Fuel problems dominated the Jan. 16 meeting of the Carroll County Airport Commission.
E-mails sent to pilots demonstrate the on-again, off-again history of the fuel pump at the airport in the past two months. As commissioners noted, the fuel problems create difficulties for pilots, but the lost sales also affect the airport’s income.
Commissioner Chase Tresler emphasized the need to determine which parts of the fuel system remain under warranty. He noted that most of the problems began with the installation of a new fuel system and warned of the adverse effects on the airport. “We’ve worked hard on publicizing fuel sales, and it’s all gone to waste,” he said.
Airport Manager Mark Pepple described repairing the fuel system “again and again.” The commissioners discussed possible efforts to correct the deficiencies. On a brighter note, a tank for jet fuel is currently under repair before installation at the airport. That tank, paid for by one hangar tenant, will help attract small jets to the airport.
In other business:
- Pepple gave an update on deficiencies found in the 2025 legislative audit. He said the small technical issues were corrected during the past year, but the audit still flagged those issues.
- Construction will begin on a new six-bay hangar as soon as weather permits.
- Pepple continues to work toward bringing city water to the airport.
- A recently improved outdoor seating area will have additional fans and lighting.
* Consulting engineer Joey Wallace said the airport will be eligible for a 90/10 grant from the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics. The airport should receive $500,000 toward a new eight-bay hangar.
- Commissioners discussed possible alternative locations for the windsock. Various locations were suggested, noting such factors as visibility and reliability. A potential tenant is considering the current location of the windsock as the site for a large new hangar.
- A Fly-in event was planned for the following day, with a chili lunch. Commissioners joked that regardless of the availability of fuel, the event would have plenty of gas.