BILLINGS LOGAN INT’L AIRPORT EXPANSIONS KEEP PACE WITH GROWING AIR TRAFFIC VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 Also in this issue SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT • HIGH PRAIRIE AIRPORT • THE LOOMEX GROUP
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Karen Surca Editor in Chief, Business View Publications As we taxi down the final fiscal quarter of 2024, some of North America’s fastest-growing and dynamic regional airports have set the flight path to meet both increasing passenger demand, increasing flight numbers, and a host of infrastructure plans heading into 2025. This issue of Business View Aviation has captured some of these developments with our in-depth airport profiles, and we were offered a view into what projects lie ahead in each of the airports’ master plans. We sat down with several Aviation Directors representing some of the most progressive and bustling airport facilities in this edition of Aviation View. Balancing funding needs with a slew of operational upgrades from safety to ease of travel, as well as a focus on capital infrastructure additions remain top priorities for regional airports from coast to coast. This quarter we touched down on a host of airports including Billings Logan International Airport, Chautauqua County Airport, Claremont Municipal Airport, Four Corners Regional Airport, Granbury Regional Airport, High Prairie Regional Airport, AB, Huron Regional Airport, Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, North Platte Regional Airport, Ogdensburg International Airport, Springfield-Branson National Airport, Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, The Loomex Group, Waco Regional Airport and Winchester Regional Airport. Each airport embraces the months ahead with the strategic planning necessary to meet aviation demand. With a first-class view into the fascinating world of aviation, Aviation View takes off with in-depth articles that land you right in the center of all things aviation. Whether you are heading to your flight to start your long-awaited vacation or are interested in this dynamic sector, we always provide a mile-high view into the fascinating world of aviation that lands you right in the center of it all. Enjoy your reading! Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US Editor in Chief Karen Surca Director of Aviation & Research Paul Payne Research & Sales Director Thomas Hiley Contributing Writers Brett Anningson Andrew Macfarlane Al Krulick Director of Production Jared Ali Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée yearwood Vice President of Business Development Matthew Mitchell CGO Alexander Wynne-Jones Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink EDITOR’S NOTES Dear Readers, WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM 2 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 13 BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Expansions keep pace with growing air traffic 23 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS Supporting Growth and Connectivity 33 CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT The General Aviation Pillar of New Hampshire 43 FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL AIRPORT Taking Off for the Community 53 GRANBURY REGIONAL AIRPORT On the Wings of Change 63 HIGH PRAIRIE REGIONAL AIRPORT The Gateway to Big Lakes County COVER BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 5 OPENING LINES AVIATION VIEW FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL AIRPORT 43 3 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
73 HURON REGIONAL AIRPORT Flying Ahead 83 MT. VERNON OUTLAND AIRPORT Modern technology and sophisticated service 93 NORTH PLATTE REGIONAL AIRPORT Taking off into A Bright Future 103 OGDENSBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A hometown airport with real growth potential 109 SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT Taking Off into a Bright Future 119 TYLER POUNDS REGIONAL AIRPORT Soaring High 129 THE LOOMEX GROUP Elevating Aviation in North America Through Innovation and Advocacy 139 WACO REGIONAL AIRPORT An Economic Engine in Full Gear 153 WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT Steering a Dynamic Flight Path Navigated by the Community It Serves The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT TYLER POUNDS REGIONAL AIRPORT 153 119
FAA INTERPRETATION THREATENS GA MAINTENANCE SUST Source: https://www.avweb.com/, Mark Phelps, First Published Oct 04, 2024 A recent take on a decades-old rule has maintenance professionals worried for the future of the industry. The general aviation maintenance community is up in arms over the FAA’s so-called “Moss Interpretation” of how much direct, in-person supervision is required by FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians and inspectors when it comes to work being performed by owners or shop apprentices and trainees working toward certification. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and others, the new ruling overrides policies in effect for more than 60 years that enable licensed mechanics to use their judgment in overseeing maintenance and modification work. In the language of the existing rule, 14 CFR 43.3(d), the technician holding the certificate can supervise someone else “to the extent necessary to ensure that [the work] is being done properly and if the supervisor is readily available, in person, for consultation.” Of course, any work being supervised must be inspected and signed off by the licensed technician, who remains liable for any discrepancies. In July 2022, Jonathan Moss, who was manager of the Little Rock Flight Standards District Office, requested an interpretation of 14 CFR §43.3(d), related to clarity on whether or not supervision and guidance could be performed remotely by video. More than two years later, the FAA returned the three-page Moss Interpretation. Even in the post-Covid world that has normalized Zoom and Facetime communication, it specified that video participation could not substitute for in-person Opening Lines 5 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
