 | In the Spotlight |  |
|  The Salina Airport Authority Freezin' Flyers braved the cold again this year at the Special Olympics of Kansas's annual Polar Plunge and Strut at the Webster Conference Center, Feb. 18. Although, due to illness, injury and pregnancy none of the team members were able to take part in the icy plunge, four turned up for the 5K.
Firefighter Mitch Pounds came in fourth during the trail run and the team raised more than $300 to benefit the Kansas Special Olympics. The Freezin' Flyers expect to be in top shape for next year's event with at least three members taking the plunge! |
Tower Updates |  | We are getting close to that time of year where we will see numerous flocks of migrating water fowl. We will take your pilot reports of bird activity and put the advisory on ATIS. The F-18's have returned to KSLN again for about 30 days. Just as a reminder to pilots, the F-18 aircraft will be operating to and from R3601. When they return to land, they usually make an overhead approach to either runway 17 or 35 at 2800 msl and pitch out to the east for the downwind. When landing, these aircraft will need to roll to the end of the runway to be de-armed. If you are landing behind these aircraft, we might tell you to take extra spacing. We enjoy watching and working these aircraft. Bruce Boyle Manager KSLN FCT |
On the Flightline |
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Feb 16, 2012 - More than 70 soldiers from the 170th Maintence Company board a Southwest Airlines 737, at the Salina Municipal Airport, Feb. 16. The unit, which is deploying for the first time since Desert Storm, will stop at Camp Shelby in Mississippi for a few weeks of training before heading to Kuwait for a security detail mission. |
ARFF Station Update |
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(February 28, 2012) - Thanks to the relatively mild winter, construction of the Salina Airport Authority's new 10,000-square-foot, $2.5 million aircraft rescue and firefighting station has continued to run on track through the month of February. "You can really start to see it coming together," said David "Gunner" Wiles, manager of operations and security. "They've removed the tubes and closed in the watch room. We're excited to see it looking more and more like the end product." "We're getting ready to begin paving," explained Kenny Bieker, manager of facilities and construction. "They'll be doing the interior floors this coming week and exterior sidewalks and drives next." The project is on schedule to be completed in June. |
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| Contact Info |  | | Melissa McCoy Public Affairs & Communications |
| From the XD's desk: Air Traffic at KSLN Soars | 
Over the first two months of the year air traffic at the Salina Airport increased 60 percent as compared to the first two months of 2011. Through February 2012, Salina air traffic controllers have recorded over 11,200 takeoffs and landings. During the same two-month period in 2011, air traffic count at the Salina Airport was at 6,968 operations. The 2012 increase is due to improved business jet activity, military training and most significantly increased K-State Salina flight training. K-State Salina has experienced record enrollment in both its fixed wing and helicopter flight training programs. To meet demand, K-State has added new Cessna 172 aircraft and Robinson helicopters to its training fleet. The K-State training fleet and instructors are busier than ever training fixed wing and helicopter pilots at the Salina Airport. I expect that the upward trend in air traffic activity at the Salina Airport will continue through the remainder of the year. The increase in air traffic and flight training is a good indicator of an improving economy. Tim Rogers, A.A.E. Executive Director |
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 | Roberts, Hueslkamp discuss UAS ops in Salina |  | Tim Rogers, A.A.E. speaks with U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan. and U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., about the advantages Salina offers as an unmanned aerial systems training site. In the coming months the Federal Aviation Administration will select up to six sites nation-wide for UAS training and operations. |
On a visit to Salina staff members from the offices of U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan. and U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan. sat down at K-State Salina's Unmanned Aerial Systems Program office and learned about current and future UAS operations in Salina. Currently, there are many restrictions on UASs in national airspace, but the 2012 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill sets a September 30, 2015 deadline for full integration of UAS into the national airspace. The FAA is required to prepare a comprehensive integration plan within the next nine months. The bill also requires the FAA to establish six UAS test sites within six months. The group agreed that K-State Salina being selected as one of these test sites is a high priority for the university, the Salina community and the state. "The UAS test center initiative is important for the future of the UAS industry," explained K-State Salina CEO and Dean Dr. Dennis Kuhlman. "We think Kansas is a prime location for a UAS test site and we have a lot of resources to support that." Staffers got a closer look at those resources in a tour of the Salina Airport, Great Plains Joint Training Center and Smoky Hill Weapons Range. "The UAS lab is the result of a partnership and it started with the local community," Kuhlman told them. "The Salina Economic Development Initiatives Council supported the establishment of the UAS Program Office. Our first grant was supplied by the Office of Scientific Research from the Air Force and that was supplemented by two grants from the City of Salina." The UAS Program Office stood up in 2007 with one class and has since grown to be widely accepted as one of the top two institutions in this technical focus area in the nation if not the world. "We're all here to support this initiative," said Tim Rogers, A.A.E., Salina Airport Authority executive director, of members of the City of Salina, Saline County, Great Plains Joint Training Center, K-State Salina, Salina Airport Authority and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce who also voiced their support for the project. "We've got the right combination of organizations and individuals who stand ready. I think this is the team that's going to bring this together." |
