Excitement is building at the Alva Regional Airport as plans take shape for participation in the 42nd Annual Air Race Classic in June. Vantage Plane Plastics, located at the airport, is heading up the race plans and associated events including a fly-in and airshow. April Mills from Plane Plastics discussed plans at the airport commission meeting on Monday, Jan. 8.

The race featuring about 50 aircraft with teams of two per plane is open only to female pilots. Each year the race follows a different route of 2,600 miles or more over four days in June. This year's course begins in Sweetwater, Texas, and ends in Fryeburg, Maine. The race is June 19-22.

Stops for fuel, refreshments and possible overnight stays are scheduled at locations along the way. Alva is the first stop on the route. Mills said Plane Plastics will rent some portable restroom facilities, but she asked that the men's restroom at the airport be designated for women on the date the female pilots are expected, asking any men needing facilities to use the porta-potties.

To make fueling equal for all the racers, the Alva Airport is to designate whether the race planes will be fueled at the pumps or by a fuel truck. Mills said pilots are to radio the airport as they approach from ten, three and one mile distances to determine their order for fueling. Kinzies and Plane Plastics will be providing a dinner for the race contestants.

Since the race stops will be on Tuesday and will be rather rushed, the airshow will take place the weekend before. Mills asked for a list of pilots with planes hangered on Alva's field so they can be notified about the airshow and be prepared for the unusual amount of traffic.

It's been 35 years since the beginning of Plane Plastics in Alva, and the company sees this as an opportunity to mark their anniversary.

The fly-in and airshow will include a meet and greet for pilots flying in on Friday. The field north of Kinzies will be mowed for plane parking and camping. Pilots will be entertained by movies under the stars and a barbecue dinner. Pilots will also be provided breakfast Saturday morning by the Kinzies.

Events are still being organized, but there will be judging for best of show trophies. An aerobatics performance group, the Texas T-Carts, has been contacted. Mills said an exhibit building will be set up north of Plane Plastics for aircraft related businesses and entities. Food trucks will be on hand to provide refreshments for attendees. The Young Eagles group will be at the airport on Thursday to provide free plane rides for kids.

The airport commission approved a motion showing their support and cooperation for the June events.

Manager's Report

Chairman Dale Logsdon was absent from Monday's meeting so Secretary Terry Turner presided. Commission members welcomed newly appointed member Calleb Mosburg.

Airport Manager Greg Murray reported fuel sales were "really strong" with $19,291.99 in sales for December. Sales in November were $14,701.09.

Murray said one of the hangars in the new building has become available for lease. He has no one on a waiting list at present.

Regarding lighting for the new building, Murray said OG&E brought out the light poles for the outdoor lighting and has dug a trench on the north side of the building.

A leaking bypass valve has been fixed on the Jet A truck. The mechanic had to rebuild the solenoid on the valve.

Northwest Electric brought their scissor lift to replace ballasts and light bulbs in the terminal building lobby. They changed the old style bulbs to new LED ones which will provide energy savings.

Murray reported Double Check finished the installation of the new hose reel on the 100LL pump and it is working really well.

The internally lit windsock arrived. Murray anticipated Northwest Electric would be at the airport soon to help install it. An LED bulb arrived with the lighting apparatus, and the airport received the new windsock from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. The much larger lighted windsock should be more visible to pilots at night.

Murray said he would be attending the meeting of the O.A.O.A. in Oklahoma City today, Jan. 12.

Other Business

Turner has been pushing for the purchase of a jump start unit for aircraft use, especially for jets. The commission asked Murray to look at possible choices. Murray reported the one Turner suggested seemed to be the best one that provided both 12 volt and 28 volt power as well as working for vehicles. The portable unit weighs about 35 lbs. and costs about $3,500. However, a sale price listed it for $3,150.

Kinzie said if such a purchase were made, a policy for use should be established. He said in the past, pieces of equipment have been misplaced or disappeared. He'd like better tracking established.

Kinzie also said a jump start unit for jets could be purchased for around $600. A second one for a lower voltage could be purchased for around the same price. No action was taken on the purchase.

The next item, an ice maker for the terminal building, met the same fate. There was little interest or discussion. Currently, Murray stocks the airport refrigerator was the occasional purchase of bagged ice.

Murray reported he is still waiting for estimates or quotes from companies he has contacted about repairs and painting needed on the terminal building so the item was tabled.

Turner appointed Kinzie and Logsdon as the committee to update the ODO Project List for future FAA funded projects.

During board comments, Kinzie went over some questions and issues he had with the new handbook for commission members. The handbook was briefly discussed at the beginning of the meeting with City Manager Joe Don Dunham present. Kinzie asked about including the approved policies of the commission. Dunham said he would do that when he can get the policies organized in the proper form.