WE'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY! The master plan is ready for the next chapter, almost.
Since 2006 we've studied 15 (or is it 17) potential sites in our area as alternatives to the existing airport. Three of those were studied extensively and now the list is almost narrowed down to one. Unfortunately, it may not be all that great of an option either. It's site 12, located out by Moonstone Ranch on Highway 20. You can get all the riveting details here (start on page 6) and even more if you read every bit of info on the master plan section of the website.
Based on discussions, it appears the board may rule out the locations in the Bellevue triangle.
 Random tidbit for your next cocktail party:
A moonstone gemstone represents a passionate love that will fly you to the moon. Heck, we'd settle for flyin' to any of our five direct locations
(SFO, LAX, SLC, SEA, DEN).
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 SO (dramatic pause)
YOU'RE SAYING THERE'S
A CHANCE?
Well, yeah, maybe. Although, a few interesting questions were discussed that make one wonder if it's time to move on to the next topic for a bit and be grateful that all the site selection info is now included in the master plan documentation. That was the goal, right?
Can we even pay for a new airport?
For the FAA to look at us seriously again, we need to show that we can pay for this bugger. In other words, we need additional financial activity (e.g., more passengers into and out of the airport) to show that we can support it.
How much $$ are we talking about anyway? A new airport estimated to cost is in the neighborhood of $300 million. (Yikes, that looks more like a Powerball jackpot!)
Up next:
Airport consultants Mead & Hunt will be gathering better intel in this department. They are going to take what we already know and draw up a generic financial analysis so we have a rough idea of what it will really take to build a new airport.
Oh, by the way, who will pay for it? We will. Just in case you're wondering, we = you and me because based on what consultants Landrum & Brown have observed, recent FAA funding is way down when it comes to this kind of project. So, the equation probably looks like this: Bucket Loads of $$ + FAA Helps a Bit (Not as big a bit. FAA help doesn't look like it did in the past.) + Community Pays Most of the Bill (a.k.a. taxes) = New Airport
So, it seems the way to go is to finish up the master plan (with the site selection chapter in it) and ensure that our current airport lasts while we work on the formula above.
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 WHAT ARE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT...
Super cool! FMA has approved an Airport Art Committee with the local Arts Commissions and it will have board representation. Thanks Ron Fairfax and Angenie McCleary for your offer to support. You rock!
No, of course that's not Ron on the right, but this guy does look like he is contemplating something very serious.
Art is food for the mind. Next time you drop someone off at the airport, make a point to come inside and get some nourishment for the mind and soul.
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HEY, IT'S A LEGIT QUESTION!
Is there a chance that the FAA will come back with new policy that will require FMA to go through more modifications? Well, of course. There is always a chance that the FAA could change their policy and require more of FMA. However, our expert consultants, Landrum & Brown, who have worked with the FAA for what seems like eons don't foresee them taking another look at FMA for a very long time (15 to 20 years).
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QUOTE OF THE NIGHT:
We may think site 12 [or any site] is the greatest
thing since canned beer, but can we pay for it?
-Don Keirn
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 SAVE THE DATE Regular board meeting is February 9, 2016
See you at the Blaine County Courthouse at 5:30.
Agenda items include:
- General financial analysis of a new airport utilizing the information we currently know
- Noise Abatement Committee Selection
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PLANE FACTS For those who want to know.
We take voluntary noise abatement seriously.
It really doesn't matter who you are. Your pilot will receive a call from the principal (in this case either the chief of operations or the airport manager) if s/he chooses to pretend s/he never knew. Get a load of this. Several years ago a General had to fly out at an ungodly hour. Well, his boss was THE boss (also known as the President of the United States). Yep, you better believe he got a letter from our airport manager and our airport manager got a response. Here are the letters.
Did you know that the airport manager will take you on a tour of the airport?
It's a ton of fun, you get to learn a bit about what's going on over here, and you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two. Contact rick@flyfma.com to schedule a tour.
Who has the final say when it comes to landing a plane safely in our valley?
The pilot always has the final call. Our tower can request that all aircraft operate from the south, but if the pilot feels it is safer to land from the north s/he can override the tower's request.
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SPEAK EASY
WDAAM = What Do All the Acronyms Mean?
RON - No, it's not for Ron Fairfax, it's for Remain Overnight.
TERPS - Terminal Instrument Procedures (I know, I really want that to be TIP!)
ATFL - Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory
SRM - Safety Risk Management
These will be important terms to understand as the board moves to discuss Chapter D-Existing Airport Site Alternatives.
We'll bring acronyms to you in every newsletter, but if you want to be an overachiever you can find them all HERE.
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Once again, Fly Sun Valley Alliance and Sun Valley Resort have teamed up to present Ski for Air Service Day by offering a full-day $40 lift ticket for skiing at Sun Valley on Sunday, January 24, 2016. All proceeds from Ski for Air Service Day will support air service to Sun Valley. Tickets must be purchased in advance, January 13-23, at local ski shops in Ketchum, Hailey and Twin Falls. Quantities are LIMITED, so hurry up get yours before they sell out! Don't forget about 50% deals on ski/board rentals and lodging, too!
See all the details here.
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STAY CONNECTED  
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