Yes, it's true. The airport is finally live on Facebook and Twitter! Since we went live with both accounts in mid-January, we have enjoyed connecting with everyone who has found us. 

We encourage everyone to use the links below (lower left corner of page) to follow us and get immediate news of any issues that may impact your airport use, like the recent air space closure due to the president's visit, construction or weather news. 

You will also find interesting news about all aspects of aviation, as well as photos of the snowy owl that has made itself at home at the airport and has a big fan base among local wildlife aficionados.

This year, we're aiming to attract all kinds of aircraft to Waukesha County Airport as the last full-service GA airport before everyone lands at AirVenture in Oshkosh. Airport businesses will be banding together to offer "pit crew" services for any needed repair, re-fueling, hotels, rental cars or whatever else visitors may need. If you belong to a group that plans to meet and fly up together, why not encourage them to come to Waukesha!  

Many of you know Tracy Shilobrit and her firm, StrateVantage Communications, due to their work since 2009 to market the airport and promote the Wings over Waukesha Air Show. Tracy and her firm were recently featured in the Milwaukee Business Journal in their regular feature on executives and their wellness strategies. You can find the story here. 

The next meeting of the Airport Operations Commission will be April 9 at 8 am in the airport terminal conference room.  

All members of the airport community are welcome to join the meetings, which are held the second Monday of each month - same time, same place.  

  

If you would like to receive notification of agenda items, please email Val Ramos at varamos@waukeshacounty.gov.

 

Welcome to March and the hope that spring is near, after an exceptionally cold and snowy winter.  

 

We are putting the finishing touches on our 2014 annual report to Waukesha County and I am pleased to report the big increase in corporate aviation last year, rebounding back to pre-recession levels we haven't seen since 2008. While the General Aviation activity is still  lower, I'm optimistic that the combination of better flying weather and Atlantic's lower fuel pricing will assist in revitalizing our grassroots flying.  

 

Financially, we once again came in under our budgeted expenditures and realized more than our projected revenues. I rewote the entire budget structure for 2014 to reduce spending and make the budget easier to manage. As always, our goal is to reduce the tax levy we need to operate the airport and become self-sufficient. This will increase the benefits we provide to you and our neighbors. 

 

In this issue of the newsletter, we offer a nice array of positive news, from a new law that makes your maintenance costs lower to new aircraft in the Spring City rental fleet and much more.  Read on and enjoy! 

 

Stay warm and fly safe, 

Kurt

State Inches Closer to Passing Law  to Reduce Cost of Parts and Maintenance

Spring City Adds Float Plane and Baron to its Rental Aircraft Fleet

Operations Update by Matt Grenoble

Snowplow Damage

With the abundant snowfall this year, the snow removal contractors stayed very busy. Inevitably, plow blades sometimes damage things around the airfield such as turf, edge lights and other fixtures. If you discover any damage from plows as the snow melts away, please contact me at 262-521-5250 to report it so we can get to work on repairs.

 

Tower Crane Northeast of Runway 18

On February 12, the Airport Operations Commission approved a variance of the Height Limitation Zoning Ordinance (HLZO) for a temporary tower crane located .64 NM northeast of the approach end of Runway 18. The maximum height of the crane is 130 feet above ground, and it sits 1282 feet east of the Runway 18/36 centerline. The crane is being used to construct a new ProHealth Care facility just off of Pewaukee Road, north of Thunder Bay Grill. It is expected to operate from February until July of 2014.

Upcoming Events

The 4th Saturday of every month, the Waukesha Aviation Club hosts Coffee Talk from 8 - 10 am in the airport conference room. Coffee and doughnuts are provided by the club. Come join the fun!

If you've ever wanted to help out on a vintage aircraft restoration project, this is your chance! Kellner Restoration in Marengo, IL, will host the event on April 26.  Find out more here.

That's right, the air show is back August 23 and 24 for more fun and excitement! The headliner this year is the one and only Patty Wagstaff.  Volunteers are welcome - just email Kelly and she will find a great job for you!

The Waukesha County Airport/Crites Field Newsletter is intended to inform airport tenants, visitors and other interested individuals about the latest events, news and services available to them at the airport.  If you would like to see a topic featured in the next newsletter, please contact Kurt Stanich, Airport Manager, at kstanich@waukeshacounty.gov or call 262-521-5250.