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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-1990 Meeting• AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES APRIL 11, 1990 1. The meeting was called to order at 6:10 P.M. by Chairman Guy Sutherland. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Guy Sutherland, Vice-Chairman Larry Tucker, Secretary Steve Gillett, Members Cliff Hyde, Deborah Rihn, and Mike Miller MEMBERS ABSENT: Member John Ladd OTHERS PRESENT: Don Callaway, Danny Whitten, Raymond Johnson, Tom Helerlberg, John Cannatella, Bill Grey (FAA), Don McEnany 2. The minutes of the December 6, 1989 regular meeting were read. Motion was made by Member Mike Miller, seconded by Member Deborah Rihn, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion was unanimous. 3. The City of La Porte has received some concerns and com- plaints from various individuals regarding operation of gyroplanes. The Board discussed developing rules and regulations for gyroplanes. Bill Grey stated that under FAA regulations, they are not mentioned in area of operation around airports; they talk about helicopters and airplanes, but a gyroplane is not a helicopter nor is it an airplane. Its characteristics are closest to helicopter, but it cannot hover and can't take off vertically. It must have runway to take off and land. Under Federal regulations, gyroplanes are licensed as rotorcraft gyroplanes. FAA rules say helicopters have to avoid flow of fixed wing aircraft, they're not compatible; gyroplanes are not compatible with fixed wing aircraft. Don Callaway stated the problem is communication; they are hard to see, airplanes lose sight of them and become concerned. Gyroplanes have better visibility than airplanes. A pilot of a gyroplane is to follow helicopter rules and avoid the flow of fixed wing aircraft. At Spaceland, they are asked not to use the taxiway; at Wharton they are asked not to use the runway, to use the taxiway; at Galveston they use the parking ramp for helicopters, and don't use a runway at all. He suggested using a small pattern inside a large pattern, and provided detailed drawings and examples. Vice-Chairman Larry Tucker voiced his support for the proposed inside pattern, but suggested the need to add the • • following wording: "Prior to a gyroplane turning from base to final he must insure there are no airplanes in the same position. if there are, he should yield. The airplane in a normal traffic flow will have the right of way at all times." Member Mike Miller concurred. Member Deborah Rihn expressed reservations with creating a second pattern, citing safety concerns. Member Cliff Hyde does not like the idea of two patterns on the same runway, and is in agreement with Deborah Rihn. Pilots are not able to see gyroplanes: they aren't where they were supposed to be, there is difficulty with autorota- tion in an area where there is not supposed to be any flying aircraft. He would rather see a pattern on the opposite side of the runway rather than low patterns. He considered a pattern on the inside more dangerous than one on the opposite side of the field. However, on the opposite side of the runway they would be coming head-on with other aircraft on the base. Cliff Hyde suggested that for the time being we try the suggested inside pattern at the lower altitude on a trial basis, with airplanes being given the right of way. If there are any complaints, find out who, why, what kind of problem. Whatever else is decided, a ramp or taxiway is not to be used. The Board will see what the experience is for a month: FBO's will post the proposed pattern and will bring back incident reports and input from the users. It was pointed out that the Airport Manager could designate special rules under the current ordinance. Member Deborah Rihn suggested that gyroplanes exit the runway as soon as possible. 4. Secretary Steve Gillett reported that the City was notified that a grant in the amount of $72,000 was received from the FAA to update the Airport Master Plan. Secretary Steve Gillett will be taking the grant offer to the City Council on the 23rd of April for their approval to accept the grant. The City will have to contribute $7,200 from the Airport budget, or 10~ of the total grant, as its matching share. Steve Gillett talked to the FAA in Fort Worth regarding beginning the selection process for consultants. Steve Gillett has developed a Scope of Work and is ready to issue Request for Proposal starting this weekend, by advertising in the newspaper, sending it to several known consultants who do aviation planning work and any other additional con- sultants who wish to submit. Motion was made by Secretary Steve Gillett to begin the consultant selection process, seconded by Member Deborah Rihn. Motion was unanimous. Chairman Guy Sutherland ~ ~ appointed Larry Tucker and Deborah Rihn as committee mem- bers, with Steve Gillett as chairman. They will meet on Tuesday, May 8, 1990, at 2:00 P.M. to discuss the proposals and ranking. The selection committee will select the firms, rank the firms, take their findings to the next Board meeting. With approval of the Board, then the same selection committee could start negotiation for contract with the number one ranked firm. FAA requested that they be included in the negotiation meetings. They will ultimately have approval of the scope of the work and the price. 5. Chairman Guy Sutherland had no report at this time. 6. Motion was made to adjourn by Member Deborah Rihn, seconded by Member Cliff Hyde. Motion was unanimous and the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Steve Gille t, Secretary PASSED AND APPROVED: ON THIS DAY rnR'~ / , 19 90 GUY T RLAND, CHAIRMAN