Aviation View | Volume 2, Issue 2

105 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 VALLEY INTERNAT IONAL A I RPORT FedEx and DHL operate 767 Boeings, which are wide-body aircraft, and supply the area with air freight. These aircraft can only take off on the current runway length with 48% of their maximum gross weight. By adding an additional 1,100 feet they can increase that to 75%. The extension project also includes two new instrument landing systems (ILS). These systems lower the minimum approach angle into the airport. While the older systems had a limit of 200-foot ceiling height with half a mile of visibility, the newer ILS will cut these requirements in half, meaning pilots won’t need to circle around when weather conditions are poor. Another project at the Valley International Airport is the expansion of the parking lot for passengers traveling through the terminal building. “Our mission is to ensure our passengers have the best travel experience and this includes getting out of the car and making it to the plane on time,” says Esterly. “Pre-pandemic the airport underwent a thorough revamp of the interior of the terminal. Now the focus has switched to the outside of the building. As part of the parking lot work, we are planning on replacing all the old paving, creating undercover parking spaces, sprucing up old artwork, and generally beautifying the entrances to the airport, including landscaping.” While the revitalization project is a large undertaking, the airport is also working with the federal government on the possible addition of a new air traffic control tower. This is still in the fledgling stages of development. As the aviation industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, Esterly has gotten involved in promoting youth leadership programs in Harlingen and has been campaigning to bring down the entry age limit. The programs focus on what goes on