TAINABILITY consultation or supervision. But the interpretation went further. It indicated that the phrase “readily available, in person, for consultation” meant that certified technicians would no longer be able to exercise judgment on tasks that could be left to the trainee for later inspection and sign-off. Rather, they would have to be physically present at all times as the work was being done. According to Mike Busch of the well-known Savvy Aviation online maintenance information provider, “For many of us in the aviation community, this is a wrongheaded policy change. It could make ownerassisted annuals, owner-performed maintenance, and the training of apprentice mechanics difficult or impossible at a time when we are already facing a severe mechanic shortage.” Busch also said that forcing fulltime, in-person supervision that isn’t always necessary removes the long-standing flexibility that enabled licensed mechanics “to determine how best to ensure the work is done properly.” Joining AOPA’s advocacy on the issue, Busch wrote a formal letter to the FAA Regulation Law Division, cosigned by A&P/IAs, shop owners and instructors, asking for a reconsideration of the ruling. The letter requests that the FAA “return to the practical commonsense interpretation we’ve relied on for decades.” 6 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Source: https://nbaa.org/news/business-aviationinsider, Aviation Editor, First Published Sept/Oct issue, 2024 Executing the mission in a unified voice with a wellcommunicated, collaborative plan takes experience, training, tools and teamwork. Communication is the key to any successful endeavor and that’s especially true in business aviation – it’s imperative that all teams share important information across departmental lines. Interdepartmental collaboration, experts say, is made possible by fostering strong communication among schedulers, pilots and maintenance personnel. “I am scheduler, dispatcher, jack of all trades,” says Carrie Wicht, CAM, aviation manager and corporate flight travel coordinator with a 25-year-old Part 91 aircraft operator based at Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE). “Our department is a little bit different,” Wicht says. She coordinates use of a 2012 Challenger 300 primarily by company executives for trips between headquarters KEYS TO BETTER COLLABORATION ACROSS DEPARTMENTS and factories, and for sales missions. The firm has a chief pilot, a Challenger captain, a maintenance chief and an AMT. Routine maintenance is done in-house at MKE, with heavier performed work at MROs and OEM service centers. With no aviation director (since 2022), “it’s like an added hat that we all wear,” Wicht says. She has been with the company for 10 years. “It’s good that we are small,” she says. “We’re close, so we’re sharing information all the time” – especially when there’s a trip in progress. Further, the firm holds monthly flight operations meetings to discuss “training, scheduling, everything.” Wicht, a licensed, instrument-rated pilot, participates in NBAA’s Leadership Council, and, via the association’s Air Traffic Services, takes advantage of weather and especially traffic advisories: “These are extremely helpful for us,” she says. ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT When it comes to communication,“there’s always room for improvement,” says another flight department OPENING LINES 7 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
manager. With most maintenance outsourced, “we use the management company’s internal reporting procedures. We bring the pilot in if his input is required. “I communicate with maintenance constantly where the aircraft are going to be,” he adds, planning for several days each month for required maintenance downtime. “It’s an interesting dynamic of communication. “The system has been working,” he notes. Department personnel stay in touch via phone, texts, Signal, Zoom and Teams, with “formal meetings at least twice a month. It’s better to see one another’s face.” TRACKING TOOLS Wes Maness, CAM – a commercial, instrument multiengine rated pilot and director of maintenance at Flight Group Corp. in Raleigh, NC – has responsibility for a fleet of Gulfstream, Bombardier and Textron aircraft, nine of which are offered for charter.“We fly the owners in their normal travel circles and the charter customers to their desired destinations,” says Maness. “We have the luxury of being solely focused on aviation. That’s all we do. Aircraft management is our business. “We keep a full-time systems developer on staff, enabling us to create our own aircraft status and pilot currency tracking tools,” Maness says. “This allows anyone to know the status of crew members and aircraft at any time. It’s one of our best communication methods and very useful in the charter environment.” Flight Group Corp. does about 20% of its fleet maintenance in-house, Maness says, focusing on scheduled maintenance that can be completed in two to three days – or less. “If we take on more work inhouse, it can result in more downtime than we and our clients are comfortable with. “We carefully balance downtime considerations between our services and what an outside vendor can provide,” Maness says.“Our maintenance team primarily focuses on AOG line maintenance, discrepancies and keeping our aircraft in pristine condition.” That said,“the relationship with vendors is always in a state of flux,” he added.“We tend to choose shops that do it all in one stop. That way we don’t have multiple downtime windows. “All of our aircraft are on engine programs and airframe parts programs, minimizing the communication needed to get an aircraft back in service,” Maness says. “Phone and in-person are our primary means of communication.There’s no better communication than talking to someone.” But group texts are useful, too, and email is important. Email, especially, yields automatic documentation. Meetings, not so much. “They eat up a lot of time,” Maness says. CAM RAISES THE BAR Both Wicht and Maness agree that their NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credentials help facilitate communication and collaboration, especially between departments. CAMs are professionals who have demonstrated an exemplary level of industry knowledge and expertise. The credential represents the benchmark of leadership excellence in business aviation. “Obtaining my CAM certification was very beneficial to me,”Wicht says.