Good Morning All,
- REILs: Reminder that the main runway 15-33 will be closed today and tomorrow 0700-1700 for installation of the Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs). They have to be flight checked before we can use them, but when operational they will be Pilot Controlled with the runway lighting system.
- GPS Approaches: The drafts are now posted on the FAA Instrument Approach Gateway. Looks like LPV approaches to Rwy 33 with DA of 200′ AGL and RWY 15 with a DA of 298′ AGL. Wo-ow, we didn’t expect that. There is also a FALCON ONE obstacle departure procedure. They are available for review and discussion, BUT NOT FOR FLIGHT until flight checked by the FAA and published … currently scheduled for June 15.
- KFLY Snow Removal: We have had several inquiries about our snow removal policy and procedures.
- Please remember that this is NOT a commercial service airport. There is no obligation to keep the runways open at all times. We do so as soon as practical and economically efficient, and snow removal (and all functions at Meadow Lake) are performed by volunteers. We generally do not clear a dusting of less than an inch … the sun usually clears it within a day. When snow removal is deemed appropriate, it is accomplished when volunteers can get here and operate equipment that they are personally checked out on.
- Main Runway and Taxiways Alpha & Bravo (Primary Surfaces) … We keep two runway plows inside in the winter, with batteries & diesel heaters usually plugged in and ready to go. Unfortunately, it is not practical to keep the Oshkosh broom inside this year and its two diesel engines are a bear to start. We are really looking forward to the specialty Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) Maintenance & Storage building this coming year … three indoor bays, with the broom plugged in along side and ready to go. These are big machines and are restricted for use only on the main runway and taxiways. The hangar complex is too restricted and we have had damage result when these machines go back there. Procedurally, we plow to an inch, and then broom to clear the residue so the sun can melt the surface. We do NOT put plow blades on the runway/taxiway surface because they catch cracks and rip up expensive asphalt. Likewise, when we are working the runway and taxiway, we try to move with momentum to plow/throw snow and we’ve had close calls with looky-loos driving their POVs out to check the runway conditions. PERSONAL VEHICLES SHOULD NEVER BE OUT ON THE RUNWAY OR ALPHA/BRAVO (unless on official business and with a light and a radio).
- Cessna Drive and Access Taxiways (Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Kilo) (Secondary surfaces) … We have a 1-ton dump truck and a ¾ ton pickup with plow blades that get used for these areas, and many volunteers use their personal pickups in these areas too. We also have an articulated MT-5 with a small broom and another with a snow blower that can be used to help clear these areas. Again, plow vehicles should have glides on the plow (or a vinyl blade attachment) so that the metal blade is NOT directly scrapping the pavement surface.
- Private taxiways & ramp areas (Tertiary surfaces) … these are the responsibility of the property owners. MLAA volunteers MAY bring the airport vehicles into these areas after the above surfaces are cleared, but to be honest, by that time our regular volunteers have usually had enough for one day (or two). If you are using your own vehicle (or have contractors), please remember that piling snow along the edge of pavement may help vehicles, but creates hazards for wing clearance. Our airport is designed for 49 ft wing clearance, so snow berms must be pushed back away from the taxi surface (watch out for electric service boxes!)
Thanks to all for your patience and support. Please feel free to contact me or Dan Jacquot (our vehicle coordinator) if you have any questions or comments. (BTW, we owe a lot of thanks to Dan for doing most of the runway clearing now and Llyod Remus for working the 1-Ton clearing the Alpha taxiway).
Blue Skies …
Dave Elliot