NRRA NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2005

Welcome to the 66TH 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 . . . . 

CONSTRUCTION - A LOT OF IT.
Dresel Construction from Chippewa Falls, WI started work on the new addition to the north hangar area last month. The project consists of construction of two taxilanes, an auto access road, extension to the parallel taxiway, and the construction of two parking lots. The new hangar area will accommodate up to 17 private and corporate hangars. The security gate near the corporate hangar area is also being upgraded with automated equipment similar to the gates near the north and south hangar areas. The new hangar area should be completed near the middle of this month.

Four larger, corporate size hangars are also under construction at NRRA, including the new full-service Fixed Base Operation (FBO) located near the north aircraft parking apron. 

Just in case that wasn't enough construction for you, work is beginning on the STH 64 project. STH 64 is being upgraded to 4 lanes from the Airport all the way to St. Joseph Township. Stillwater should be about 10 to 12 minutes away after the project is completed next summer. STH 65, near the south entrance is slated for major improvements and an eventual realignment as part of the new project. The current STH 65 near Cox Motors will end in a cul-de-sac. The new STH 65 route will follow the former Chicago Northwestern Railroad bed and intersect with the new STH 64 near the Century 21 building in New Richmond. CTH CC will soon intersect with STH 64 near the New Richmond Armory leading to quick access to the north hangar area. Until then, access to both the north and south ends of NRRA will be a bit more difficult for the next 11 months or so. For more info: http://www.dot.state.wi.us/projects/d6/wis35-64/schedule.htm 

AIRSHOW 2005
The second annual New Richmond Airshow was held during the second weekend in July in conjunction with the New Richmond Fun Fest celebration. Overall, it was a success, and a learning experience. Preliminary plans are underway for next year's airshow. Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, and performers who really pulled together to make the event possible. 

IT'S NOT HUNTING, IT'S MIGRATORY WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT
Time to try something new. Each fall, thousands of geese land on Hatfield Lake, adjacent to the south and southwest side of NRRA. Hatfield Lake falls entirely inside the boundaries of the City of New Richmond where hunting is prohibited by ordinance. Geese are definitely considered a hazard to aviation. Therefore, in cooperation with the New Richmond Police Chief, Mark Samelstad, limited hunting of geese will be permitted on Airport property and on Hatfield Lake in the name of aviation safety. An exception to the City ordinances allows hunting in certain circumstances. Each hunter must receive written permission from the Police Chief and undergo a brief training session with me regarding Airport rules and regulations. In addition to the firearms, propane cannons, pyrotechnics, and Ford F-150's from the airport maintenance department will be used to gently influence the geese to move south. http://www.nrairport.com/goose.htm

TRAGIC ACCIDENT
Willie Webster, owner of DW Aviation located in hangar 8-4 at NRRA, was critically injured in a motorcycle vs. deer accident in central Wisconsin last month. Willie remains hospitalized in Marshfield.

PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
Personnel from the New Richmond Street Department will be removing and repairing damaged runway pavement later this month. Previous runway repairs are now failing and require total removal to assure the runway remains useable through next spring. Crack filling of taxiway and apron pavement by Daffinson Pavement Maintenance will also occur this month. 

FUEL PRICES
Jay Griggs, owner of Griggs Aviation - the fuel provider at NRRA, reported the wholesale price of aviation fuel has increased $.92 per gallon since August 1st. 100LL is now selling for a record $3.39 per gallon and jet fuel is selling for $2.99 per gallon. Just to keep a little perspective on things, Atlantic Aviation in Teterboro, NJ is selling 100LL for $6.41 per gallon and Jet A for $5.54. If you're planning a trip to Vegas, you can plan on paying $4.75 for 100LL and $5.27 for Jet A.

SPARK PLUGS?
In an effort to keep your flying finances in line, here's one of those deals you can't pass up. Air Power in Arlington, TX is selling Unison Autolight aircraft spark plugs for $8.95 each. Chief Aircraft is selling the same spark plugs for $15.95. You can contact Air Power at 866-287-8506 to place an order. http://www.factorycylinders.com/graphics/8499%20AP%20postcard%20copy.jpg

BUSINESS NUMBER 10
The 10th Airport based business started operation at NRRA this summer. New Richmond Aviation is now operating in hangar 12-10. New Richmond Aviation specializes in piston aircraft maintenance and aircraft sales. http://www.newrichmondaviation.com/

YOUNG EAGLES
Local hangar owner and pilot, Jon Cumpton, is once again organizing the Young Eagles rally planned for October 1st at NRRA. The Young Eagles program allows kids to receive free airplane rides from Experimental Aircraft Association members. http://www.youngeagles.org/

LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS
Approximately 13 new security lights will be installed in the north hangar area this fall. One additional security light was installed on the side of the Airport Maintenance building on the south side of the airport last month. Planning is also underway for the installation of additional solar-powered LED taxiway lights along the parallel taxiway to runway 14-32 this fall. 

Hangar space for rent at NRRA - go to: http://www.nrairport.com/rent.htm

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