“I was able to learn about the different leadership styles and techniques. Being a scheduler, you are at the communication center for your team.” After passing the CAM course, Wicht says, “I was able to apply the leadership styles and techniques to better communicate with each of my co-workers.” CAM, which provides aviation professionals with tools and strategies for developing their careers and elevating their leadership skills, issued its 900th CAM credential earlier this year. In fact, that 900th CAM recipient was Maness. Maness has also managed both maintenance and avionics shops. CAM, he says, “was a way of rounding out my knowledge base. “Going through CAM brings to the table all of the areas you may not be familiar with,” Maness says. “CAM hits all these areas in depth enough that your knowledge becomes truly useful.” Not only is it a credential of continual learning, the broader outlook afforded by CAM also helps with the mechanics of selling and buying aircraft. Even with an active and rewarding aviation career, Maness says, he has long viewed the CAM certification as a chance to learn even more. “I knew that CAM certification would enhance my overall knowledge in corporate aviation and provide new opportunities in which to be of service in it.” When “life and work” threatened to get in the way, Maness “discovered NBAA’s Six Months to CAM Program, and that really provided a study path and an organized approach to gaining CAM certification,” Maness says. “It also introduced me to a whole new group of peers that I will definitely stay connected to.” 8 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Source: https://www.flyingmag.com/, Mark Phelps, First Published Oct 04, 2024 SOME TROUBLESOME RESTRICTIONS MAY BE ON THE WAY OUT. The FAA on Wednesday announced a public filing in the Federal Register of a 118-page final rule that states it will open up several areas of operations FAA FILING OPENS UP OPERATIONS FOR LOGGING TIME enabling pilots to credit flight time toward civil regulatory requirements. Notably, under the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, the final rule amends the operating regulations for “experimental aircraft to permit certain flight training, testing, and checking in these aircraft without a letter of deviation authority.” OPENING LINES 9 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Also, under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the “same relief will be extended to certain flight training, testing, and checking in limited category, primary category, and experimental light sport aircraft.”That ruling also revises certain amendments related to logging recent flight experience, flight instructor privileges, flight training in aircraft holding special airworthiness certificates, and the “related prohibitions on conducting these activities for compensation or hire.” The new ruling also allows pilots conducting public aircraft operations to log that time toward their civil regulatory requirements, consistent with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. 10 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Aviation View HURON REGIONAL AIRPORT FLYING AHEAD CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS SUPPORTING GROWTH AND CONNECTIVITY FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL AIRPORT TAKING OFF FOR THE COMMUNITY CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT THE GENERAL AVIATION PILLAR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSIONS KEEP PACE WITH GROWING AIR TRAFFIC HIGH PRAIRIE REGIONAL AIRPORT THE GATEWAY TO BIG LAKES COUNTY MT. VERNON OUTLAND AIRPORT MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND SOPHISTICATED SERVICE GRANBURY REGIONAL AIRPORT ON THE WINGS OF CHANGE 11 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
TYLER POUNDS REGIONAL AIRPORT SOARING HIGH NORTH PLATTE REGIONAL AIRPORT TAKING OFF INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT STEERING A DYNAMIC FLIGHT PATH NAVIGATED BY THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES WACO REGIONAL AIRPORT AN ECONOMIC ENGINE IN FULL GEAR OGDENSBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A HOMETOWN AIRPORT WITH REAL GROWTH POTENTIAL LOOMEX GROUP ELEVATING AVIATION IN NORTH AMERICA THROUGH INNOVATION AND ADVOCACY SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT TAKING OFF INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE 12 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT A GLANCE THE BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHAT: A commercial, cargo, and general aviation airport WHERE: B illings, Montana WEBSITE: w ww.flybillings.com EXPANSIONS KEEP PACE WITH GROWING AIR TRAFFIC AIRLINES OFFER MORE ROUTES AND FLIGHTS 13 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Serving as a gateway to a thriving and beautiful region, Billings Logan International Airport represents a 2,400-acre commercial, cargo, and general aviation airport, and eastern Montana’s only commercial service airport while the City of Billings serves as an important, multi-state hub for the region’s agricultural, petroleum, transportation, medical, financial, educational, 14 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
