NRRA NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 10, 2005

Welcome to the 63RD issue of NRRA News - an almost weekly, sometimes monthly, occasionally quarterly, summary of events at New Richmond Regional Airport. This newsletter is sent to approximately 245 individuals associated with NRRA.

WEB SITE ADDRESS . . . Check out the airport website at: http://www.nrairport.com . . . . 

FINDING THE APRON
Finding the taxiway and parking apron at the departure end of 14 at night is always a challenge, especially for out-of-town pilots. A solution to the problem will come next week. Five new solar-powered taxiway lights will be installed on the connecting taxiway between the parking apron and runway 14. The taxiway lights use low-power LED bulbs. The new lights will replace reflective markers. The FAA is finishing field trials on the solar-powered lights at an airport in New Jersey with positive results. Current plans call for installation of taxiway lights on all taxiways at NRRA in a few years. 

NEW HANGARS, AND MORE NEW HANGARS
In 2004, a corporate hangar area was constructed along with a new taxilane serving private hangars. Ultimately, 23 out of 23 hangar spaces were leased. Eight hangars are under construction with the remainder coming soon. This year, two additional taxilanes will be constructed to allow eight more corporate hangars and nine private hangars. The project is set to begin this summer.

SEAPLANE FLY-IN
Joe Birkemeyer is sponsoring a seaplane fly-in on Hatfield Lake on Saturday, May 21st. Hatfield Lake borders the south edge of NRRA. Planned events include a poker run, water bomb drop, spot landing and takeoff contests. For additional information, contact Joe at 715-246-9352 or go to: http://www.nrairport.com/seaplane.htm

ALL THINGS ELECTRICAL
It's April. Let the lightning damage begin. The runway end identifier strobe lights located at the approach end of runway 32 were returned to service in early February after experiencing a major lightning strike last October. The units were too damaged for field repair and required shipment back to the manufacturer. The precision approach path indicator lights at the approach end of runway 14 also suffered electrical problems this spring. Two underground transformers shorted out. Thankfully, Jim Anderson from the maintenance department at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire offered to help. Chippewa Valley Regional recently changed their lighting system and had surplus transformers available. Jim met me on the apron in Eau Claire with the needed parts. 45 minutes later we were back in service. Thanks Jim!

DEICING CAPABILITIES
The winter of 2004-2005 was the first year NRRA used deicing chemicals on the runway and taxiways. Early in the season, solid chemical pellets were applied to ice with mixed success. In January, NRRA switched to a liquid deicer called E-36. E-36 is a deice and anti-ice agent used at all the air carrier airports in Wisconsin and at a hand full of corporate category airports. The combination of liquid and solid deicing resulted in much safer runway conditions. Aircraft deicing was also started this year at NRRA using a Type IV deicing solution. The Type IV dramatically reduces snow and ice build-up during ground operations. NRRA will have an expanded deicing capability next winter. 

AIRSHOW 2005
Planning is underway for an upcoming airshow to be held at NRRA July 9th and 10th. Much, much help is needed in pulling off a good airshow. If you are interested in helping at the airshow, please attend a planning meeting on June 7th at 6 PM in hangar 6-1 at NRRA. Check out the airport website in the coming weeks for details. 

CPR TRAINING
NRRA is fortunate to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site. The AED is designed for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. If you want to learn how to use it, here's your chance. I will be teaching an adult CPR/AED course next Monday evening beginning at 6 PM at WITC in New Richmond. The four-hour course costs approximately $11.50 plus books. Pre-registration is required. E-mail me if you are interested in attending.

LAND USE ISSUES NEAR THE AIRPORT
If you read the local newspapers serving Western Wisconsin, you are probably aware of the potential land use conflict that surfaced in February and March. The School District of New Richmond wanted to construct a high school and athletic complex on property northeast of NRRA. Ultimately, the land was deemed too close to the airport by just about everyone. The School District abandoned their plans in late March and explored other areas farther away from the airport. 

NASCAR VIP's
Representatives from Cedar Lake Speedway, a dirt racetrack located 3 miles northwest of NRRA, promised some big names in NASCAR will be using NRRA this summer. The names have not been released yet. Over the past few years, Tony Stewart, Dave Blaney, Matt Kenseth, and Bill Elliott have all flown in to NRRA.

NEW INSTRUCTORS
Rob Dybvig from Osceola and Brian Westmoreland from Woodbury joined the staff at Mike Demulling Flight Instruction (MDFI) this month. Rob specializes in flight reviews and advanced training, especially the training required for the Commercial and CFI ratings. Brian specializes in Private and Commercial training. He is expecting completion of his instrument instructor rating this month. To schedule a flight, call 715-246-7735 or send me an e-mail. 

SECURITY GATES
The security gates to both hangar areas at NRRA went into service December 20th. After a few early maintenance issues involving ice and snow, the gates are now operating relatively trouble free. A Notice to Airman was published in the Airport Facility Directory indicating pedestrian and auto access onto airport property is restricted by fencing and gates from 10 PM until 6 AM daily. Additional security related items are planned for this summer. 

JUST A REMINDER
Thanks to Jay Griggs of Griggs Aviation for keeping low fuel prices at NRRA. Self-serve 100LL is $2.79 per gallon and Jet A is $2.34. Both Avgas and Jet fuel are available from the fuel trucks for another $.25 per gallon. 

For a listing of fly-ins around Wisconsin, go to: http://www.dot.state.wi.us/travel/air/fly-ins.htm 

Support the businesses based at NRRA. http://www.nrairport.com/fbo.htm


Thanks!

Mike Demulling
NRRA Manager
mike@nrairport.com