Alva Review-Courier -

Much of the Alva Airport Commission focused on preparations for the Air Race Classic on Tuesday and the Wings over the Prairie Air Show next Friday and Saturday. The commission met Monday, June 11, with all members present.

Airport Manager Tyson Tucker said he and the part-time employee have worked to keep up with mowing and trimming grass to have the airport in top shape for the coming events. He was placing an order of both types of aviation fuel to be stocked up for all the activity.

The FAA waiver for the air show was finalized. The runway will have to be closed during the aerobatic performances.

After the approved painter experienced health problems, the commission approved a different company for painting and minor repairs at the terminal building. Tucker said he was supposed to meet Tuesday with the contractor and hoped most of the work could be done before the air race and air show.

Tucker said a computer modem had to be replaced to allow for communication with the fuel pump.

He said fuel sales are holding steady with 4,335 gallons sold during May.

April Mills from Plane Plastics gave an update on plans for the race contestants and the air show. All those with aviation interests on the airport were sent letters giving details of the events.

Earlier that day, 23 volunteers met to go over plans for helping with the events. Another meeting on fueling and parking of planes brought in 11 volunteers.

Kevin Lacey, the aircraft repo man, is bringing three airplanes with members of his teen group who have offered their help at the air show.

Jeremy Weiland of Garver spoke to the board members about possible supplemental appropriations being available for federal grants. The Alva airport qualifies as an eligible candidate. He said they seem to be looking for smaller, more rural airports although there’s some elements are pushing to the fund programs for the larger airports. The amount of funding is still undetermined, but he hoped to learn more soon.

Weiland said applications will have to be turned in by sometime in August so time is short to get preliminary work done and bids out. The grants will be announced in September.

Board members discussed some possible projects such as a reinforced area or hardstand of the airport apron to support heavier jet traffic. Paul Kinzie suggested they consider runway lighting that had to be removed from an earlier project due to cost overruns.

Weiland said he’ll keep abreast of the situation on these grants. One nice feature is that these will be 100 percent grants, unlike the usual 90 percent ones requiring airports to come up with the other 10 percent of project costs.

During the comments section of the meeting, Kelly Parker said the new signage should be up in time for next week’s events.

Two men from Lochner in Oklahoma City visited at the meeting. Steve Harris and Ed Agnew said their company is an aviation firm handling all types of airport work. Agnew told the board, “We know the players at the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and up to Washington, D.C.”