HomeMy Public PortalAboutAAC Minutes 1987 03/04AIRPORT COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 4, 1987
Attending: Lyn Clark, Jim Sproat, Bill Williams, Bill Doris, Bud Sehmidt
Master Plan:
The committee discussed several difficulties with the current
Airport layout plan (ALP) of the current Master Plan.
These include:
, 1. Existing private Hangars
2. Jet Ramp location
3. Fuel dump location
4. Terminal location
5. Street access if the Highway 55 Bypass is constructed along
Deinhard Lane
The committee recommended that the 1980 ALP should be updated.
o
Airport Engineering Services:
The committee reviewed the possibility of a further airport improvement
project and asked that the City Council request proposals from Engineering
firms to insure that an engineer for the airport is available in the event
a project is secured.
Manchester Hangar:
Schmidt reported that Mr. Manchester had visited on February 23, and
had inquired about the site East of the U.S.F.S. ready-room building.
This area will not be available until at least September 15, when this
portion of the U.S.F.S. lease is expected to be abandoned. McCall Air
Taxi has been consulted and does not object to the site.
e
Miscellaneous:
Attachments on the NDB weather situation were reviewed.
Boyd Miller's proposal for placing canopies over certain plane
tie-downs was considered but tabled to the next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur J. Schmidt
Airport Manager
AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 4, 1987
Attending: Ron Delp, Lyn Clark, Bill Williams, Bud Schmidt ai~d Rick Fereday
Prior meeting minutes:
Lyn Clark asked for an addition to the prior meeting minutes. She noted
her opposition to night-time helicopter landings within the city, unless
a medical emergency existed.
2)
Helicopter Landings:
Bud Schmidt reported that he continues to work with the Hospitial
Administrator and will be in Boise February llth to discuss the matter
with the Lifeflight operators.
3)
Cascade Beacon:
The Committee asked that a letter be sent to the City of Cascade urging
them to operate their beacon while the lights are out. This would
require a white/white lens rather than the ordi. nary green/white
configuration.
4)
A letter from the State of Idaho, Bureau of Aeronautics was reviewed
regarding the weather/altimeter transmission problem (attached). The
Bureau is pursuing this matter.
Private Hangars:
The absence of written policies regarding the future of the existing
hangars has become problematic to both owners and city staff. Mr. Moltke's
letter and Mr. Fereday's concerns were noted by the committee. Various
alternatives such as a written policy with time limits upon the leases or
an amendment to the Airport Master Plan to permit the hangars to remain at
their current locations were discussed. The.committee determined to con-
sider this issue further at the next meeting.
6)
Manchester Hangar Proposal:
Doug Manchester called the City Administrator and inquired whether the
city might be interested in selling him land for his hangar at the South
end of the runway. This could provide funds for the runway extension
project.
The committee advised that they wished to protect the terminal area and
that they did not want to create a "through the fence operation". The
committee was sympathetic to locating a jet ramp at the south end of the
runway and asked staff to explore an alternate location in this area with
Mr. Manchester.
7)
Highway 55 Bypass:
The committee inquired about impacts of the.proposed route on the airport,
namely the approach and the vehicle access. The committee recommended
that as this project matures the airport master plan should be reviewed.
8) Without further business the meeting adjourned.
Arthur J. Schmidt
Airport Manager
1
LANE"
\
STATE OF IDAHO
,,~..o ..~,.s,.o.T~.~-,o. 8oA.o D EPA R TM EN T
jo.. M. O.MAN. C--MA. TRANSPORTATION
LLOYD F. BARRON - WCE CH.~RM^N
MEMBER
MARION DAVIDSON - AN EOUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
E. DEAN TISDALE
OiRECmR BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
3483 RICKENBACKER ST. · BOISE, IDAHO 83705
PHONE (208) 334-3183
February 9, 1987
Victor Zembruski, ANM-224
FAA-N.W. Mountain Region
17900 Pacific Highway South
C-68966
Seattle, WA 98168-
Dear Vic:
As you are aware, our Bureau is attempting to establish NPI's,
based on our Nonfederal NDB's, for Gooding and Grangeville. In
addition, our Bureau will install a Nonfederal NDB at McCall this
summer, which will subsequently have a NPI established.
Our real concern at this point in time is the weather data which
will be required for the NPI's. We are interested in weather re-
quirements for both Part 91 and 135 operations.
We hope that you can provide some answers to our current weather
concerns.
Weather Observations, Part 91 & 135
Please summarize the observation and reporting requirements for
Part 91 and 135 operations. We need to know type of equipment
allowed, methods of observations, dissememination, etc.
AWOS Program
(1) What is status of F & E program for Idaho? Previous data in-
dicates that AWOS were planned for Coeur d'Alene, Hailey, Caldwell,
Nampa, and Rexburg. Could you tell us what class of AWOS is planned
for these locations and their proposed installation dates?
continued...
