I am a firm believer in the following quote. "The most important main street in any town is its runway."
During a recent visit to Minden-Tahoe airport I stopped to assess the impression of my surroundings as if I were visiting for the first time. The beauty of the valley that surrounds the airport is impressive to say the least. The mountains, the vast open fields, the up to date industrial park and the mix of activity, general aviation, gliders, firefighting base, agricultural etc. This is an ideal location for the aviation enthusiast who feels the need for wide open space. It truly is a jewel in the crown of Douglas County.
Airports are economic engines and their importance to any community should not be underestimated. Educating, not only in Minden-Gardnerville, but around our state will help others understand their airport's importance to their community. It is doubtful that the passion felt by aviation enthusiasts can be taught. I've seen people stand by, head cocked with a darned good puzzled look on their face when they encounter the art of hand flying (the hand gestures made when two pilots are communicating). It's a language all its own and that comes only with a love for aviation.
Let me begin by saying that the first word in administrating an airport is safety. If your number one focus is not on all aspects of safety, you are setting your airport up for failure and huge liability.
Staff: Promote team work. Your staff's input is an important factor in helping to keep your airport manager informed. They have their fingers on the pulse of the inner workings of the airport and can provide valuable information to ensure a safe efficient facility. A good staff is critical to a healthy airport.
General Aviation: Although general aviation has been affected by the likes of 9-11, the economy etc. a strong comeback is in our future. Now is the time to prepare. Have your plans in place so your airport will be equipped to handle aviation's needs without disrupting the flow. Don't allow yourself to get behind the power curve.
Transparency/Communication: We all know that we are generally met with some form of opposition to most any situation (you can't please everyone all of the time). However, being transparent to your community and including them in discussions regarding planning your airport's current and future needs will provide an honest and upfront relationship and with practice, this will lead to constructive dialogue. People tend to fear and at times mistrust what they do not understand. It is so important that your community leaders and citizens be kept informed. They need to know how the airport fits into their plans and needs. They need assurance that their lifestyle will not be diminished or infringed upon due to lack of proper planning. This can only be accomplished through open communication.
Airport neighbors must be active in airport issues weather pro or con. At times, they can be your best allies. The concerns of your community and their opinions are important and valid. Everyone wants to be heard. I feel it is imperative that your community and airport neighbors know that you are listening. Partner with your community. I would suggest for starters, make available CDs of your master plan. They are economical compared to hard copies and can be readily available to anyone interested in reviewing your current and future plans. They are your airport's road map.
Airport Users: Establishing and maintaining a good rapport with your airport patrons is an essential guideline for a healthy, functional airport community. They are your eyes and ears, along with staff. It is my opinion that as long as the rules and regulations are being met, there are no safety violations or concerns and everyone is in compliance, your airport users should be allowed to enjoy their aviation hobby. It is not productive for them to feel that big brother or sister is always lurking. A productive Airport Manager makes their presence known without being intrusive.
Community: Bring in your public service groups; make them a part of your airport's activities. Encourage your community to visit your airport. Encourage your Young Eagles program. Do not discourage use of your airport for appropriate activities. Educate our future aviators.
Changes: I would advise anyone against making major changes to your operation in haste. If it aint broke, don't fix it. Tweak it, revise it to fit the need but don't reinvent the wheel.
Emergency Plan: One area that airports do not provide a great deal of focus on is an emergency plan, to include Federal, State and local service providers. Airports are sitting on acres of secured land and buildings. In the event of flood, earthquake, fire, severe winter storms, terrorist activities, quarantine etc. your first responders may be looking for a place to station emergency crews. Flying supplies in or out may be their only option under severe circumstance. All airports should have a plan in place and be prepared to protect and provide service to their community needs. A documented Emergency Plan would allow your airport the safety buffer needed to control aspects of an influx of first responders requiring the use of your airport during a situation.
Meetings: Schedule informal meetings with your residents, pilot groups, advisory group, tenants, city officials and of course federal agencies (Burlingame, can't forget Abel). These meetings will help provide the tools needed to continue moving the Minden-Tahoe airport in the direction that will benefit the aviation public and your community. In order to ensure that your meetings are productive, there are three things better left at the door: Your personal feelings, your political feelings and your ego. If you take the time to listen with an open mind, you are headed for success.
Master plan/airport layout plan: A quick review of your current Master Plan and ALP indicates that Minden-Tahoe airport is approximately two years into the plan. Keeping your master plan moving forward is an important process to the health of your airport. The ALP, which I consider to be the big wish list, should be updated occasionally with any/all changes you would like to see in the future. They may or may not all come to fruition however, it is much easier to obtain AIP Grants for potential projects listed on your ALP.
Financials: The financial health of your airport depends on how well you maintain your total assets. Utilize your land to the highest and best use. Keep your leases consistent and up to date. Monitor your fees, hangar, fuel flowage, tie-downs, parking etc., to insure that you are keeping up with the standard. Resolution No. 2009R-008 is an extremely thorough document which covers all areas of income within the fence line. This document will help guarantee that your airport continues to be self sustaining.
Our airports are resources that we can not afford to continue to loose. Airports around the country are closing every day, being squeezed out of lands they have occupied for years. We can no longer allow this to be the norm. Protecting our airports is vital to our transportation needs and the economic stimulus of our communities. I'm sure you have heard the saying "From an airport you can get to anywhere".
Yvonne Weaver
Weaver Aircraft Company
