Pilot Interest in Airport 80D Multiplying

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The April Airport Committee meeting saw attendance by pilots and interested persons who had not previously attended. Committee members present were Gabe Ambrozaitis and David Hoefling; Rickie Fancon was absent as was Lori Phelps, interim airport manager. The agenda noted that Phelps’ Airports 101 Training was scheduled for April 29 in Kalamazoo.

Old Business reminded that the Turf Runway 9/27 leveling, fertilizing and seeding remains scheduled for August of this year.

New Business included three items: the first being a Multi-Unit Agreement draft that was near completion [six pages], and is expected to be presented at the May 20 meeting.

The other two related to information presented by Ambrozaitis concerning encroachment on airport property by adjacent business entities, and two motions were presented in address of that situation.

-Survey and stake of Lot A (007-272-000-01) and Outlot B (007-272-000-01) of the Airport property to confirm or deny Parcel Encroachment on Airport Property.

-For the County Attorney to send a Cease and Desist Letter to any encroaching businesses and to give follow-on legal advice for next steps if there is non-compliance.

Under Events, it was noted that a Harrison Area Pilots Association meeting was slated for May 3 to finalize plans for the upcoming 8-11 a.m. May 17 Spring Fly-in/Dawn Patrol. Still scheduled is the Fall Fly-in/Dawn Patrol slated tentatively for Oct. 4.

Also touched on by Ambrozaitis was the intent for a CTE meeting to explore the possibility of how to incorporate aviation mechanic certification into that program. That certification would open the door to airplane maintenance business(es) based at 80D.

Public Comments took up the lion’s share of the meeting, with new visitors bringing some voices to the airport discussion. Ypsilanti pilot Craig Maxfield had flown in that day and attended in support of keeping the airport open. He expressed great interest in being able to fly into Clare County Airport 80D, particularly now that the runway is in such improved condition. He did note there is an obstacle for those who want to do more than drop in for a bite at Jackie’s Airport Restaurant or trot across the road to Scooter’s. He said he wants to come to Harrison and bring money into the community, but those options are limited by access to fuel and a courtesy car, which if available would enable pilots to better spend resources in the community.

The Clare County Board of Commissioners’ vote to table acceptance of $254,000-plus in no-match grants [directed to lighting upgrade and crack sealing] also was discussed, and it was noted there had been much disbelief that the BOC would not accept that funding. Ambrozaitis clarified that the Board needed to know that it would be a bad decision to turn it down.

Robert Vandenbrook said the airport provides a vital service to the community, and that bringing in investment requires a functional airport.

“What they have to understand is that the feelings they’re creating amongst the people that live here – they just don’t get it,” he said. “You can’t expect the people that live in northern Clare County to be gracious and giving when you’re trying to take away some of our resources. That airport, although it is a county airport, is a huge part of what goes on here. This is supposed to be the county seat – it could be an integral part of what we do, or any future we hope to have as far as having a few machine shops there. An aviation mechanic place to bring your plane and get it worked on.”

Ambrozaitis referred back to Maxfield’s comments regarding a lack of services, noting those services can’t be provided because the airport’s foundation is not built.

“Our foundation starts with predictable, consistent and stable funding for a county airport by the county commissioners,” he said. “If you’re not willing to fund your own airport, I daresay you’re not doing your job.

Flying enthusiast and aspiring pilot Emerson Corder spoke of his efforts to get the word out to pilots about the situation at 80D and said he has received a great deal of positive feedback. He also noted the willingness for support from the Experimental Aircraft Association. Corder also cited conversations wherein pilots had said that if there was airplane maintenance servicing available, those plane owners would choose to have service performed locally rather that in places such as metropolitan Detroit.

Ambrozaitis affirmed that having more choices is always better.

“More choices is better in anything, especially in aviation,” he said. “More choices for fuel, more choices for maintenance, more choices for a courtesy car, motels – it just continues to build.” Ambrozaitis  also equated that to recreation opportunities, such as when people fly in, park their plane and stay for a week.

Corder added that when looking at a map of Michigan, there is a big hole in the middle of the Lower Peninsula as regards a lack of A&P mechanics, with 80D in the center of it.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the Airport Committee will meet next at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 in the Board of Commissioners Room of the Clare County Building, 225 W. Main St. in Harrison. This will be three days after the Spring fly-in/Dawn Patrol and the day prior to the next Board of Commissioners meeting where a vote will be taken on acceptance of the MDOT grants— and possibly the airport’s very survival.