and tourist sectors. Billings Logan International has three asphalt runways: Primary Runway 10L/28R has a length of 10,518 feet and a width of 150 feet; Runway 10R/28L, at 3,801 X 75 feet, is a parallel runway for single engine and light piston aircraft; and a crosswind runway, Runway 07/25, measures 5,501 X 75 feet. Billings Logan International’s commercial carriers include: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Cape Air, Delta, Sun Country, and United Airlines, plus Horizon Air, a regional commuter airline owned by Alaska Airlines. Freight carriers include: FedEx, UPS, Alpine Air Express, and Richland Aviation. About 150 GA aircraft also call the airport home. Its full-service FBO (Fixed Base Operator) is Edwards Jet Center and Beacon Air Group.The airport has 55 employees and almost 2,000 more people work on airport grounds in various aeronautical and non-aeronautic businesses. A NEW DIRECTOR AND A TERMINAL UPDATE In 2023, Jeff Roach became Billings Logan International Airport’s new Director of Aviation and Transit, having been appointed to the position after the retirement of former Director, Kevin Ploehn, and who brings to the job 30-plus years of experience in transportation, aviation, and airport management. 2023 also marked the final year of a $60 million airside terminal renovation and expansion project, which, now complete, brings the terminal to 220,000 square feet of available space, with a total of eight jet bridge gates and one ground loading gate, an expanded concession area, and updated carpeting and rest rooms. The dynamic airport has an annual operating budget of about $10 million and a capital budget about twice that. But unlike many municipally-owned airports, it receives neither local nor state tax dollars for its operations and maintenance. “However, with the revenue that we’ve generated and the grants that we received through the federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) – terminal projects are AIP-eligible -- we were able to complete the $60 million airside terminal redevelopment and expansion project with virtually no debt service,” Roach explains. “So, we’re coming out of this $60 million project with no mortgage.” 15 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MORE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS This year, the airport has already finished two major airfield projects: a million dollar service road rehabilitation and a terminal apron reconstruction. “Those were completed and we have begun our FY- ’25 summer seasonal projects,” Roach notes. “We started an air cargo pad project, which is about a $7.5 million project to expand our air cargo operating area to include a fifth pad. We currently have four pads with UPS taking two of those pads and FedEx the other two. We needed room for expansion, and so this fifth cargo pad project, which is being completed by Knife River Construction, will allow us to offer additional space for another air cargo carrier to operate here at BIL. Next summer, we have programmed the resurfacing and extension of our crosswind runway, 72/5. It will be extended by a few hundred feet on each end and the surface will be rehabilitated. We anticipate that it will be around a $10-12 million project.” Next year, Billings Logan International Airport will begin design work on the next part of its terminal reconstruction.“We’ll design the front of the terminal,” Roach shares. “We’re looking at ticket counters, baggage claim, and our terminal front face. We’ll also look at the needs of some of our other operations like rental car counters and other businesses that operate in the landside of the terminal. That front half of the terminal was last updated in the 1990s, so it definitely needs an update and an expansion to meet the needs of our expanding passenger numbers.” Looking ahead, Roach adds that in 2026, the airport will be rehabilitating one of its major taxiways and its stormwater holding system.“We’re always working on improving our infrastructure,” he affirms. “In addition, we own and operate a number of buildings in the airport that we lease out to aeronautical and non-aeronautical tenants, and there’s always work going on associated with those buildings.” MOVING PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT Regarding those expanding passenger numbers, Roach reports that last year, the airport served 840,000 passengers. “While that’s still below our 2019 (pre-pandemic) peak, we are continuing to 16 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Billings, Montana offers a perfect balance of outdoor adventures, incredible landscapes, arts and culture, culinary offerings, as well as proximity to national points of interest like the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and Yellowstone National Park. Billings, population 120,000, is the county seat of Yellowstone County (pop. 170,000) and the largest city in the state. The city was named after Frederick H. Billings who was a president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The city’s nickname is the “Magic City” due to the rapid growth experienced from being a railroad town in the 1880’s.Today, Billings is also known as Montana’s Trailhead as it is the region’s economic hub. Tourism is a major economic driver for Billings along with agriculture, energy, healthcare, finance, and education. Popular attractions include the Rimrocks which are 70-million-year-old sandstone cliffs that surround much of the city offering incredible views of the region where the mountains meet the plains. The Rimrocks, or Rims, run north and east of the downtown core and rise 500-800 feet tall depending on where you stand. Four Dances National Recreation Area, Swords-Rimrock Park, the Skyline Trail, and Zimmerman Park offer vantage points of the city as well as the Bighorn, Pryor, and Beartooth Mountains.The elevation of Billings is 3,126 feet above sea level. The destination boasts a citywide brewery district with much of it experienced in historic downtown, restaurants featuring local flavors and James Beard finalist chefs, Montana’s only zoo and botanical park, contemporary and western museums, galleries, several theaters, music venues, outdoor community venues, boutique retail, and annual festivals. Billings is home to nearly 50 miles of multi-use trails and 24 miles of bike lanes which help people explore the Rimrocks to the Yellowstone River, which is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48. The city sits near the intersection of Interstates 90 and 94 and offers a firstclass, newly renovated and expanded airport with daily flights to major U.S. cities via Delta, United, American Airlines, Allegiant, Sun Country, and Alaska Airlines. Regional carrier CapeAir also plays an important regional role in air travel and connectivity between Billings and eastern Montana rural communities. Amazing summer weather and snowy winters with bluebird days offer ample opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to experience adventures during all four seasons. More details on Montana’s city at VisitBillings.com.
