NRRA NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 19TH, 2007
New Richmond Regional Airport (NRRA) News #72 – a sometimes monthly,
occasionally quarterly, summary of events at New Richmond Regional Airport. This
newsletter is sent to approximately 245 individuals associated with NRRA
Lots of exciting things are happening at NRRA. It’s nice to see the activity level back up following the record high fuel prices in late 2005 through mid-2006.
RUNWAY PROJECT
A major improvement project is underway at NRRA. The project, which began in late October of last year, involves the extension of runway 14-32 and its associated parallel taxiway to a final length of 5,500’, construction of a connecting taxiway in the corporate hangar area, and grading work in the corporate hangar area. Work recessed for the winter in early December and is scheduled to resume in approximately two weeks. Completion of the project is scheduled for May.
Last year’s work involved dirt work outside of the safety area for the current runway 14. A displaced threshold is needed this spring to complete the work in the safety area. Runway 14 will temporarily be reduced to 3600’. The RNAV approach to runway 14 will also be unavailable. An FDC Notam is currently in place indicating the approach is out-of-service. Complete runway closures should be kept to a minimum during the remainder of the project. To play it safe, check the Notam’s before flying.
SNOW REMOVAL
NRRA received new snow removal equipment in late November as part of the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics state snow removal equipment bid last summer. The equipment included a New Holland TV-145 articulated, bi-directional tractor with loader, snow blower, runway sweeper, and snow plow. Two dump trucks with 12’ plows and a pickup truck with a runway deicing fluid tank and spray boom are also used during the snow season. The runway sweeper did an excellent job of clearing the snow down to bare pavement. NRRA used only 10% of the deicing fluid normally used because of the sweeper. http://www.nrairport.com/equipment/airport_vehicles.htm
VIP
Congratulations to local pilot John Murtha on his election to the Wisconsin Assembly last November. John is the new representative of District 29, which covers parts of St. Croix, Dunn, and Pierce counties. John keeps his Cessna 172 in the south hangar area at NRRA. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/leginfo/contact/legislatorpages.aspx?house=Assembly&district=29
ELECTRICAL PROJECTS
- New security lights were recently installed at the security gates on both the south and the north end of the airport.
- Electrical outlets were installed along the north aircraft parking apron last fall. Aircraft equipped with engine heaters can utilize the outlets during the winter months.
- The troublesome incandescent obstruction light on top of the airport windsock was replaced by an LED version.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Several small projects are planned for this spring and summer, including:
- All taxiway, runway, and apron stripes will be repainted starting in April.
- An engraved limestone sign will be placed near the north entrance to the airport
- Approximately $5000 will be spent on repairing cracks in airport pavement.
- Additional security lighting will be installed along West Hangar Road and in the corporate hangar area.
- The airport maintenance building will be rewired.
- Security cameras are being installed near the security gates and along the north aircraft parking apron.
- Airport direction signs are still planned for the new STH 64 this spring. The DoT was unable to install the signs last fall.
AIRSHOW 2007
The 4th annual airshow held at NRRA is planned for June 23rd and 24th. The airshow will be held on the north end of the airport this year. The showline will be on the northeast side of the airport and run parallel to runway 14-32. The north end of the airport will allow for easier access for patrons and better airshow viewing. More information on the airshow will be announced in April.
GOODBYE TO GREEN BAY FLIGHT SERVICE
I received word Green Bay Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) will cease to exist beginning April 22nd at midnight. Green Bay AFSS provides pre-flight briefings and en route weather to pilots in Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan. AFSS facilities around the country are undergoing a consolidation following the awarding of an operations contract to Lockheed Martin last year. Green Bay was put on the chopping block but a final closing date wasn’t announced until recently. Nearby Princeton, Minnesota AFSS dodged the closure list. That facility is scheduled for a temporary, multi-week closure this summer for an equipment upgrade, however.
SEAPLANE ADVENTURES
Local pilot, hangar owner, and general manager at Baumann Floats, Joe Birkemyer, was featured in the October edition of Flying Adventures magazine and Waterflying magazine. The articles detail Joe’s experience of flying his amphibious float equipped Cessna 175 to the Artic Circle and back last summer. Click Here to view the article in Flying Adventures. (Thanks to Michael Higgens for permission to reprint the article).
AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission is planned for Tuesday, March 27th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Civic Center in downtown New Richmond.
EDC
New Richmond Economic Development Committee received a 45-minute presentation on NRRA in January. The Economic Development Committee is comprised of local city and business leaders. The presentation outlined the importance of the airport, current projects, and plans for the future.
RESCUE DRILL
New Richmond Area Ambulance and Rescue Service will conduct a rescue drill at the airport in May. The situation will involve a simulated seaplane accident on Hatfield Lake with 3 injured patients.
HANGAR SPACE
Opportunities to rent an existing hangar space or build a new hangar at NRRA have never been better. A listing of hangar space can be found at: http://www.nrairport.com/rent.htm . Hangar space is available for single-engine aircraft all the way up to turbo-prop and jet aircraft.
A diagram showing spaces for building a new hangar is available at: http://www.nrairport.com/new hangars.htm .
A FEW LAST THINGS
- Seaplane pilots should check for obstructions on Hatfield Lake before doing any take-offs or landings this spring. The lake level is still pretty low compared to previous years.
- The airport history page was updated with information for the years 1968 through 1970. http://www.nrairport.com/history.htm
- Local air ambulance operator Life Link III switched helicopter types in February. Previously, they operated a Bell 222. They now operate a Bell 206L-3.
- Self-serve fuel prices dropped to as low as $2.85 per gallon for avgas in February. The current price is still a respectable $3.09 per gallon. Jet A is still at $2.65 per gallon. Full-service is available at Strand Air located on the north apron.
- The 52nd Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference will be held April 30 – May 2nd in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. http://www.wiama.org/ to register.
- Talk of an aircraft club at NRRA popped up again. If you are interested in being part of a club, send me an e-mail.
- A listing of fly-in’s in Wisconsin can be found at http://www.dot.state.wi.us/travel/air/fly-ins.htm
Thanks!
Mike Demulling, Airport Manager
Airports Mean Business!