STATE OF IDAHO- Tt ANSPOI TATION DEPAI TI ENT
Victor Zembruski, ANM-224
Page Two
February 9, 1987
AWOS P~oqram, cont.
(2) AWOS, AIP Program:
We would like a benefit/cost analysis performed for the three
classes of AWOS for Lewiston, McCall, Gooding, and Grangeville.
Could you indicate the estimated total cost of each AWOS System
installed under the AIP Program?
We have noted that the last publication of the FAA approved equip-
ment list (AC 150/5345-1, dated 7-7-86) shows only one approved
AWOS System, the HANDAR, INC. AWOS-I. Please indicate if any
other AWOS Systems have been added to the approved list since this
last publication..
Advisory Circular '150/5220-16 indicates the preferred method of
voice transmission for the AWOS Systems is existing NAVAIDS. How-
ever, the FCC is apparently not authorizing any new 6A3 Emmissions
(voice), and in fact, is eliminating this feature from NAVAIDS
on license renewal publications. Do you feel that this situation
will create a problem for AWOS voice transmissions?
Could you explain'the methods of getting weather observations of
various systems (AWOS, RAMOS, SAWRS, etc.) on the FAA teletype
circuit? Does the FAA intend to cooperate in the necessary financial
assistance to accomplish this access when the weather observations
are necessary for instrument approaches?
(3) Interagency Cooperation
Currently, we seem to be suffering from a lack of weather information
between the State, FAA, and Weather Bureau. As an example, the
weather situation at McCall is typical:
The weather Bureau operates a RAMOS facility at this location. Visi-
bility and ceiling observations are added by the local FBO, and put
on line via computer. The McCall weather is available through the
FAA teletype system via Boise FSS. However, our conversation with
weather Bureau personnel indicate the following confusing facts.
a. No altimeter data is available.
b. The altimeter function cannot be added to the RAMOS System be-
cause the equipment manufacturer has gone out of business, and
no equipment is available.
c. The Weather Bureau plans to replace their RAMOS Systems "in the
near future", however, we have no indications of when, with what
type of equipment, or the type of data which will be collected.
continued...
Victor Zembruski, ANM-224 Page Three February 9, 1987
d. Since a NPI Approach is planned for McCall in the next year or
so; this would seem to be an ideal project for Interagency co-
operation. If we knew the Weather Bureau's time schedule and
equipment list, the State could provide any additional weather
collection data units that would be required for an NPI Approach.
The FAA could assist us in on-line System Access and providing
a voice outlet over the McCall VOR (which would be ideal from
a broadcast range standpoint).
In addition, the weather situation at Lewiston is identical to
McCall, with an existing'RAMOS, no altimeter, etc.
e. Weather Bureau personnel have also indicated that there are
"rumors" that FAA is taking some of the RAMOS Systems off the
FAA teletype system. Do you have any confirmation of this
situation?
In summary, we feel that aviation weather services in the State must
be approached in a timely manner, with the cooperation of all in-
volved agencies.
From the State's standpoint, we are willing to do anything necessary,
within our budget~and manpower limitations, to provide needed avia-
tion weather services.
We hope you can provide us with answers for some of the information
we have requested. We are aware that some of the requested informa-
tion may be out of your area of operation. From this viewpoint,
we are sending a copy of this letter to Fred Isaac, requesting his
input in addition to yours.
We hope you can provide us with some answers in the near future.
Sincerely,
WORTHIE M. RAUSCHER, Chief
Bureau of Aeronautics and
Public Transportation
LARRY A. HIPPLER
Airport Development
WMR/LAH/vp
cc: L.H. (2)
Fred Isaac, ANM-400, FAA-SEA
Maux Barnes, Weather Bureau -BOI
Bud Schmidt, McCall City Admin.
LWS Airport Manager
STATE OF IDAHO
CECIL D. ANDRUS
GOVERNOR
IDAHO TRANSPORTATION BOARD
JOHN M. OHMAN - CHAIRMAN
LLOYD F. BARRON -wcE CHAIRMAN
MARION DAVIDSON ' MEMO]Eh
E DEAN TISDALE
DIRECTOR
TRANS_P___ORTAT'IO_ N. DEPARTMENT
AN EOUAL OPPORTUNII[Y FMPLOY~:
BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
3483 RICKENBACKER ST, · BOISE, IDAHO 83705
PHONE (208) 334-3183
January 30, 1987
Arthur J. Schmidt, City Administrator
City of McCall
212 Park Street
P.O. Box 1065
McCall, ID 83638
Dear Bud:
I have made some inquiries concerning the weather reporting facili-
ties at McCall. You were correct in your assumption that some prob-
lems exist.