increase our passengers served, and we’re on track to exceed 900,000 passengers in calendar year 2024. That’s largely due, not only to the uptick in the demand for travel, but also to the additional opportunities that our airline partners have come on board to provide.” Roach outlines some of those travel opportunities: “In May, United added a 5th daily flight to Denver; that will be on a seasonable basis. It’s the most that United ever served Denver on a daily basis; typically they dropped to three a week during the winter season (ramped up at the holidays), but in the past, we’ve seen four a day during the summer. This year we have five a day during the summer.” “Allegiant added a new service to LAX (Los Angeles International). That’s a seasonal – twice a week, which we began on May 16th.Alaska Airlines brought back their Portland service – not on a seasonable basis. Now it’s on a daily, year-round basis. That also started on May 16th. And we’re happy to announce that we have a new carrier that started with us this summer season and that is Sun Country with a Billings/Minneapolis-St. Paul route twice a week, which began on June 19th and will run through the end of August. That’s brought our available seats from about 1.2 million seats a year ago to 1.6 million available seats out of our market this year.” Roach notes that the airport also continues to be the busiest freight airport in Montana, “In 2023, we served over 77 million pounds of air freight through Billings that is distributed throughout the multistate region that we serve.” “In 2022, we were the 63rd busiest air freight operation airport in the nation. We are looking forward to seeing what the calendar year 2023 numbers are going to be. Those should come out sometime in August. We’re hoping that we’ll continue to rise up in the ranking in air freight operations.” BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT “We do have land available and aeronautical and non-aeronautical lease areas available -- some with developed utilities and some that are currently undeveloped,” says Roach. “And to that end, we are 19 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Billings Logan International Airport was a seven-phase expansion project constructed by Sletten Construction and designed by A&E Architects in collaboration with Morrison Maierle.The project added approximately 89,000 square feet to the airport including two new concourses as well as eight new gates and jet bridges. To offer passengers a more enriching experience, a “river wall” was installed onto the exit ramp of the airport’s terminal concourse. The architectural feature is lit with LED strip lighting and shows the entire path of the Yellowstone River with mountains and beloved landmarks inlaid into the wall. During the project, we took careful measures so that passengers and airport employees remained undisturbed, ensuring that the airport remained fully operational. Founded in Montana in 1928, Sletten Construction is 100% employee-owned with over 200 employee-owners. We approach every project with the mindset of an owner, ensuring a highquality finished product and satisfied clients. We have delivered successful projects across the state of Montana for over 95 years, with our corporate headquarters making its home in Great Falls. Over the years, our firm has grown steadily throughout the western United States, establishing offices in Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, and Idaho. Great Falls . Missoula . Billings WWW.SLETTENCOMPANIES.COM BUILDING MONTANA SINCE 1928
working with the Chamber of Commerce and with Big Sky Economic Development here in Billings to promote our business and commercial lease areas.” Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is a publicprivate partnership whose mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development. A new tenant at Billings is Beacon Air Group, the airport’s second full service FBO, offering aircraft fuel and maintenance, hangar space, charter brokerage, pilot services, and flight instruction. “They built their facility, which consists of two hangars and office space, but they’re also building three large and five small hangars that will be either leased or sold,” Roach relates. “So, they’re doing a significant construction effort as part of their business operation at the airport. Beacon Air Group is in an area on the west end of the airport where we have available space for future commercial/aeronautical operations and development.” AVIATION EDUCATION AND PRESENTATION In addition to Beacon Air, there are two other entities that provide aviation training at Billings: Ridgeline Aviation offers flight training to new pilots, and Rocky Mountain College in Billings offers a BS degree in aeronautical science (professional pilot) and one in aviation management.The AABI (Aviation Accreditation Board International) accredited school currently has more than 50 students in its flight training program, according to Roach. The airport, itself, offers tours to local school children during the school year, and during the summer, to area summer camps. “They learn about future job opportunities and careers related to the aviation industry,” says Roach. “It’s very well received here in our community.” Last year, Billings hosted the Yellowstone 21 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
International Air Show which had over 30,000 spectators who came to see the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, and other aerial performances.“We’re looking at doing another air show in 2026,” Roach proffers. “It has been 20 years since the last major air show at Billings, and we hope there will continue to be air shows on a more regular basis.” THE MASTER PLAN Looking ahead, Roach reveals that the airport has initiated its Master Plan update, a 20-year look at future infrastructure needs that will help determine the airport’s ongoing capital improvement programs and attendant funding requirements.“The last airport Master Plan was updated 12 years ago,” he notes.