PARTNERS @ Solberg - A Safer Airport - Airport Improvement Summary

Enhance the safety of operations;
Provide the facilities and services that meet the aviation demand in a fiscally responsible manner; and
Increase compatibility between the airport, its environment, and the surrounding communities.

Airside Improvements

Main Runway:

Move the main runway 4-22 350 feet west away from homes. Change the runway's dimensions from 3,735 feet x 183 feet (turf with superimposed 3,000 foot x 50 foot asphalt) to 4,300 feet x 100 feet (asphalt).
Convert the existing runway to a 50-foot wide full-length parallel taxiway.
Install a Precision Approach Slope Indicator (PAPI) to provide inbound pilots with visual information about their position on the approach glide slope.

Crosswind Runway:

Pave the crosswind runway 13-31. Change the crosswind runway's dimensions from 3,440 feet x 200 feet (turf) to 3,700 feet x 75 feet (asphalt).
Provide a 35-foot wide full-length parallel taxiway.

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Landside Improvements

Terminal apron:

Remove and renovate the existing terminal apron and tie-down ramp to provide sufficient space for visiting aircraft.
Provide taxilane access to the rear door of the North Hangar.

Fuel Storage:

Relocate and modernize the fuel farm.

Aircraft Storage:

Construct a Southside tie-down ramp (32 units) and T-hanger storage area (48 units) for aircraft storage.

Perimeter Fencing:

6-foot high chain-link fence around the perimeter of the airport.

Weather Reporting:

Install an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) to provide accurate local weather information to pilots in-flight and while on the ground prior to departure.

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Market Served

Small aircraft with less than 10 passenger seats. Aircraft based at Solberg, by type, include: single engine (88%); multi-engine (9%); turbo-prop (2%); turbo-jet (1%). Daily operations by aircraft type: single engine (91%); multi-engine (5%); turbo-prop (3%); turbo-jet (1%). (Note: percentages based on 1995 actual data contained in the Master Plan).

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Safety Issues

Increase Runway Takeoff and Landing Safety Margins:

Appropriate runway length
Install standard runway lighting (PCL - pilot controlled lighting), runway edge lighting, signage and runway markings

Prevent Runway Incursions:

Provide access to each runway end
Minimize aircraft runway occupancy time
Eliminate backtaxi maneuvers (in order to use the full length of the runway, aircraft have to taxi back on the runway to its starting point)

Improve Aircraft Taxiing & Maneuvering:

Aircraft taxiing to a runway end can bypass the apron area
Install standard taxiway lighting, taxiway edge lighting, signage and taxiway markings
Provide sufficiently wide taxiways to avoid interference with parked aircraft

Provide Up-to-the-Minute Information to the Pilot:

Install an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) to provide accurate local weather information including cloud ceiling, visibility, atmospheric pressure, wind direction and velocity, temperature and dew point to pilots in-flight and while on the ground prior to departure.

Enhance Security:

Install perimeter fencing to deter deer entry and to prevent people from entering the airfield's airside environment.

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Project Costs

The project cost estimates are $15,665,000 as of September 1997. The funds will come from FAA and state grants, and sponsor funding. The FAA capital will come from the Airport Improvement Program funded by aviation taxes. None of the funds come from local or state income or property taxes.

Prepared by PARTNERS@Solberg.

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STOP the CONDEMNATION of PRIVATE PROPERTY!

If you are interested in joining PARTNERS @ Solberg or are interested in helping us educate and inform area residents about the benefits of general aviation, please contact us for information about joining our group that is dedicated to finding effective reasonable solutions!

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