Airport Solutions - New      

 
The
Airport Solutions Update
is intended to keep the public informed about ongoing efforts to improve air service at Friedman Memorial Airport and to pursue
a replacement airport.
Our goal is to be open, accessible and as transparent as possible for all.

 

The Update is posted on our website and sent to our email database as new information becomes available. To become a subscriber, please go to WWW.IFLYSUN.COM
and click on the "Airport Solutions Update" button on the left hand side. 

 

*NOTE: Items marked with an asterisk have occurred since the last FMAA meeting and will be briefed at the next meeting.   

 

February 2014  

  

The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority (FMAA) has made great strides in recent months identifying a plan to address FAA design deficiencies at the Airport and exploring ways to improve reliability and increase air service. The latest updates regarding these efforts and others are outlined below.  

 

Improvements to Friedman Memorial Airport - The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated that FMA has design deficiencies that, if not remedied, could result in the reduction or elimination of some air service.  As such, FMAA partnered with the FAA to study ways to meet the design standards (C-III) for aircraft that use the airport currently. The team has identified a plan to meet the congressional runway safety area requirement by the December 31, 2015 deadline and is currently in the process of implementing it.

Runway Safety Area Improvements Project    

   
  • The Airport Layout Plan (ALP) has been submitted to the FAA for final review. The document will return to the FMAA Board for approval after FAA review. This version of the ALP only reflects the improvements necessary in 2014 and 2015 to meet RSA standards. The ALP will be revisited as part of the upcoming Master Plan process.
  • The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) has been approved and has been forwarded to the FAA. Since its submittal, the FAA has indicated there may be additional discretionary funds available. The fiscal year 2014 CIP has been revised to reflect the additional funding potential. While the CIP amount has not changed, it does allow for a more aggressive approach to project completion. Airport staff is monitoring the cash flow to support the CIP and will make updates to the FMAA as appropriate.
    •  
  • Project 2 - Relocate/Extend Taxiway B and Runway Safety Area (RSA) Grading
    • Design of this project is complete and has been distributed to contractors to prepare bids.
    • Bids will be opened on March 13, 2014
    • The FMAA will conduct a special meeting in March to review bids submitted and to award the project .
  • Project 3 - Terminal Reconfiguration Scope of Work (SOW)
    • The revised SOW has been approved and staff has been instructed to proceed with independent fee estimates and contract negotiations, to include FAA concurrence. The contract fee shall not exceed $1,259,979.
  • Project 4 - Airport Operations Building SOW
    • The revised SOW has been approved and staff has been instructed to proceed with independent fee estimates and contract negotiations, to include FAA concurrence. The contract fee shall not exceed $536,810.
  • Project 5 - Terminal Apron Reconstruction/Site Preparations
    • Airport consultants have initiated the scoping process for:
      • Reconstruction of the terminal apron and site preparation for:
        • Terminal reconfiguration
        • Airport operations building construction
        • Replacement hangar sites on the north end of the airport.
 
As a reminder, the RSA Improvements Project will require two airport 

closures of approximately one month each in late April and early May of  2014 and 2015. The projected closure dates for 2014 are scheduled for  April 28 - May 22 (re-opening in time for Memorial Day weekend). These closures and construction updates can also be found on the Airport's website.

 

Pursuit of a replacement airport- A replacement airport is likely the best long-term solution for air service to this community.  Critical components in the replacement airport process would include locating a feasible site, building community support, identifying and developing funding sources and evaluating operational feasibility.

  • The Master Planning process is under way to help FMAA shape near, medium and long term plans for the future of the airport, with development of a scope of work outline. Development of this scope is near completion and is expected to be submitted for FMAA approval in the April board meeting.

Improvements to Air Service:

  • On February 3rd, FMAA, Fly Sun Valley Alliance and Sun Valley Company announced new, United Airlines nonstop regional jet service to Denver. The service is scheduled to begin on July 2nd and run through September 23rd. The flight has been structured to take full advantage of all major eastern markets.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More
  • Coffee Talk - Q&A with Airport Manager Rick Baird
    • Tuesday, March 4, 7:30-9AM at Shorty's in Hailey

     

  • Airport Tour - see the challenges first hand
    • Wednesday, March 5, 12:00-1:30PM, light lunch will be served. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to reserve your spot. 

 
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