 ft. / 1631 x 30 m
Weight bearing capacity: Single wheel: 30.0
Runway edge lights: Medium Intensity
Airport website: http://www.newbraunfelsairport.org/default.htm
Airnav.com website: http://www.airnav.com/airport/KBAZ
Wingtips Profiles Aviation Advisory Committee Member John White
New TxDOT Aviation Advisory Committee member John White.
Just a few weeks from his 67th birthday, John White reflected on the life-changing realization that he came to just a year earlier. After a career of piloting corporate aircraft, White stopped flying professionally in 2010.
The decision was monumental. After all, piloting corporate aircraft was the biggest part of his life for nearly 50 years. Even though his choice had nothing to do with music, it had a lot to do with the words of a musician.
“I heard a famous pianist say something once that always stuck with me,” White says of his decision. “Van Cliburn said, ‘If I don’t practice for a day, I can tell it. If I don’t practice for three days, others can tell it.’ I decided to get out before others noticed what I had already noticed.”
In addition to his duties as Director of Corporate Aviation for Valero Energy Corporation, White often flew his company’s jets. But, as he was getting older, the planes were becoming more and more sophisticated. “And I was not as sharp as I once was,” he admitted. “But I do miss the flying, especially when I fly for the company…in a passenger seat.”
White has another Van Cliburn connection. The pianist began practicing when he was just three years old. It’s the same age White was when his father came home from World War II, serving his country as a B-24 navigator. “That’s when my interest in flying began. As I got older, I would hang out at what once was Russell Field near my home in Ft. Worth. I would trade odd jobs around the airfield for time in the air.”
One thing led to another and White would go on to solo in 1964— which began his decades-long aviation career. Four years later, he became a pilot for a Dallas oil and gas company. His corporate flying duties also included jobs with Union Pacific and HEB.
For the last seven years as Corporate Aviation Director, White oversees 35 employees. He effectively changed the department as Valero took on more of an international presence and needed to fly faster and farther.
He sits on the board of directors for the National Business Aviation Association and for the Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training. He previously served on the City Aviation Director Selection committee and the Mayor’s Committee for Vision 2050. He became the newest member of the Aviation Advisory Committee in June of 2011.
“Aviation has been a big part of my life and it’s been very good to me,” White says of his successful career. “I will always be a pilot at heart. I just don’t think you can get it out of me.” In fact, White is planning one day to return to the cockpit.
“When I retire, I will rent small airplanes and go for short trips. It’s how it all started, and it seems fitting to complete my life that way.”
Wingtips: What was it about aviation that interested you?
White: I was very impressionable when my father returned home from the war. I remember the stories and the photographs of his flying adventures. Also, Ft. Worth had a bomber factory and an airbase near our home. I guess you could say aviation was my destiny.
Wingtips: What was your motivation in accepting the appointment on the Texas Aviation Advisory Commission?
White: First, I have an enormous respect for Dave Fulton, the aviation division director for the Texas Department of Transportation. Also, I know that general aviation is faced with a lot of serious challenges. I am at a point in my career that I can devote more of my time to those problems.
Wingtips: Even though you are new to the advisory committee, are there any specific goals you would like to accomplish?
White: I would love to see the formation of a general aviation caucus in the Texas State Legislature. As you mentioned, I have some committee experience. I think we should all work together to make this happen. I believe a general aviation caucus could be a big part of our success going forward.
Wingtips: What are the biggest challenges for general aviation?
White: Politically speaking, the constant attacks from Washington on the use of corporate jets. I am also against using general aviation user fees to help fund the Federal Aviation Administration. General aviation already contributes our fair share with a significant fuel tax and avgas and jet fuel. Finally, I do not believe the BARR (Block Aircraft Registration Request) program should be eliminated. (NOTE: In June 2011, the FAA issued a notice detailing its plan to virtually eliminate the valuable BARR program.)
Wingtips: What would you like the public to know about general aviation in Texas and why non-pilots should care about it?
White: Business aviation is a big part of our economy with 1.2 billion jobs in America, pumping $150 billion into our economy. Most people don’t realize that the vast majority of general aviation airplanes are made in our country. They are made in America, by Americans. For that reason alone, and there are numerous others, we need to do all we can to make sure all aspects of general aviation is successful.
Dave’s Hangar, Summer 2011
FAA Furlough Begins and Ends
Legislation authorizing the Federal Aviation Administration and its programs ended on September 30, 2007. Since that date, FAA has been funded by a series of continuing resolutions, the latest, the 20th extension expired on July 22, 2011. Attempts by Congress to enact a 21st extension failed due to a disagreement between the House and the Senate over changes in a program named “Essential Air Service”, a subsidy of passenger service in small airline markets. As a result, 4000 FAA employees were furloughed on July 23rd and construction activities ceased for many airport projects nationwide. Additionally, airline tax revenue collections ended resulting in a loss in tax revenue of $30M per day. Fortunately, an agreement was finally reached to extend FAA programs through September 16th. During the two week furlough period $380M in tax revenue was lost to the Aviation Trust fund. The good news is that there was no direct impact on TxDOT Aviation’s construction projects since grants for those projects had already been made. If the failure to pass a new reauthorization bill or continuing resolution had continued through September 30th, TxDOT Aviation stood to lose $14M in FAA grant money for the year. Fortunately, that did not happen. Congress is currently in recess but will reconvene on September 6th. That will leave only 11 days to pass new FAA legislation. Otherwise, a 22nd extension will be necessary. Hopefully, by the time you read this, Congress will have made significant process in passing a multi-year funding bill for FAA.
