Aviation View July 2023

56 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 and G650 – we can even accommodate larger aircraft, like military aircraft if we know they are coming and can reconfigure activity. We are a 24-hour facility, but our FBO closes at 5:30 PM pm and there is no self-serve fuel capacity.” “Airports are usually one of the biggest economic drivers in the city where they are located. We are no exception,” he continues, “and we work well with the city. We are owned by the city. We are not an airport authority or Port Authority, and we work well with the city. I think the relationship with the city is very strong and we’re looking to be that gateway for skiers, and people going to come to the lake during the summer outside of that. Yeah, we’re the biggest port that comes in and out of here at South Lake Tahoe.” In addition to its economic impact, Lake Tahoe Airport collaborates with the tourism industry to cater to visitors’ needs. Dickinson mentions working with the tourist industry to transport individuals to hotels, houses, and other destinations. For instance, the airport recently facilitated transportation for a big golf tournament held at Edgewood in July. Such collaborations highlight the airport’s role as a critical link between the tourism industry and the local economy. Lake Tahoe Airport has been undertaking various capital improvement projects to enhance its facilities and services in terms of infrastructure development. Dickinson mentions ongoing projects such as repaving the hanger lane and Delta Taxiway, upgrading hangars, and bringing Wi-Fi to the hangars to modernize the airport. Additionally, the airport is looking to crack, seal and repaint the runway, further improving its capabilities. Dickinson explains, “We’re just basically making them more modern, working on bringing Wi-Fi to the hangars here in the immediate future.” Another crucial aspect of Lake Tahoe Airport’s operations is snow removal, given the region’s heavy snowfall. Dickinson mentions the recent addition of new equipment, including a front loader with a plow and a multi- hog, to improve snow removal capabilities. These upgrades have allowed the airport to operate 24/7 during snowstorms, except for heavy snowfall that may cover the lights on the runway. Dickinson states, “I think our equipment now is upgraded to the point where we can run no matter the conditions.” Mountain West Aviation is the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and plays a pivotal role in managing various aspects of the ramp, landing fees, and revenue generation. Dickinson acknowledges the significant contributions of the FBO in running the airport ramp efficiently and effectively. He mentions that the FBO handles the management of the ramp and plays a crucial role in generating revenue for the airport. Dickinson states, “They basically run the ramp of the airport from base tenants to transient aircraft” Lake Tahoe Airport also hosts several businesses, including helicopter tours of Lake Tahoe, a restaurant, and environmental services that