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Universal Forest Products new tenant at Salina Airport Industrial Center | 
The Salina Airport Authority board of directors approved the lease of 15,000 square feet of space once occupied by Hawker Beechcraft Corp. to Universal Forest Products, Inc. for $3,750 per month, Feb. 29 at a special board meeting. "We are pleased to have Universal Forest Products as a new business," said Dr. Randy Hassler, airport authority acting chairman. "They are a national leader in wood products for retail and industrial use and we are proud to add them to our national and international tenants at the Salina Airport Industrial Center." The company, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., manufactures and markets wood and wood alternative products for DIY and retail home centers and other retailers, structural lumber products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for various industries and forming products for concrete construction. "I'm excited that Universal Forest Products has decided to expand in Salina," said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. "The state is working hard to make itself a great place for manufacturing, and having Universal Forest Products strengthen its presence here is certainly good news." This announcement comes the same day the aircraft manufacturer hands over the keys and completely vacates almost 500,000 square feet of space at the Salina Airport Industrial Center and Salina Aviation Service Center. "Building 620 renovations are already underway," said Tim Rogers, A.A.E., airport authority executive director. "Universal Forest Products will be able to begin Salina operations this spring." Universal Forest Products plans to hire seven people initially, ramping up to 17 over the next five years. For information on employment visithttp://ufpharrisonville.catsone.com/careers/. |
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Corps of Engineers provides info on gas instruction area | 
USACE, Kansas City District Public Affairs Office The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) developed a website (http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/projects/schilling/index.cfm) to provide the public with information about a former Schilling Air Force Base (AFB) military training site known as the Gas Instruction Area. The site is located in the southwestern portion and within the perimeter security fence of the Salina Municipal Airport. The Gas Instruction Area, which consists of 8.8 acres owned by the Salina Airport Authority, is not related to the ongoing groundwater investigation located in the northern portion of the former Schilling AFB. The USACE website for the Gas Instruction Area includes a site history and site location maps. Site documents, including a 2010 Site Inspection (SI) report completed for the Gas Instruction Area, also are available on the website. The website will be updated periodically. Current planned updates include a Fact Sheet in March and the Final Work Plan in May for fieldwork to be conducted during the summer of 2012. USACE is conducting a Remedial Investigation (RI) of the Gas Instruction Area to safely investigate underground buried metallic items identified during the 2010 SI. Fieldwork associated with investigating the underground buried metallic items is expected to last less than a month during the summer of 2012. The entire RI process is anticipated to take 2 years to complete. A schedule of planned events related to the Gas Instruction Area is included on the USACE website. If you have questions regarding the Gas Instruction Area, contact the USACE, Kansas City District Public Affairs Office at (816) 389-3486 or by email viahttp://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/pa/. Additional contact information is provided on the USACE website. |
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Pardon our noise. It's the sound of freedom! |  Once again the sky of Salina may be a little louder than usual as our neighbors to the north with six CF-18 Hornets from Canadian Air Force 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron take advantage of the training and basing opportunities at the Salina Airport Authority and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, through March 23. The "Alouettes" are supporting the Canadian Army during forward air controller training. The Army FACs will be training to serve as the eyes on the ground for the Air Force pilots. Through a number of methods, FACs communicate with the inbound pilots, guiding them to destroy enemy targets and minimize collateral damage. Upon completion of their training, Canadian soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. and Allied Forces. The airport's close proximity to the range is key for this type of training. Military units get "more bang for their buck," pun intended. The less time pilots spend in the air getting to the training venue, the more time, and fuel, they can spend over it training the guys on the ground and sharpening their own skills as well. Salina residents shouldn't need worry about any loud bangs though; out on the Smoky Hill Weapons range they will be destroying mock enemies with practice ordinance. The SLN air traffic control tower will work with the squadron to keep the planes west of the city and they will normally be done by 9:30 p.m. The Salina Airport Authority is proud to aid the fighting men and women of Canada as they prepare for combat deployments in support of U.S. and Allied Forces. |
