The May 17 meeting of the Carroll County Airport Commission began on a cautious note with discussion of a slowdown in general aviation. Although this airport continues to grow, fuel sales have slowed to 50 percent of the previous year’s sales.
Airport Manager Mark Pepple suggested that a rainy spring might have kept some fliers grounded, and said this airport still has one of the lowest fuel prices in the region. Pilots in the audience pointed to a larger trend, and said general aviation peaked during Covid. At that time of isolation, many pilots found their isolation in the air. Since then, their interests have turned in other directions.
In other business:
- Caroline Rogers had addressed the commission a few months ago concerning the effects on aviation of a proposed wind turbine farm south of Green Forest. She returned to remind everyone that the Federal Aviation Administration had set a June 5 deadline for comments from pilots. Rogers left maps of the project and explained how to navigate the FAA website.
- Pepple reported that the airport had a new mower, but it arrived with tires with narrow treads. The treads quickly became clogged with grass clippings, and the mower slipped on a slope. Commissioners authorized the purchase of knobbier tires. Pepple had received a bid of $2,800 to rebuild the gearbox of a smaller mower, but found a contractor at half the price, and both mowers are ready for the growing season.
- The pressure tank on the south well was failing and was replaced with a larger tank.
- Schools recently held honors banquets, with many local banks and businesses presenting scholarships. The commission will discuss further the possibility of creating a scholarship for a student interested in aviation. Chair Dave Teigen currently has an aviation class at Eureka Springs High School with seven students, and he said, “The response has been phenomenal!” The program will expand at Eureka Springs, and Berryville and Green Forest are in the process of initiating aviation classes.
- Commissioner Mark Minton’s term is ending, and he has declined interest in serving another term. The commission will advertise for candidates interested in serving on the commission. The ads will include a deadline, so the commissioners can vote on a replacement at the June 21 meeting. Teigen was approved for another term as commissioner.
- Commissioners discussed regulations and costs for the flight simulator.
- A Fly-In was scheduled for the morning after this meeting.