[JYO] Leesburg Airport Commission meeting notes...

Leesburg Airport Commission meeting notes 8/19/2003 by Ed Levine and Dennis 
Boykin (but "mostly" by Dennis ;-)

Dennis Boykin talked about Self Service Fuel and Aviation Adventures 
Application during petitioners session.

Sean Sheedy asked about the ACA donated fuselage and an area for builders of 
home-built aircraft can put wings on, etc and trailer/untrailer their aircraft.

Welcome and thanks went out to Cindi Martine for her work as our interim 
airport director.

All tenants are vacating terminal NLT 8/29 to work out of the temporary 
trailers. Terminal we be closed to public on last day to allow tennants to move.

T-Hangar bids received - but must wait for state matching funds in October

Runway rehabilitation will take placed next summer - anticipate runway 
closings. Tennants will meet to find the best times for closings.

Corporate Hangar Area:  Development assumptions were passed out to the 
commission for review - possible agenda item for next month.  There is one 3rd 
party 
proposal for development of the area - which needs to be considered by the 
commission.

Security Plan:  The commission decided to appoint a subcommittee, chaired by 
a member of the commission, and staffed by local volunteers.  Volunteers 
should apply to Cindi Martin or Steve Axeman.

Virginia Aviation Board:  Will award funds for westside land acquisition, 
runway rehabilitation, and finishing the terminal at this Friday's meeting.  

Fuselage:  A 'target of opportunity' as a potential display in the new 
terminal, or some other part of an aviation promotion at Leesburg airport.

S/S fuel:  Two locations have been identified - but the airport manager 
believes that the business case should be determined first.  The A/P manager 
does 
not believe that the town should compete with it's vendors.  Cindi recommended 
deciding the business case first before going forward with site surveys.
  - Town staff does not support the town operate it - prefers third party 
(Zoldos comment)
  - Stanley Caulkins doesn't believe that there's enough cash flow to support 
it.
  - No action was taken.

Multiple aircraft in T Hangars:  A/P manager recommends requiring proper 
documentation of leasing, but not charging any additional rent (based on 
additional work required to collect it).  Bob Zoldos recommended early 
involvement by 
the Town Attorney.  Stanley Caulkins recommended that the issue of eviction be 
clearly defined prior to further action.  No action was taken beyond directing 
the A/P manager to clearly define all issues and clear those issues with the 
Town Attorney, then bring back a proposal.  The motion was tabled until next 
meeting. Lifts would be allowed under the new rule if the floor supports the 
lift and added weight... to be determined after a study.

Aviation Adventures:  The application has gone thru due diligence by town 
staff to ensure that all items have been complied with.  Upon approval by the 
airport commission, the town staff will review for material compliance and 
recommend approval/disapproval by the Town Council.  The Town Council process 
will 
take at least 6 weeks after the airport commission approves the application.   
  - The chairman had already reviewed the application, and feels it's ready 
to go forward to the town for the approval process.
  - Stanley Caulkins questioned the length of time the company has been in 
business.
  - The chairman requested a motion, and Stanley Caulkins moved to defer.  No 
second was received.  
  - Further discussion regarding tie downs ensued.  The chairman stated that 
he believed further discussion and delay was un-necessary.  
  - The chairman moved to approve, Mr. Burton seconded, and the motion was 
approved.

Presentation:  Airport Improvement Plan:  (I expect this presentation to be 
available to me and I will put it on the LeesburgPilots.com web site in the 
near future)
  - Recent events - accidents (2 because of marginal wx) and ADIZ
    - Pilot frustration with clearance procedures
    - Increased ATC workload
    - Reduced airport operations has reduced income
  - Priority Items
     - Terminal Project
       - Triple available lease space
       - All leased space under 'LOI'
       - More usable and inviting
       - $ 3.0 + M cost
     -  Land Acquisition
     - Master Plan Update
       - Will drive funding requirements, and support funding requests
       - Notice to proceed 10/03, completed by 06/04, $ 255K
     - Runway rehab
       - Runway needs replacement
       - Will also get new HIRL
       - 35% design submitted, and in review
       - Start Summer 04, complete Fall 04
       - $ 2.25 M
     - West side land acquisition
       - Survey complete, awaiting appraissal
       - $ 500K approximate cost
       - Goal is FY 04
     - Proffered land for RPZ
       - Provides space to install ILS
     - ILS
       - High priority of the airport
       - Glide slope transmitter will supplement existing localizer
       - FAA funding ($ 1M) included in FY04 FAA Reauthorization bill, 
currently in conference committee
       - WAAS approach intended to be published in September, 2003, but most 
aircraft do not have WAAS approved receivers.
    - Site survey, land acquisition, and environmental impact statement yet 
to be done.
     - Fencing 
       - Benefits:  protects aircraft operating surfaces, protects personal 
property.
       - Phase 1 FY 04 $ 500K
       - Phase 2 FY 05 $ 500K
     - Control Tower
       - Will improve clearance and traffic situation, given that the 
airspace restrictions continue in some form or fashion.

Mr. Whyte finished with a prospective cost estimate chart, which included the 
possibility of a southerly runway extension in FY07/08.

Conclusions
- The airport improvement plan will enhance the economic engine that is 
helping drive NV, Leesburg, and Loudoun County.
- All project initiatives will enhance safety and efficiency of airport users 
and residents of Leesburg.  
- Improvements will enhance JYO role as a reliever airport
- Initiatives will demonstrate a positive message of support to help enhance 
safety of flight.

Discussion
- Land acquisition was explained as supporting
- Fencing was the major topic.  The airport manager explained that the 
fencing is focused on safety (preventing runway incursions) rather than 
security.  
Fences don't stop bad people, they just slow them down. And, there isn't any 
funding to support many additional security items currently.

Bob Zoldos recommended that everyone call the VDOA NV rep and recommend that 
he support the Leesburg airport funding.  Also, recommend calling Mr. 
McFarland, the VDOA director, and recommending approval of the Leesburg funding 
also.

(thanks to Note-taker Dennis Boykin)

Ed Levine

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