The next construction project should begin soon at the Alva Regional Airport. City Business Manager Angelica Brady said the start date will depend on delivery of the drainage structure. The project will enlarge the concrete apron to provide more space for aircraft parking.

During the Airport Commission meeting Monday, Brady said the pre-construction conference with Parkhill probably will be held in the next two weeks.

Commission members present were Dale Logsdon, Paul Kinzie, Calleb Mosburg, Kelly Parker and Terry Cline. While they examined the financial report, Brady pointed out the $371,081.71 that had been placed in the newly established separate airport checking account. The airport still has $590,124.64 in the city pooled account in addition to investments in certificates of deposit that total $440,157.51.

Manager’s Report

Airport Manager Derrick Courson reported 1,282.62 gallons of 100LL fuel was sold for $5,322.87 and $3,420 gallons of Jet A fuels for $10,260. Sales for August totaled $15,582.87 compared to $12,523.18 in August 2020.

Courson said the airport was “inspected like crazy” in August. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) inspector came while Courson was out of town. Jason May could not find paperwork on file so the airport was written up. However, Courson said he’s sending them the reports so that will take care of it.

The Phillips 66 inspection was done over the phone and approved. On Monday, Sept. 13, OCC came again, this time to inspect the jet fuel tank. No water was found in the tank, and the airport passed.

The airport had a rocky start changing to a new fuel provider. Sept. 1 at midnight was the end of the World Fuel account. Courson said World Fuel deactivated the account immediately. Usually they allow some time for a smooth transition. Courson said they may be upset because so many airports are switching to ASAP Fuel. ASAP allowed the Alva airport to use their account for a day so planes could be fueled.

The CAA (Corporate Aircraft Association) listed Alva Regional Airport on their website beginning Sept. 1. Courson said they’ve already had some CAA members landing in Alva as a result and he expects to see more traffic.

Sept. 10 is May’s hire date, and Courson said he’ll be doing an evaluation. May, who works part time at the airport, also works for the postal service and has been covering more routes for them. Courson said he’s been interviewing applicants for another part time airport position.

Courson spoke about the customer service focus at the airport, although he said he wasn’t comfortable bragging. As an example, when a pilot radios about landing, airport staff ask what is needed such as fueling at the pump or by fuel truck. If the pilot plans an overnight stay renting hangar space, they will meet them at the round-top hangar with the courtesy car. They will offer fueling at the hangar also. He said the airport offers good customer service, low fuel prices, mechanics available and even snacks in the pilot’s lounge. Logsdon commented that aviation is a small circle and pilots talk about their experiences at airport. “You guys are doing great,” he said.

Kinzie asked if Courson sees the need for a GPU (ground power unit). Courson said he does. A GPU provides power to parked aircraft to keep air conditioning and other equipment running. The airport budget includes the purchase of a GPU, and Courson is researching what is available.

Other than approving the minutes, there were no action items on the agenda.

A video of the meeting may be seen at http://www.AlvaReviewCourier.com. Click on the “video” tab.