“So, it is definitely time to take another look at what our airport should, and can be, in the next 20 years.” Congratulations to the Billings Logan International Airport on your terminal renovation and expansion project. First Interstate Bank is proud to be a preferred partner of the Billings Logan International Airport. firstinterstate.com PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Visit Billings www.visitbillings.com Visit Billings is the backbone of the tourism industry for Billings, Montana and fosters the local visitor economy through promotion, marketing, destination management, and longterm initiatives like air service development. The Visit Billings team works domestically and internationally to enhance tourism for the city in the leisure, meetings, group tour, and sporting events markets. Visit Billings is proudly managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce. n Sletten Construction www.slettencompanies.com Founded in Montana in 1928, Sletten Construction is 100% employee-owned and we approach every project with the mindset of an owner, ensuring a high-quality finished product and satisfied clients. Over the years, our firm has grown steadily throughout the western United States, establishing offices in Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, and Idaho n Sky Dine, Inc www.skydine.com At Sky Dine, Inc., we cater to today’s travelers with a blend of nationally recognized food & beverage brands as well as local favorites. Our airport gift shops, curated by our expert design team, offer a unique and delightful shopping experience, with travel products that are both fun and functional for every journey. n First Interstate Bank www.firstinterstatebank.com Since 1968, First Interstate has grown from a single bank in Sheridan, Wyoming, to operating over 300 banking offices throughout 14 states. Headquartered in Billings, Montana, First Interstate’s mission is to help people and their money work better together with an approach to service centered around the client. 22 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS AT A GLANCE CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS WHAT: R egional airports focusing on infrastructure upgrades and community engagement WHERE: J amestown and Dunkirk, New York WEBSITE: w ww.chqgov.com/airports/chautauqua-county-airports SUPPORTING AND CONNEC 23 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
G GROWTH CTIVITY Chautauqua County Airports, comprising Jamestown Airport (JHW) and Dunkirk Airport (DKK), represent the aviation backbone for this picturesque region in Western New York. Both facilities primarily handle general aviation (GA) traffic, yet they maintain readiness for potential commercial service, particularly at Jamestown, which retains its part 139 certification. Driving regional development through strategic infrastructure upgrades and community engagement initiatives. 24 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
Shannon Fischer, the airports’ manager, explains the current focus: “We’re in the midst of what we call an Air Service Recovery Program. We have funding to work with an Air Service Development consultant, gathering route data and analyzing passenger leakage to understand where travelers in our catchment area are flying.” This meticulous process aims to reclaim Essential Air Service (EAS) funding or secure a Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) grant, which are essential steps towards reintroducing commercial flights to Jamestown. Reflecting on the past, Brian Bates, the assistant airports’ manager, notes that Jamestown last had commercial service in 2017, with Southern Airways Express operating four daily flights to Pittsburgh. “Performance issues led to the cessation of service,” he recalls, “but we’re halfway through a business case study to recover that program. While the previous route to Pittsburgh might not be the best fit anymore, we are exploring options that best serve our community’s flying needs.” Jamestown and Dunkirk’s significance extends beyond aviation, deeply rooted in the local tourism industry. Bates highlights several key attractions: “Chautauqua Institution is a significant draw – it’s a unique vacation resort offering a blend of arts, entertainment, and religious programs within a gated community over a nine-week season.” The National Comedy Center in Jamestown also attracts numerous visitors, enhancing the region’s cultural landscape. Additionally, the area boasts a wealth of recreational opportunities. Proximity to Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake, and several other nearby lakes makes it a haven for water-based activities. Winter tourism thrives with ski resorts like Ellicottville and Peek’n Peak drawing seasonal visitors.“Our tourism is very seasonal,” Bates explains. “Winter brings skiing and snowmobiling, while summer is all about lakes and fishing, making it a bustling time for both airports.” BUSINESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION Chautauqua County Airports are integral to aviation and the broader economic landscape, offering 25 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS
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potential business growth opportunities. Bates discusses the business environment around the airports. “We have some room for expansion for commercial use at both airports. The properties aren’t buildready, but developing them wouldn’t take much.” This indicates a strategic opportunity for businesses looking to set up operations within the region. The existing businesses include Chautauqua Aircraft Sales and Centric Aviation in Jamestown, which provide repair services and fixed-base operations, respectively. Additionally, FedEx has a building on the field, though it doesn’t handle flights directly from the airport. Dunkirk hosts Rose Aviation, a repair shop, and Barnes Avionics, a new business specializing in aircraft electronics. Fischer highlights the recent and ongoing infrastructure projects designed to bolster the airports’ capacity and safety. “Two years ago, we rehabilitated our primary runway at Jamestown, essentially giving us a new runway expected to last at least 20 years. This project was 100% federally funded,” she explains. This substantial upgrade ensures that the airport can handle increased traffic and larger aircraft in the future. The fencing around the airport has also been entirely redone through FAA grants, with a two-phase project just completed this year”. Dunkirk is not left behind in this wave of upgrades. Fischer outlines, “We did Taxiway Alpha East rehabilitation and are planning to do the west side soon, providing a brand new parallel primary taxiway.” In addition, the secondary runway at DKK, Runway 15-33, now boasts new LED lighting and signage, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. Safety protocols are a paramount concern, as Bates points out. “We were just approved for a grant for foam testing technology which will attach to our current fire truck, ensuring foam will not enter the environment. Previously, our part 139 inspections required spraying foam for the inspectors, but this new equipment allows testing within the truck 27 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS
