Members of the Carroll County Airport Commission have celebrated some major accomplishments in the past year, and the airport may see more major changes in the near future.
At the July 18 commission meeting, consulting engineer Joey Wallace said a grant application to fund a new hangar continues through the approval process at the Federal Aviation Administration. Although the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission has exhausted its funds for the current grant cycle, Wallace said the AAC now has more money to spend, which bodes well for future grants.
Wallace also remarked upon a major project under way at the western end of the airport. An old paint hangar has been removed to make way for new hangar construction.
The runway presently extends 3,500 feet, and commissioners past and present have long dreamed of extending that to 4,000 feet to accommodate small jets. Justice of the Peace Matt Phillips, who represents the quorum court at CCAC meetings, mentioned that recent economic development discussions had focused on the importance of the airport as a tool for attracting new businesses. At a recent meeting with airport representatives, U. S. Congressman Steve Womack supported the runway extension, and indicated that the estimated $2,000,000 cost was manageable.
In other business:
* Airport Manager Mark Pepple reported that fuel sales year-to-date are up over last year.
* Pepple and some of the commissioners had attended the June 17 meeting of the quorum court, and Phillips explained that few of the present JPs have any familiarity with the airport. Pepple spoke at that meeting about present and projected plans for the airport.
* Chairman Dave Teigen said any attempt to install a shower for visiting pilots would involve complications, and the plan was shelved.
* A tank for jet fuel will soon be installed near the present fuel tank. The new tank will be privately owned, but the owner has indicated that he will turn it over to the airport if a runway extension brings in more jets.
* The commissioners continued to discuss acquiring a scissor lift for airport maintenance. The lift would help with everything from working on weather equipment to hangar doors, and it would be far safer than tall ladders. The cost might run as high as $6,000, but the airport may find a used lift in good condition.
* An estimate of $3,200 was received to replace all the roof fasteners on an eight-bay hangar. The commission will seek other bids, but the rubber grommets are failing, and leaks will become an increasing problem.
* Regular Fly-In events help to promote the airport among the pilot community, but many county residents are surprised to learn of the airport’s existence. Commissioner Chase Tresler said, “We put a lot into a Fly-In, but we need to step up and let people know the airport’s here.” The commissioners discussed various local advertising opportunities, and the discussion turned to possibly awarding an annual scholarship. The commissioners debated whether to award one large scholarship or smaller grants for each of the three county school districts. The commission will have time to sort out the details during the coming months, with plenty of time left to publicize the scholarship. The qualifications for a scholarship will also be determined, with an initial suggestion to award anyone in aviation or going to an aviation-related school.
* The commission has recently installed a new weather advisory system. The system gives more accurate local information than weather stations in Harrison or Rogers, and the commissioners discussed ways to publicize the system’s availability.
* A breakfast Fly-In was scheduled for the day after the meeting.
* A committee was formed to work on a possible event in October, in which pilots would compete for short take-offs and landings.