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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-15-HFAC-min MINUTES HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION April 15, 2003 1.Minutes: The March Minutes were accepted with the following corrections to the attendance list: Thomas Hirsch was in attendance as the Hanscom Pilot’s Association (HPA) representative; HPA is a HFAC member; AOPA is not a member. 2.HFAC Membership: There was discussion about HFAC membership and the need to present a roster of proposed members to the Boards of Selectmen in each town for approval. Peter Enrich and Margaret Coppe will address this before the next meeting. It was noted that there is only one Area Wide Organization currently included in the membership, but the legislation creating HFAC calls for two. Also, no one from the National Business Aircraft Association is assigned to HFAC; it may be that the newly formed Massachusetts Business Aircraft Association should take its place. Finally, the retirement of Jim Merageas as Hanscom’s FAA Tower Chief was noted, and it was agreed that his presence at meetings has been valuable; hopefully his replacement will attend in the future. 3.Monthly Noise Report: Sara Arnold presented the monthly noise report, reviewing the decrease in operations, the increase in noise and the increase in complaints. It was noted that the nighttime operations by large charters associated with the sports teams contributed to the increase in complaints and noise. The nighttime Stage 2 activity by small Learjets also contributed; most if not all of these were air ambulance flights from out-of-state. 4.Airline/Cargo Report: Richard Walsh reported that Boston-Maine Airways has terminated service out of Hanscom. He also reported that FedEx had contacted Barbara Patzner in early April and asked for information on Hanscom’s rates and charges. In response to questions, R. Walsh said that there was no correspondence, just telephone conversations and that Massport has not pursued FedEx. R. Walsh said he would inform HFAC and HATS if there were any further communications. P. Enrich commented that based on the Master Plan, it would be a betrayal if FedEx were to operate at Hanscom. Potential night operations are a big issue for the communities. It was noted that the ESPR contemplates up to six cargo flights daily. There was concern that if FedEx comes, UPS will be next, and this will just grow. Rhonda Siciliano was asked if FedEx had contacted the Air Force about access issues, since getting to the East Ramp without going through the Base is currently problematic. She said she would have to check. She volunteered that access through the Base is governed by very strict guidelines. In response to questions about FedEx impacting General Aviation tenants, it was noted 1 that a facility might use ramp space, but if it helps Massport financially, that is positive. It is premature to evaluate this until there is more specific information. 5.Rates and Charges: It was noted that an article in the Globe reported that Massport is planning to increase its rates and charges. R. Walsh said that Massport’s intention has been reported to HFAC in the past, and Massport has recently met with tenants about plans for these increases. Massport has looked at fees at other airports, and these have been taken into consideration. Massport has also contacted everyone on its T-hangar waiting list to inform them of plans for higher rates, and there are approximately 150 people still interested in renting a T-hangar. In response to questions about the impact on Hanscom’s current tenants, pilots said that the fee increases are substantial, and they have asked Massport to phase them in. It was also noted that Massport needs to provide a high quality of service with high fees. Regarding the impact of landing fees, the Fixed Base Operator representatives said that most aircraft operators factor in the time, since time is money, and in most cases they will decide to absorb the cost increase. However, some charters may elect to go elsewhere. Sarah Mattes noted that she represents constituents who oppose the airport as well as pilots who live in her community. She wants to find the right balance in her position. Peter Enrich said that Massport is making an important policy decision that could impact the fleet mix and have financial implications. It was voted that Massport should make a complete presentation to HFAC and wait for HFAC’s advice before making a decision. Seven HFAC members supported the motion, zero opposed, and two abstained. P. Enrich noted that HFAC could probably be prepared to advise Massport at its June meeting. It was clarified that HFAC is not interested in a review of the Custom’s fees since those are being collected to cover Custom’s costs. R. Walsh said that Massport plans to bring the staff’s recommendations on rates and charges to the May Massport Board meeting, but he will bring this request to those who are working on this project. 6.Deicing: R. Walsh distributed a deicing study and reported that Massport will be prepared to answer questions about deicing at next month’s HFAC meeting. 7.Planning: S. Arnold noted that an update of Massport’s capital projects is attached at the back of the noise report. S. Arnold reported that: - Although there were no proposals submitted to Massport last fall in response to Massport’s Request for Proposals for the Hangar 1 site, Massport has subsequently received three proposals and is having discussions with the proponents. - The Echo and Juliet Taxiway restoration project has started. - Reconstruction of the parking lot will begin in May. - The security fencing installation has restarted after being delayed by weather. - Applications for ID badging are being accepted. 2 In response to questions, S. Arnold said that an environmental consultant will be used for the permitting of the Runway Safety Area project, and the perimeter road project is to provide access to new T-hangars by service vehicles. 8.Other: It was noted that Massport Board meetings are open to the public and sometimes members of the community have attended. 3 HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION 4/14/2003 HFAC MEMBER ATTENDEES CATEGORYNAMEIN ATTENDANCE ********************** Contiguous Towns (4) BedfordSheldon MollX Bedford Alt.Mark Siegenthaler ConcordGary Clayton Concord Alt.Charles Blair LexingtonPeter EnrichX Lexington Alt.Michael Barrett LincolnSara MattesX Lincoln Alt.Sarah Holden ********************** Local Citizen Groups (2) So. LexMargaret CoppeX No. LexGraydon WheatonX ********************** Area Wide Organizations (2) LWVSusan SekulerX LWV Alt.Janet Kennedy ********************** Other Area Towns (2) Carlisle or Acton WalthamRep. Tom Stanley Waltham Alt.Michael Squillante ********************** Businesses Basing Acft at Hanscom (2) East Coast AviationTom Hoban RaytheonMichael Burke ********************** Aviation/Aviation Related Businesses (2) Jet AviationFrank DiglioX Signature Flight SupportLarry JorashX Signature Alt.Paul Gamache ********************** Business Aviation Organization (1) NBAA ********************** General Aviation Organization (1) Hanscom Pilots AssociationThomas HirschX ********************** Ex-Officio Members MassportSara ArnoldX MassportRichard WalshX HAFBRhonda SicilianoX FAA MMNHPNancy Nelson 4