Three members of the Carroll County Airport Commission held an informal but informative workshop on June 15 with a handful of pilots and supporters. Airport Manager Michael Pfeifer told the group all hangars are accounted for and he gets requests for hangar space regularly, with nine pilots on a waiting list.
Consulting engineer Dan Clinton said federal money for hangar projects has been limited to $250,000, so CCA would not be able to get funding for an eight-bay hangar like a few years ago, but expansion could be done four at a time. Commissioners asked Pfeifer to get statements from those on the waiting list to support the project, and there was the idea of asking potential lessees to pay a certain amount to fund construction in lieu of a certain number of years rent.
Fuel price goes up
Pfeifer said he would be selling aviation fuel for $4.45 per gallon because of the continuing increase in cost, and will not offer reduced prices during fly-ins. The price is competitive for the area, and Pfeifer said pilots understand the situation small airports are in.
Commissioner Dave Teigen suggested they establish a goal of having enough reserves to be able to buy full 4000-gallon loads of aviation fuel as those sales are steady revenue for CCA now that there is more activity and more hangars on the horizon.
Clinton announced there would be federal grant funds to pay for a $12,500 audit necessitated by receipt of a federal grant for airport improvements. Commissioner Sandy Martin said this news and other updates about activity at the airport would be passed along when she and Pfeifer make a presentation at the June 25 Quorum Court meeting.
Pfeifer reported the May 19 fly-in drew 25 planes, 19 of which fueled for a total of 1142 gallons. CCA netted $308 on the event. Fly-ins are usually on the third Saturday of each month.
Next meeting will be Friday, July 20, at noon.