NRRA NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26TH, 2007
New Richmond Regional Airport (NRRA) News #75 - a sometimes monthly, occasionally quarterly summary
of events at New Richmond Regional Airport.
Here's the latest at NRRA -
Airport Projects
The 2007 major construction projects at NRRA are now complete. The projects consisted of the extension
of runway 14-32 to 5,507' along with the extension of the corresponding parallel taxiway. Other major portions
of the project included construction of a connecting taxiway in the corporate hangar area, construction of a
helicopter landing area, and installation of medium intensity taxiway lighting along the entire parallel taxiway
to runway 14-32. A third windsock was also installed along runway 14-32. It is internally lighted and located
near the approach end to runway 14. A few aerial photos of the completed improvements are available:
Click Here
Braking Action Reports
Braking action is a description of how easily an aircraft can stop after landing on a snow or ice covered runway.
New Richmond Regional Airport now uses an FAA approved, computerized runway friction meter for reporting
braking values on paved surfaces. The runway friction meter is mounted in an airport maintenance vehicle
and delivers highly accurate braking action reports on contaminated runways and taxiways.
Prior to the implementation of the runway friction meter, subjective braking action reports were listed as
either good, fair, poor, or nil.
Beginning in the winter of 2007-2008, braking action values will be provided to the Flight Service Station in
the following format:
RWY 14 VER MU 35/28/24
The above line indicates the following: Runway 14 braking action using the Vericom friction meter is 35 in
the touchdown area, 28 at midpoint, and 24 on the rollout.
A generally accepted comparison of the friction values to the traditional reporting methods is found below
Friction Value Braking Action
40 and above Good
34 to 39 Good
26 to 33 Fair
18 to 25 Poor
17 and below Nil
RWY 14 VER MU 35/28/24 - Translated indicates runway 14 braking action is GOOD during touchdown, FAIR
during midpoint, and POOR during rollout.
A braking action comparison chart is available for download: Click Here
NRRA will also be using E-36 liquid runway deicer for the third year in a row. E-36 is non-corrosive and
rapidly melts ice and snow even at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Application of E-36
allows an almost immediate improvement in braking action. E-36 info - Click Here
Automated Weather
The automated weather observation station (AWOS) at NRRA was partially disabled for two weeks in
November. The AWOS consists of a series of weather sensors located north of the approach end of
runway 32. The sensors transmit weather data to the National Weather Service three times per hour.
The present weather sensor on the AWOS failed. The present weather sensor detects rain and snow.
As a result, the visibility function of the AWOS was unable to provide data. The failed sensor also
caused problems with cloud height measurement. Technicians replaced the sensor on the 19th of
November. The unit is now 100% operational.
The AWOS at NRRA is extremely important, especially since NRRA has a terminal aerodrome forecast
(TAF). The National Weather Service in Chanhassen, MN issues the TAF for NRRA every six hours.
The AWOS data is used by the aviation forecasters to verify the accuracy of the TAF.
More info: NR Airport AWOS page , Wikipedia AWOS page , NRRA TAF , Wikipedia TAF page
Instrument Approaches
An FAA Learjet 60 conducted multiple approaches at NRRA on September 20th to inspect the
instrument approaches and PAPI lights on runway 14-32. The instrument approach to runway 14
has been out of service since mid-March due to the runway extension. The revised approach
will be published by the FAA and available for use on December 20th. The precision GPS
approaches with the lower instrument approach minimums won't be published until next year.
NRRA PAPI page
Photo of FAA Lear 60
Hangar Lots
A listing of available hangar lots for new hangar construction is available: Click Here
Rental Space
An updated listing of available heated and unheated hangar space for rent at NRRA can be
found by Clicking Here
New Runway Markers
The black and white wood panels outlining the turf runway 4-22 at NRRA will be replaced by
early next week. Plastic, break-away, white and black cone markers measuring 22" high x 3'
in diameter will be installed. The cones will be much safer during an aircraft collision.
A Few Last Things
- Airshow 2008 will be held at NRRA on June 21st and 22nd
- The Young Eagles event held on September 29th was met with 30 + knot winds and light rain.
Several kids still turned out to pick up a rain check for an airplane ride. Local pilot
Jon Cumpton organized the event.
- Transient pilots can now book a hotel room in New Richmond or surrounding communities
directly from nrairport.com. Click Here
- Thanks to American Legion Post 80 in New Richmond for donating a replacement American
flag to the airport.
- New runway distance remaining signs were installed along runway 14.
- The next Airport Commission meeting is planned for Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 PM at
the Civic Center in New Richmond.
Support the businesses based at NRRA. Click Here
Thanks!
Mike Demulling
NRRA Manager
e-mail
Airports Mean Business!