Welcome to John White, the newest member of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee
On June 30th, The Texas Transportation Commission appointed John White, Valero Energy’s Director of Corporate Aviation, as a member of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. Members of the Committee provide a valuable service to TxDOT serving as an advocate and statewide point of contact for the Department’s aviation program. Additional information about John and his aviation background are included in the center spread of our newsletter.
2011 Aviation Conference a Soaring Success
By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
TxDOT Aviation Director Dave Fulton delivers remarks during the conference opening session.
Implementing new technologies and strategies for airport maintenance in today’s lean economic environment was among the key topics discussed at this year’s 29th Texas Aviation Conference in Austin, TX.
This year’s conference had nearly 500 attendees including airport sponsors, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employees, consultants, contractors and exhibitors. The event was hosted by the TxDOT Aviation Division and co-sponsored by the Texas Airports Council (TAC) and the Texas Aviation Association.
To kick off the conference, TxDOT Aviation Division Director Dave Fulton delivered his state of the division address. During his remarks, Fulton reflected on the 20-year anniversary of the formation of the TxDOT Aviation Division (see the “20 Years of Serving Texas General Aviation” sidebar).
Craig Fuller, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, followed with an update on general aviation.
“It’s amazing what the Aviation Division has accomplished in 20 years,” said Fuller. “Over 30,000 of our 400,000 members are right here in Texas, and so we have a great working relationship with Dave Fulton and his staff.”
To conclude the morning session, Aviation Division Director of Planning and Programming Scott Gallagher presented an overview of the role his group plays in a project’s life cycle.
The afternoon breakout session featured presentations on airport planning, design, maintenance, consultants and runway surveillance technologies.
The first day ended with the traditional awards banquet (see the “2011 Aviation Awards Winners” sidebar).
Stacy Swigart with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began the final day of the conference with a presentation titled “Airport Compliance 101: Get to Know Your Grants.” During her remarks, Swigart discussed the details of airport sponsor assurances.
The next presentation of the conference was given by Henry Ogrodzinski, president of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO).
Henry “O,” as he is affectionately known, explained that part of NASAO’s legislative agenda includes:
- Reauthorize Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for $4 billion.
- Recommend a 25 percent investment in AIP/FAA funding from the General Fund.
- Continue the current non-primary airport grant program of $150,000 for small, general aviation airports.
- Keep the Essential Air Service program funding at $200 million.
- Facilitate Robust NextGen Investments.
- Raise the cap on passenger facility charges (PFCs) for large commercial airports to $7.50 and providing greater flexibility in the use of these funds.
- Create no new user fees for general aviation.
Troy Kimmel, chief meteorologist for KEYE-TV (Austin) and senior lecturer with The University of Texas at Austin, concluded the morning session with a presentation on what AWOS installations mean to airports and their communities.
“It’s always a pleasure to visit with our friends from across the state that we work with throughout the year,” said Fulton. “This conference feels like a reunion of family and friends.”
The 2012 Texas Aviation Conference will be held in Galveston, TX. For more information or to download presentations from this year’s conference, please visit http://ttigroups.wpengine.com/conferences/tac11/program/.
2011 Aviation Awards Winners
- RAMP coordinator of the year: Douglas Reiter, Atlanta District
- Most improved general aviation airport of the year: Scholes International Airport at Galveston
- Airport management of the year: Kleberg County Airport’s Mike and Judy Muzyczyn
- Reliever airport of the year: Arlington Municipal Airport
- General aviation airport of the year: Kerrville Municipal – Louis Schreiner Field Airport
A special volunteer award was presented to TXAA board of director Jay Carpenter. He was recognized for his service to general aviation in Texas.
Dave Fulton with Hud Hopkins, Airport Director of Scholes International Airport at Galveston, the winner of the most improved general aviation airport of the year.
Kleberg County Airport's Mike and Judy Muzyczyn, winners of the airport management of the year award.
Aviation Art Contest Winners
Category I
Ages 6-9
1st place: Sarah Rodriguez, 6, Weslaco
2nd place: Erika Howlett, 9, San Antonio
3rd place: Leslie Moreno, 9, Mercedes
Ages 10-13
1st place: Katya Castaneda, 12, Laredo
2nd place: Gabriela Gonzalez, 12, Laredo
3rd place: Itzel Vilches, 12, Laredo
Ages 14-17
1st place: Andrew Li, 17, Plano
2nd place: Ismael Roman, 16, Amarillo
3rd place: Melissa Albrecht, 17, Port Lavaca
Honorable Mention
Yulissa Ibarra, 13, Laredo
Dmitry Fedorov, 17, Wills Point
20 Years of Serving Texas General Aviation
1991—Funding levels: $ 17.3 million
1993—State block grant program begins
1994—Formation of terminal building program, which results in the construction of 42 buildings in 17 years
1996—Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) program begins. $37.6 million dollars have been distributed to Texas airports via RAMP through fiscal year 2010.
1997—Relievers join state block program
1998—Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) program begins. Since 1998, 83 sites have added AWOS.
2001—Non primary entitlement program begins
2001—Formation of the air traffic control tower program. Since this program began, 15 air traffic control towers have either been built or renovated.
2003—Aircraft Pooling Board joins TxDOT
2006—Fuel farm construction and hangar program begin
2011—Funding levels: $77.8 million