The RAMOS Weather Station at McCall is operated by the U.S. Weather
Bureau. The automatic data collection features include windspeed
and direction, temperature, and dew point. In addition, Pioneer
Aviation, by contract with the Weather Bureau, provides manual ceil-
ing and visability data. The RAMOS automated data is collected
every 20 minutes, while the ceiling/visibility observations are
performed approximately every hour (during the time Pioneer Avia-
tion is attended).
Note that there is NO Altimeter Data on the RAMOS System. Pioneer
has an altimeter in their building, but it is not FAA Certified.
The Weather Bureau personnel in Boise say that the altimeter func-
tion cannot be added to the RAMOS System because the RAMOS equip-
ment manufacturer has gone out of business. Therefore, there are
not altimeter units available.
To further complicate matters, the Weather Bureau indicated they
planned to replace their RAMOS Systems with newer equipment within
the next eighteen months. There are also "rumors" that the FAA is
pulling some RAMOS Systems off their teletype lines.
Continued...
STATE OF IDAHO- TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Arthur J. Schmidt, City Administrator
Page Two
January 30, 1987
We have discussed the problem internally, and we will do the follow-
ing:
(1)
Contact the FAA to determine exactly what weather information
is required and how it must be transmitted, for the various
classes of instrument approaches.
(2)
Solicit the known manufactures of Automated Weather Observation
Systems (AWOS) to determine what type of equipment is available,
and its cost. (We do know that one manufacturer offers a unit
that does "everything" for about $20,000, but is not yet FAA
Certified).
(3)
Ask the Weather Bureau to determine the future of the McCall
RAMOS Station and planned data transmission methods.
(4)
Investigate the possibility of joint State-Local funding for
AWOS System, based on priority and funds available.
(5)
Provide the City of McCall with a recommendation for a weather
system incorporating all the required weather data at the
least cost.
We would hope to have the data available by March or April.
Sincerely,
WORTHIE M. RAUSCHER, Chief
Bureau of Aeronautics and
Public Transportation
Airport Development
WMR/LAH/vp
cc: L.H.
Maux Barnes - US Weather Bureau, Boise
Pat Girard, FAA-BOI
OFFICE OF THE CLERK
BOX 1065
MCCALL. IDAHO 83638
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Police Chief Parker
Fire Chief Points
Bud Schmidt, City Administrator
February 11, 1987
McCall Hospital Helicopter Landings
As a result of my meetings with the McCall Hospital Administrator, Life-
flight personnel and medical staff, I am advising you of what I believe the
most appropriate management of these situations to be.
First, no other community served by the lifeflight responds to
these landisngs with police or fire services at all. Our situation
is different in that we have a more congested landing area and
require some street clearance for safety. The McCall situation is
not the worst situatin that exists from the pilots' point of view.
Secondly, our response to these landings arose from the previously
existing conditions of the landing area, namely overhead wires
along Hewitt Street, a gravel pakring area and 'landings in the middle
of Hewitt Street. These wires were'marked with ribbons by the fire
department and the area hosed down to reduce dust and traffic~was con-
trolled by city staff. Now the wires have been removed, the parking
lot paved and the landing area has been relocated to the Hospital
parking lot, off the street.
Thirdly, the significance of our response with emergency vehicles
has in past created another problem. The presence of this equipment
attracts attention, traffic and bystanders. The hospital staff would
like to reduce the number of people arriving at these incidents.
Fourthly, from the point of view of good risk management, it is important
that we exercise reasonable care. It ismy view that it is reasonable
for the city fire department to act as the primary responder to these
incidents. In the event of a catastrophy, we have eliminated a response
time and we could provide immediate suppression and rescue services.
It is my view that the Police Department should not respond to these
incidents at all, unless specifically requested by the Fire Chief or
his agent for crowd or traffic control.
Finally, our Fire Department response should be limited as follows:
1. Not more than 5 firefighters
2. A response not sooner than 20 minutes prior to the helicopter ETA
3. Two pieces of apparatus (Airport truck and pumper) and possibly
the Chief's vehicle
4. A specific request from the McCall Hospital to attend the event
5. Release from the scene within 5 minutes of take-off by the
helicopter.
While at the scene, the Fire Department may assist the hospital staff in
removing parked vehicles, will control traffic on Hewitt Street and
through the hospital parking area, and will be appropriately outfitted
and prepared for the exposure.
We have asked the Hospital~and Lifeflight to limit these landings to truly
critical situations and to have such landings authorized and ordered by the
medical staff. Those agencies will also attempt to secure FAA certification
of their heliport. That process will identify and f.ur~ther mitigate risks in
the area. The Hospital may also install some lighting for the heliport.
Since the helicopter service does not require our presence, they are not
inclined to pay fees. Our presence will be public cost. We will be present
to minimize potential loss or damage to the public,~ therefore, this cost will
have to be supported by tax monies.