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| Ft. Riley soldiers share field experience with UAS students |  Three members of the 1-7 Field Artillery 2nd Brigade Combat Team 1st Infantry Division spoke to Kansas State University Salina's Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles class Tuesday, Feb. 28, about their work with the Raven unmanned aircraft platform. Capt. Joshua Krause, Battalion Intelligence Officer with the 1-7 Field Artillery 2nd Brigade Combat Team 1st Infantry Division, shows off the Raven. Captain Joshua Krause, Battalion Intelligence Officer; Sgt. Jason Armstrong, Battalion UAV Operator; and Sgt. Timothy Stetch, Battalion Intelligence Analyst, were half of a team that flew a Raven during a recent year-long deployment to Iraq. The team's mission was to advise, train, and assist Iraqi police in securing an area southeast of Baghdad with a population of 300,000 and that would take approximately six hours to travel on the ground. The team was able to launch the Raven in less than five minutes to determine potential threats and it was used mainly for force protection recognizance. It was used to monitor traffic and check for roadside bombs. An onboard infrared camera helped identify possible threats. The unmanned aircraft was also useful for patrolling which allowed soldiers more time to rest and helped prevent setting a pattern that would make the base vulnerable to an enemy attack. Read on>>> |
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Salina Airport Authority earns 2nd Medal of Excellence |  The Salina Airport Authority staff was awarded its second consecutive Federal Aviation Administration Central Region's Medal of Excellence for having no Part 139 discrepancies or items for correction. The medal is awarded to airports that have no discrepancies during the FAA airport certification inspection and no vehicle pedestrian deviations during the previous 12 months. "The receiving of this medal summarizes an entire year of effort on behalf of the staff of the Salina Airport Authority," said David "Gunner" Wiles, manager of operation and security. "Their daily effort to ensure our procedures and policies are in accordance with Part 139 policy and procedures are what makes it all work. I am very proud to receive this award for the second year in a row." Pat Haynes, FAA, Central Region, Airports Division, airport certification safety inspector, was on the airfield for two days inspecting all aspects of airport operations. Airport files, training documentation and paperwork where checked for accuracy and compliance. The movement area inspection consisted of checking the approach slopes of each runway end, inspection of movement areas to analyze the condition of pavement, markings, lighting, signs, abutting shoulders and safety areas. Haynes also watched ground vehicle operations, ensured the public is protected against inadvertent entry and jet or propeller blast, checked for the presence of any wildlife and checked the traffic and wind direction indicators. The Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting team conducted a timed-response drill and provided ARFF training records and documentation for Haynes' review. Their equipment was also inspected and all was found to be in complete compliance. "That is what we are striving for every day," said Executive Director Tim Rogers, A.A.E. "That the airport is ready for safe operations and that the ARFF personnel are trained and ready to serve the public." |
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DOT authorizes SeaPort for four more years |  The Department of Transportation announced its re-selection of SeaPort Airlines to continue essential air service to the Salina area for another four years. Although typical EAS contracts are awarded for two years, SeaPort proposed an option for a four-year term providing three daily flights, six days a week for an annual subsidy of $1,490,479. Letters received by the DOT from Samantha Angell, Mayor of Salina and Tim Rogers, A.A.E., Salina Airport Authority Executive Director expressed community support for the proposal and optimism that the continuation of SeaPort's dependable service would restore community confidence in local passenger air service. "SeaPort has proven time and again they are willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of Salina," said Rogers. "They have added flights, held flights, sent flights early and turned a plane around on the taxiway to benefit their customers. They have offered tremendous community support in the way of donations and special events and have worked hand in hand with local organizations to market their service." With the community's full support and SeaPort's track record of excellent customer service along with the fact that the service provider's enplanements have steadily increased since they took over in April 2010, the DOT has elected for SeaPort to continue to provide service through March 31, 2016. "The strong partnership between our loyal passengers, the Salina community and SeaPort has been vital to the increasing success of this air service," said Rob McKinney, President of SeaPort Airlines. "We're committed to continuing our efforts to build air traffic into Salina over the next four years with a winning combination of affordable fares and reliable service. We especially want to thank everyone for their positive comments and support during the DOT review period." |
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| Students achieve pilot and flight ratings |  Aviation students at Kansas State University Salina landed key pilot certifications and flight ratings during the fall 2011 semester. Students receiving a private pilot certificate have completed a minimum of 35 hours of flight time during 30 lessons. With a private pilot certificate, pilots can fly with passengers in good weather both day and night. To earn the instrument pilot rating, students complete an additional 35 hours of flight instruction above the private pilot certificate and complete 30 additional lessons. With the instrument pilot rating, a pilot can fly in inclement weather with passengers both day and night. A commercial pilot certificate is earned when students complete a minimum of 40 hours of cross-country flight training and 15 hours in a complex, high performance airplane. Pilots with a commercial pilot certificate will have completed a minimum of 190 total hours of flight training since their first flight. Read on>>> |
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| Lift | Once you have learned to fly your plane, it is far less fatiguing to fly than it is to drive a car. You don't have to watch every second for cats, dogs, children, lights, road signs, ladies with baby carriages and citizens who drive out in the middle of the block against the lights.... Nobody who has not been up in the sky on a glorious morning can possibly imagine the way a pilot feels in free heaven. ~William T. Piper |
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