Fairhope, Alabama
A 'COMPASS ROSE'
At its last meeting, the Airport Authority passed a resolution allowing the local chapter of 'The Ninety-Nines' to proceed with plans to paint an 80' compass rose on a taxiway south of the main hanger -- as a navigational aid pointing to magnetic north.
According to its website:
"The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight."
Amelia Earhardt was its first president and "ninety-nine" refers to the number of original members: there are over 5,000 today. They began by marking airports (with their names) in the 1930's and doing compass roses since the late 1950's. Although not a necessity today, it still can be a useful tool for pilots, especially those flying older planes.
Surveying and layout services will be provided at no charge by Volkert Engineering and the AA will cover the cost of the paint and other needed materials up to about $1,000. About 10 local volunteer club members will do the painting.
The rose should be in place by the end of the year; the design similar to that pictured.
AIRPLANE RACE COMING TOO
It was also announced a leg of the all-female-pilot Air Race Classic (click) will terminate at the Fairhope airport next summer (June, 2015). Formerly called the Powder Puff Derby, the race will begin in Fredericksburg Va.
Airport Authority Chairman Zunk called the race "a big deal" for Fairhope: "... having the event here will garner a lot of attention for the city (airport)."
According to Wilkipedia:
"The Air Race Classic is an annual transcontinental air race for female pilots. Route lengths are approximately 2,400 statute miles (3,900 km). All flights are conducted in day visual-flight-rules (VFR) conditions. Each aircraft is handicapped for speed and engine power. The goal is to have the actual ground speed be as far over the handicapped speed as possible. This women’s-only air race was originally started by pilots including Amelia Earhart back when women pilots were banned from competing against men."
OTHER AIRPORT MATTERS
The committee also:
* Heard that the 'Academy of Flight' building should be completed by mid-August, in time for the Fall school term as planned.
* Discussed the need for more hangar space, especially for small planes -- and how it may be financed (with city's help?).
* Heard that a $1.2 million Federal AIP grant to begin east-side runway access improvements is expected to be awarded in July.
* Heard an engineer's report that development north of Hwy 32 has increased storm water runoff volume onto airport property, overwhelming infrastructure.
* Discussed the possibility of re-financing or restructuring the AA's $8.9 million debt, in cooperation with the city, to avoid an impending balloon payment in the year 2020 (of $6.9 million).
* Authorized Chairman Zunk to move forward with negotiations that may eventually lead to the sale of about 5 1/2 acres of un-usable bottom land on the north side -- to be used for wetland mitigation by a Mobile developer. (for about $10K per acre).
* Discussed a proposal for the city to take over maintenance of a private road, McGown Dr., located southwest of the airport.
A 'COMPASS ROSE'
 |
| compass rose |
According to its website:
"The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight."
Amelia Earhardt was its first president and "ninety-nine" refers to the number of original members: there are over 5,000 today. They began by marking airports (with their names) in the 1930's and doing compass roses since the late 1950's. Although not a necessity today, it still can be a useful tool for pilots, especially those flying older planes.
Surveying and layout services will be provided at no charge by Volkert Engineering and the AA will cover the cost of the paint and other needed materials up to about $1,000. About 10 local volunteer club members will do the painting.
The rose should be in place by the end of the year; the design similar to that pictured.
AIRPLANE RACE COMING TOO
It was also announced a leg of the all-female-pilot Air Race Classic (click) will terminate at the Fairhope airport next summer (June, 2015). Formerly called the Powder Puff Derby, the race will begin in Fredericksburg Va.
Airport Authority Chairman Zunk called the race "a big deal" for Fairhope: "... having the event here will garner a lot of attention for the city (airport)."
According to Wilkipedia:
"The Air Race Classic is an annual transcontinental air race for female pilots. Route lengths are approximately 2,400 statute miles (3,900 km). All flights are conducted in day visual-flight-rules (VFR) conditions. Each aircraft is handicapped for speed and engine power. The goal is to have the actual ground speed be as far over the handicapped speed as possible. This women’s-only air race was originally started by pilots including Amelia Earhart back when women pilots were banned from competing against men."
OTHER AIRPORT MATTERS
The committee also:
 |
| Flight Academy Building |
* Heard that the 'Academy of Flight' building should be completed by mid-August, in time for the Fall school term as planned.
* Discussed the need for more hangar space, especially for small planes -- and how it may be financed (with city's help?).
* Heard that a $1.2 million Federal AIP grant to begin east-side runway access improvements is expected to be awarded in July.
* Heard an engineer's report that development north of Hwy 32 has increased storm water runoff volume onto airport property, overwhelming infrastructure.
* Discussed the possibility of re-financing or restructuring the AA's $8.9 million debt, in cooperation with the city, to avoid an impending balloon payment in the year 2020 (of $6.9 million).
* Authorized Chairman Zunk to move forward with negotiations that may eventually lead to the sale of about 5 1/2 acres of un-usable bottom land on the north side -- to be used for wetland mitigation by a Mobile developer. (for about $10K per acre).
* Discussed a proposal for the city to take over maintenance of a private road, McGown Dr., located southwest of the airport.
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