Fairhope, Alabama
fairhopetimes@att.net
AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETS
At its March meeting, Airport Authority members were told that because of the severe winter, construction of the Academy at Fairhope aviation technical school is lagging behind schedule: The concrete foundation could not be poured until the weather warmed, but the process is now underway.
Member Charlie Bassett said the project may not meet its planned early-June completion date, but should be ready in time for the Fall school term.
Bassett: "We're in the process of ascertaining where we are ... know more at the next meeting."
Advertisements soliciting students for the Fall term have already been mailed out, presumably by the colleges involved (Enterprise, Faulkner, etc.).
MORE "FUEL FARMS" REJECTED
After a lengthy discussion, members voted unanimously not to allow any more fueling stations as had been requested by two businesses who currently operate planes out of the airport.
They had wanted to use revenue generated from selling jet fuel to finance more much-needed hangar space at the airport for their planes, but an audit of current fuel sales by the FBO (airport operator) showed the sales-volume was insufficient to justify any more fueling stations at tis time. Environmental concerns were also mentioned.
BIDS TO BE SOUGHT FOR NEW AIRPORT OPERATOR
Members also voted unanimously to release a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids for a new airport operator (FBO) when the current lease expires in Oct. of next year.
Current operator, Continental Motors, indicated it would be bidding to retain the lease as well; as did local contractor Alan Boan, who was one of those requesting to build a fuel farm (and a new hangar).
Boan said the current operator was not doing the job: "What you have now is a very poor FBO."
Boan also raised concerns about the company's Chinese ownership (AVIC).
Continental's Bill Ross admitted there were current deficiencies, but said his company intended to make the needed improvements -- if awarded the new lease next year.
Members also voted to spend up to $2,500 to hire a consultant to help prepare the RFP proposals -- within 60 days.
Some members hoped that more hangar space may be included as an element in the bid requests, as well as other needed improvements.
OTHER ACTIONS
The Authority also:
* Re-elected all its current officers, with Zunk as Chairman
* Heard that the 110 acre "Advantage Site" on the west side had been approved by the state (pre-
qualified for development)
* Heard a report about the plane crash last weekend and an evaluation of the emergency response to it.
AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETS
At its March meeting, Airport Authority members were told that because of the severe winter, construction of the Academy at Fairhope aviation technical school is lagging behind schedule: The concrete foundation could not be poured until the weather warmed, but the process is now underway.
Member Charlie Bassett said the project may not meet its planned early-June completion date, but should be ready in time for the Fall school term.
Bassett: "We're in the process of ascertaining where we are ... know more at the next meeting."
Advertisements soliciting students for the Fall term have already been mailed out, presumably by the colleges involved (Enterprise, Faulkner, etc.).
MORE "FUEL FARMS" REJECTED
After a lengthy discussion, members voted unanimously not to allow any more fueling stations as had been requested by two businesses who currently operate planes out of the airport.They had wanted to use revenue generated from selling jet fuel to finance more much-needed hangar space at the airport for their planes, but an audit of current fuel sales by the FBO (airport operator) showed the sales-volume was insufficient to justify any more fueling stations at tis time. Environmental concerns were also mentioned.
BIDS TO BE SOUGHT FOR NEW AIRPORT OPERATOR
Members also voted unanimously to release a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids for a new airport operator (FBO) when the current lease expires in Oct. of next year.
Current operator, Continental Motors, indicated it would be bidding to retain the lease as well; as did local contractor Alan Boan, who was one of those requesting to build a fuel farm (and a new hangar).Boan said the current operator was not doing the job: "What you have now is a very poor FBO."
Boan also raised concerns about the company's Chinese ownership (AVIC).
Continental's Bill Ross admitted there were current deficiencies, but said his company intended to make the needed improvements -- if awarded the new lease next year.
Members also voted to spend up to $2,500 to hire a consultant to help prepare the RFP proposals -- within 60 days.
Some members hoped that more hangar space may be included as an element in the bid requests, as well as other needed improvements.
OTHER ACTIONS
The Authority also:
* Re-elected all its current officers, with Zunk as Chairman
* Heard that the 110 acre "Advantage Site" on the west side had been approved by the state (pre-
qualified for development)
* Heard a report about the plane crash last weekend and an evaluation of the emergency response to it.
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