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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-21-HFAC-min HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES October 21, 2003 1.Introductions and Minutes: Those present introduced themselves. The September Minutes were approved. 2.Monthly Noise Report: Sara Arnold distributed the monthly noise report. It was noted that total operations decreased but jet operations increased about five percent. Looking at the year to date, it appears that 2003 may show a decrease in all types of operations. Sara Mattes asked if there could be a report on flight tracks used. It was noted that the Environmental Status and Planning Report shows generalized flight tracks, but it doesn’t indicate frequency over a particular period of time. Dave Bayley said that the FAA notes which runways are being used, but this isn’t compiled into a report, and this doesn’t illustrate what flight path is used once the aircraft leaves the runway. S. Arnold reported that there were five days in September when the noise monitor at Site 33 in Lincoln experienced levels exceeding 68 decibels. This has rarely happened at that site and indicates there may have been a noise source unrelated to aircraft. Several months ago, trees in that area were removed by Minute Man National Historical Park, and this impacted the noise levels at that location. Barbara Masi of Lexington noted that there has been an increase in air traffic over south Lexington, and has also noticed it in the National Park. There was discussion about Massport’s support of Hanscom Field as a general aviation (GA) airport, and whether general aviation is also supported at Logan. Richard Walsh said that Logan’s focus is commercial while Hanscom’s is GA. Massport doesn’t tell aircraft operators which airport to use, but the facilities at each location may be one factor that influences one’s destination. There was discussion of charter activity.Aircraft of all sizes can be used for charters. The sports teams tend to use the largest planes for their charter operations. Massport doesn’t “move” charter operations from one airport to another. Community members noted that Massport is advertising for a consultant, and that Massport is purchasing a new noise monitoring system. S. Arnold explained that Logan is seeking a noise consultant for its general noise consulting needs, just as Hanscom has a noise consultant as a resource. One aspect of the new contract will be helping develop a Request for Proposals for an upgraded noise monitoring system. Because the Hanscom system piggybacks on the Logan noise monitoring system, this will affect Hanscom. 3.Aircraft Auditing and Information System (AAIS): S. Arnold reported that Massport is contracting with AAIS to provide Massport with a high-resolution camera system that will capture aircraft activity data. That data will be used to invoice for the Landing Fee, Customs fee and Nighttime Field Use Fee. 4.Runway Deicing: Keith Beasley reported that Massport will conduct its base stormwater runoff testing in November. This will be used as part of the analysis of runway deiciers that will be applied during the coming winter. Depending on the severity of the winter, Massport will probably conduct four additional stormwater tests during this winter’s snow events. It takes several weeks to get results. A final report should be available in late April. Shelly Moll suggested that HFAC prepare formal comments to Massport after the results of all the testing is complete. It was generally agreed that this was appropriate. 5.Planning Report: Sara Arnold reported that: -There were three recent aircraft incidents: On August 24, Jet Aviation had a fuel spill when an aircraft was being refueled. Some fuel entered a storm drain, but the storm drain was dry so the fuel was contained and subsequently removed by Clean Harbors. On September 27 an aircraft accident in a wooded area in Concord resulted in the loss of two lives. The Table Top emergency response exercises that are held annually were helpful in ensuring a coordinated response. The incident will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. On September 28, a helicopter that was practicing hovering maneuvers tilted as it landed, causing damage to the aircraft and resulting in a fuel spill of less than 10 gallons. The fuel was cleaned up by Clean Harbors. There were no injuries. -The old Air Traffic Control Tower was removed. -The parking lot is complete. -New terminal windows for the second and third floors, south side will be installed this fall. -Liberty Mutual will be building on the Hangar 1 site and will attend HFAC when they have a design. -Massport will be implementing Phase 1 of the Vegetation Management Plan during the winter months. -Massport will be issuing RFPs for the Hangar 24 site and the Pine Hill site in the near future. 6.Other: It was noted that the October HATS meeting will be cancelled and the November HATS meeting will be rescheduled to avoid Thanksgiving. HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION DATE: 10/21/03 HFAC MEMBER ATTENDEES CATEGORYNAMEIN ATTENDANCE ********************** Contiguous Towns (4) BedfordSheldon Mollx Bedford Alt.Mark Siegenthaler ConcordAnne Shapiro 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 Wheaton ********************** Area Wide Organizations (2) LWVJanet Kennedy LWV Alt. ********************** Other Area Towns (2) Carlisle or ActonSteve Lerner 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 Diglio Signature Flight SupportLarry Jorash Signature Alt.Paul Gamache ********************** Business Aviation Organization (1) MBAAJohn Williamsx NBAA (Alt.)Ken Heider ********************** General Aviation Organization (1) Hanscom Pilots AssociationThomas Hirschx ********************** Ex-Officio Members MassportSara Arnoldx MassportRichard Walshx MassportCedric Danielx HAFBRhonda Siciliano FAADave Bayleyx MMNHPNancy Nelson