Airport News 
January 2014  

 

Marily Mora
Marily Mora 
President/CEO 

Reno-Stead Airport has always been a place that pushes the boundaries of aviation. The Lear Fan jet engine was developed at Reno-Stead, our nation's first Astronauts received survival training there and air racers annually take their aircraft to new speeds at the 5000-acre airport in the North Valleys. That is why it's so fitting that the Federal Aviation Administration named Nevada, and Reno-Stead Airport, as one of the 6 states that are now authorized test sites for UAS (Unmanned Autonomous Systems)-better known as drones.

 

Working closely with the office of Gov. Brian Sandoval, the University of Nevada, Desert Research Institute and economic development officials throughout Northern Nevada, Reno-Stead is ideally positioned to help our nation develop new technology and guidelines for unmanned aerial activity and the services that would support it. We will keep the community updated as we work to take the newest development in aviation technology to new heights. 

 

If you have any questions or comments, I welcome your input and suggestions at mmora@renoairport.com.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Marily M. Mora, A.A.E.

President and CEO 

Stead Airport is ready to land new UAV development


On December 16th, the airport celebrated the Grand Opening of the Reno-Stead Airport Terminal. Within two weeks of the opening, the Federal Aviation Administration announced the state of Nevada as one of the test sites for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems (UAV/UAS). Other states authorized to become test sites for the commercial development of UAS include: Alaska, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia.

 

With 5,000 acres ready for development and a new Flight Terminal, Reno-Stead Airport is ideally positioned to be Northern Nevada's center for UAS growth. The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA), the owners and operators of Reno-Stead, worked closely with the Governor's office to include Stead as a key location in the state application to attract UAS technology development to Nevada.  

 

A drone is tested at Reno-Stead Airport during a demonstration from Hawkeye America in Jan. 2013.

 

Stead is a general aviation airport that was a former U.S. Air Force base. In recent years, it has hosted both private and military research projects. The fact that it is no longer active military airspace, makes it attractive to private UAS businesses, both national and international, who may choose to locate their drone business at Stead.

 

"The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority is honored to help develop the next generation of aviation technology and policies that will respect privacy concerns, while bringing jobs and economic benefit to our entire region," said Marily Mora, RTAA President & CEO.  

 

Approval to begin testing and development of UAV systems will not only help establish new technology, but also new policies surrounding public privacy as it relates to drone technology.

 

"We look forward to working with the Governor's Office of Economic Development," said Adam Mayberry, Airport Authority Board Chairman, "the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, the University of Nevada, Desert Research Institute and the private sector to develop Reno-Stead and Northern Nevada into a UAS research and development center."

Freedom Flight Terminal Building at Reno-Stead Airport 

 

The Reno-Stead Airport held a patriotic-themed Grand Opening on Monday, Dec. 16th, of the new Terminal Building and Emergency Operations Center. Over 100 people were in attendance representing the Stead pilots and tenants, public officials, community businesses and staff.   

  

The new Freedom Flight Terminal at the Reno-Stead Airport located near the main entrance at 4895 Texas Ave., Reno, NV. 

 

The Freedom Flight Terminal is dedicated to the nation's veterans who have served in the armed forces and it will serve the 200 based aircraft and tenants who currently operate at the Reno-Stead Airport.

 

The two story, 12,000 square foot building provides an Administrative Office, an Emergency Operations Center, a Pilot's Lounge, and a Community Conference Room; and features landside and airside access for pilot convenience. It also includes 1,572 square feet of built to suit lease space with access to the main terminal building.   
 
Construction began on the $6 million Flight Center in April of 2013. Designed by H+K Architects and built by Q&D Construction, it was completed just eight months later in December 2013, on time and under budget. 
About the Reno-Tahoe
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Reno-Tahoe International Airport receives no state or local tax dollars. All operating revenues are generated from tenant and concession fees.

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New Art Exhibit Celebrates Ski Culture
 

In partnership with Ski Lake Tahoe, the airport unveiled a new exhibit in the depARTures Gallery last month, titled Winter Inspired.  

 

The display celebrates the region's ski culture and features murals and photography from ten local artists; video and even old-skis-turned- furniture that capture the winter beauty and playground of the Lake Tahoe region.  

 

 

 

"We timed this exhibit for the season," said Marily Mora, Airport President & CEO. "About 25 to 29 percent of our travelers through this airport visit Lake Tahoe during their stay, so this exhibit makes complete sense. And we hope that for travelers who don't have Lake Tahoe on their itinerary, this exhibit might cause them to take a side trip to Tahoe or inspire them to come back at a different time."  

 

Winter Inspired will be on display on the second floor of the terminal, post-security through April 2014.

 

 
Winning Big at the Airport

The holiday season became even richer for one local resident who was waiting for an incoming flight just before Christmas Eve, Dec. 23, and hit $533,828.85 on the Wheel of Fortune� Spinning Reel at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

 

And this lucky traveler, who wishes to remain anonymous, isn't the only passenger to enjoy a winning streak at the airport. Winning big at Reno-Tahoe International has happened more than once.

 

 

 

John W. Johnson of Denver, Colo. hit a $10,422,754.08 Megabucks MegaJackpot at the airport on February 21, 2010. Johnson had arrived in Reno with his wife and teammates for the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championship. He had just deplaned from a Southwest Airlines flight, and after playing only $12 on the Megabucks machine, he hit the Megajackpot.

 

Another big win occurred at Reno-Tahoe International Airport in December of 2007, when Christina McCarter, 41 year old mother of four, hit a $1,401,563 MegaJackpot� playing Wheel of Fortune� while waiting for an arriving flight.

 

"This just goes to show that people really do win at Reno-Tahoe International and airport slot machines pay out," said Marily Mora, Airport President & CEO. "Both local passengers and visitors to the Reno-Tahoe region benefit from winnings earned right here at the airport."

 

One of the benefits of having gaming in the airport is the revenue it adds to the annual operating budget.

 

"It's the revenue generated from airport gaming machines, parking, retail and concessions that help Reno-Tahoe International keep costs low for the airlines," said Ms. Mora. "And lower airline operating costs improve the economic picture for flights and air service for the community."

 

 

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