itself,” he explains.This upgrade aligns with broader efforts to eliminate the environmental impact of foam testing. Training for Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) is rigorous, with an initial 40-hour training followed by annual refreshers and monthly drills to maintain readiness. CORPORATE AVIATION AND SEASONAL TRAFFIC Chautauqua County Airports serve as crucial hubs for corporate aviation. The region’s dual airports, Jamestown and Dunkirk, cater to the northern and southern parts of the county, respectively, and even extend their reach into Pennsylvania. Fischer provides insight into the corporate activity, explaining,“We see different traffic at both airports. Most businesses flying into Dunkirk head north. For example, Wells, which bought Blue Bunny Ice Cream, uses Dunkirk frequently, Purina also flies in occasionally.” On the other hand, Jamestown Airport has its own set of corporate visitors. “Our biggest user is Cummins,” Fischer notes. “They fly around 35 employees twice a week to work at their local plant.” However, she mentions a seasonal limitation: “In winter, we can’t accommodate their larger aircraft due to runway length, so they divert to Erie and drive over.” Beyond these regular corporate flights, the seasonal nature of some traffic is evident. Fischer highlights, “Chautauqua Institution sees a lot of flights from May to September, with visitors using corporate charters or their own planes.”This influx ties closely to the institution’s cultural events and activities, contributing to a seasonal surge in air traffic. Additionally, the area attracts unexpected and highprofile visitors. “We have seen the Major League Baseball Corporation here, several comedians, entertainers, including Terry Bradshaw, musicians, actors, politicians, and more,” Fischer recalls. The presence of influential figures, often owning second homes on Chautauqua Lake, further elevates the airport’s status as a key gateway. “Chautauqua Lake is a huge tourist spot. Many high profile individuals have summer homes here and fly in during the season.” WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATION The aviation sector faces significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled labor in pilot and maintenance roles. Fischer describes Chautauqua Aircraft Sales’ pivotal role in workforce development. “One of our largest tenants here is Chautauqua Aircraft Sales. They have an excellent maintenance and avionics facility. It’s remarkable because people come from all over the world for their services.” In addition to aircraft maintenance, flight training is a key focus area. Fischer continues, “We have Great Lakes Flight Center, our flight school, based at both airports. Jamestown High School has just created a new program to get students involved in aviation. They’ve equipped it with flight simulators and are working with the flight school to earn hours toward flight training.” This initiative offers handson experience and directly encourages students to pursue aviation careers, addressing the pilot 28 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
shortage. This program also helps advance student pilots to continue their formal flight training. Further illustrating the educational outreach, Fischer mentions,“Last year, we had about 200 kids tour the airports. Many parents came with the kids and were unaware of what we do at the airports and were impressed by the tours. It’s crucial to educate the community; especially the kids.” Meanwhile, Fischer explains their approach to collaboration: “We work closely with the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The IDA helps to promote non-aeronautical land and development areas and have supported business initiatives at the airports’” These partnerships are vital for the airport’s exposure and development, aligning with broader economic goals. Specific events also foster community relations. “At Dunkirk, we host an annual pancake breakfast, put on by the Rotary Club, at the airport. It’s a great way to connect with the community and showcase the airport’s facilities,” Fischer notes, highlighting how these events enhance public awareness of the value of our airports to our region, county, and community and strengthen community ties. 29 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AIRPORTS
FUTURE PLANS AND UPCOMING PROJECTS As Chautauqua County Airports look to the future, strategic planning and development are at the forefront of their agenda. With a comprehensive master plan in place, the focus shifts to implementing key projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and services. “We recently completed our master plan for Jamestown in 2023, identifying several critical projects for the next five years,” Fischer explains. “One of our immediate priorities is upgrading our guidance signs, which were flagged during our part 139 inspections. We secured Bi-partisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding for this project, so it’s on our near-term agenda.” The plan includes additional infrastructure upgrades. Fischer notes,“We’ll be rehabilitating our crosswind runway at Jamestown in the next couple of years. Also on the five-year plan is the apron in front of the terminal, which is crucial for enhancing the airport’s operational efficiency.” Dunkirk Airport has its share of projects lined up.