Aviation View | Volume 1, Issue 2

117 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 SEDONA A I RPORT can check out Red Rock Balloons. We’ve also got two helicopter tour operators – Guidance Air and Red Rock Helicopter Tours. Then there is Sedona Air Tours if you would rather see the sights from a plane. There are several car rental places right here in the terminal, as well. So, we really do have everything you need.” Rose has been on board as GM at Sedona Airport for a little over a year and has an extensive background in the aviation industry. He sees so much potential for the airport and its growth. The one major factor which holds things up is something that most airports have no worries about – water. “We have 99 hangars on the field with only 30 owned by the airport authority,” Rose reports. “That means the majority are privately owned, and we do have a waiting list. I’m eager to erect some additional hangars but, being out in the desert, the problem really is water. Fire suppression water, specifically. A study was conducted to see what delivery systems would be necessary to support expansion as identified in the airport’s master plan, but much-needed improvements must come first. This includes $23 million worth of capital improvements starting with replacing the fuel farm for $2 million.” Additional work on runway safety areas includes a full-length parallel taxiway to stop 1000 feet of back taxiing, and excavation to correct a full-length swale too close to the runway, rehabilitation of the aprons and taxiways, LED lighting, and a look at going solar. Another project that will need to be investigated is upgrading the communications system. “We are also looking at purchasing a parcel of U.S. Forest Service property to make environmental improvements,” Rose adds, “so we can better manage vegetation and habitat in proximity to the operating services. We’ll also