“At Dunkirk, we’re focusing on a security gate project and the rehabilitation of taxiway A west,” Fischer highlights. “In addition we have been awarded two state grants to continue our infrastructure improvements.”These are earmarked for revenue-generating spaces. Fischer continues,“We received around $1 million in funding from the state of New York for terminal renovations at JHW, targeting areas like the restaurant and office spaces. This also includes installing a heater in one Make your next business move in Chautauqua County, NY. • Providing: Technical Assistance, Tax Incentives, Low Interest Loans, Site Location, and More • Centrally Located with Access to East Coast, Midwest, and Canadian Markets • Low Cost of Living and Appealing Quality of Life Learn more at CHOOSECHQ.COM CHQOSE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITY 30 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency www.choosechq.com The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is a Public Benefit Corporation of the State of New York that provides financial incentives to projects that result in a positive economic impact. In 2023, CCIDA assisted 34 project resulting in a total investment of $842 million. of our primary hangars.” “We also secured a state grant for DKK to upgrade the doors for hangars one and two. These original doors need replacement for safety reasons, and this project is slated for 2025,” Fischer explains. Beyond infrastructure, Fischer shares the airports’ vision for community engagement: “We’re looking at organizing an air show, hopefully by 2026. We’ve considered this idea before, and now we’re aiming to make it a reality. It’s challenging with our current staffing, but we plan to form a committee to help manage this and other community events.” These ambitious plans reflect Chautauqua County Airports’ dedication to progress and innovation. By focusing on strategic infrastructure improvements and community involvement, the airports are poised to enhance their role as vital regional hubs. 32 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
THE GENERAL AVIATION PILLAR OF NEW HAMPSHIR CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AT A GLANCE CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT WHAT: A general aviation hub with strong community engagement and strategic infrastructure enhancements. WHERE: C laremont, New Hampshire, USA WEBSITE: w ww.claremontnh.com OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION TRIGGER GROWTH AND SUCCESS IN CLAREMONT 33 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
RE The Claremont Municipal Airport, located in the stunning state of New Hampshire is expertly balancing capital infrastructure improvements with all that is needed to cater to increasing aviation demand. This dynamic airport is also busy laying the foundation for its community to become a future point of attraction for travelers. 34 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
The airport has made key runway improvements, taxiway relocations, and the installation of advanced weather reporting systems. Such enhancements ensure the airport meets safety standards and accommodates increasing traffic, laying a solid foundation for future growth. At Claremont, maintaining a positive and welcoming environment is essential. The airport’s leadership strives to create a space where residents and visitors can enjoy the airport, whether through community events or simply offering a spot to watch planes take off and land. Additionally, a focus on customer service is critical. The airport always ensures that pilots and passengers have a seamless and enjoyable experience. Fortunately, it’s able to easily and amply provide amenities such as fuel services, aircraft maintenance, and pilot lounges, despite its small size. The Claremont Municipal Airport continues to manifest its success in the form of a vibrant, bustling hub of activity. With well-maintained infrastructure, strong community ties, and satisfied users, the airport has become a vital part of the local economy and a cherished asset for the community it serves. THE AVIATION HUB OF THE COMMUNITY The Claremont Municipal Airport is a public-use facility that sits about a mile west of the city’s main business district. It is publicly owned by the City of Claremont and managed by the city. Over time, the airport has become a cornerstone of its community and has undergone significant changes and advancements under the leadership of its new manager. With dual roles as Airport Manager and Fire Chief, James Chamberlain has seamlessly navigated his way through the complexities of airport management while maintaining his responsibilities as Fire Chief. 35 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03 CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Chamberlain took over the dual roles of Airport Manager and Fire Chief last May. The unique combination of these responsibilities dates back to the 1980s when the fire chief was given additional management duties, initially including the municipal library and the airport. Over time, as the library’s demands grew, those responsibilities were separated, leaving the airport under the fire chief’s purview. “The airport has made significant advancements in infrastructure and day-to-day operations… so it certainly does add a lot to the role of being both the Fire Chief and Airport Manager,” Chamberlain says. With 18 years of firefighting experience, he found himself out of his comfort zone when he took on the airport management role. However, this transition has been immensely rewarding for Chamberlain in the sense of professional growth. The airport covers about 120 acres and has a single asphalt-paved runway that is 75 feet wide and more than half a mile in length. “We are strictly a general aviation airport. We do approximately 4000 takeoffs each year and are supplemented with FBOs through CNH Aviation, who assists us with our day-to-operations,” Chamberlain says, highlighting the collaborative nature of the airport’s management. The majority of Claremont’s operations require collaboration in some form or another, and fortunately for the airport and its staff, the aviation industry has proven itself to be a warm and welcoming environment in that regard. One of the most striking aspects of Chamberlain’s experience has been the supportiveness of the people within the aviation community. “I learned very early on that there are a plethora of folks that I can call who are more than willing to help and offer support, guidance, their thoughts… which has been very helpful for me,” Chamberlain says, commenting on just how eye-opening of a community the aviation industry is. 36 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03
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