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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-18-HFAC-min Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC) Minutes Produced by: Massport Staff April 18, 2006 Introduction/Minutes: Hank Manz called the meeting to order. He noted that the meeting was being held during school vacation week, resulting in low attendance. He also stated that because there was no quorum, the minutes could not be approved. State of Hanscom : Barbara Patzner, Director Hanscom Field, presented the State of Hanscom. In response to comments and questions, there was the following discussion: On the civilian side of the airfield, there are twenty Massport employees and approximately 460 people employed on the airport. Costs for the ESPR and its consultants dominate the increase in professional fees in the operating budget. In the past, the ESPR was amortized under the capital budget, but now Massport lists it as an operating expense for the year(s) it is developed. Massport does not charge for general vehicle parking in the Civil Terminal lot, but there are certain entities that pay for parking, such as rental car agencies, flight schools, FBO’s, etc. If paid parking is to be implemented, it must be shown that the program will generate revenue beyond the costs of installing and maintaining the system. Based aircraft do not pay landing fees but do pay for rental space. An FBO representative noted that approximately 25% of its aircraft fuel revenue comes from based operators, with the balance coming from transients. Rental fees in the operating budget include hangar and ground rentals. Hangar rental income in FY05 decreased due to the vacancy at Hangar 24, which used to be leased by MIT. Flight school revenue increased in FY05 because of a one time adjustment. Overall, revenues have been going up, but are not keeping pace with increases in expenses. Security and insurance are the largest contributors to the increased expenses. It is expected that security expenses will level off. In the past, Massport/Hanscom used State Police details to meet its security requirements. Security costs have increased because Hanscom now employs permanently assigned Troop F State Police and therefore, is responsible for all related salaries and benefits. Currently, Hanscom has one trooper per shift in addition to the sergeant in charge. Massport has always used the State Police for security at its facilities. Some airports use their own police force. Massport ended the use of Lincoln Police services some time ago. Massport staff are reviewing Hanscom’s rates and charges. There is no vacant hangar space, but tie-downs are available. John Williams expressed concern that Hanscom continues to see decreases in activity by piston aircraft, and he commented that fees at Hanscom are the highest of area airports. B. Patzner responded that Hanscom is, and will continue to be, a general aviation (GA) airport and a GA reliever airport to Logan, and thus will continue to serve piston aircraft. To some degree, the issues related to activity by single engine aircraft reflect trends across the country and are influenced by the economy. Regarding Massport’s fees, Hanscom needs to cover its expenses. Fuel fees are established by the entity providing the fuel. The airport influences all aspects of the region’s economy, both directly and indirectly. There was an inference that, because of the regional economic growth associated with Hanscom Field, the State should subsidize the airport to reduce user fees. Massport staff commented that the Legislature created Massport to be a financially independent entity that does not rely on state taxpayer money to operate. The State is responsible for making changes to that legislation. To meet FAA requirements, Massport conducted a triennial exercise in 2005 that simulated an aircraft accident in order to test and evaluate the airport’s emergency response system. The exercise proved extremely helpful in reinforcing the cooperation and communication within Hanscom’s communication, command, and control response team, which is staffed by Massport and the Air Force. Additionally, mutual aid responders and local medical facilities participated, giving them an opportunity to test their response times and to evaluate the capabilities of their resources. The exercise helped identify some communication “dead spots”, which have been addressed. Massport has had meetings with the flight schools to determine their interest in developing an area in the Pine Hill section of Hanscom. Access to the area is through Gate #8, located off of Virginia Road. Flight schools generate minimal ground traffic because of the sporadic nature of their activity. It was noted that the flight schools have been operating out of the Pine Hill area already. In the 1980s, the Legislature ruled that 5 cents per gallon of jet fuel sold at Hanscom would go to the four towns. Last year, approximately $400,000 was disbursed to the four towns. This practice is grandfathered; the FAA doesn’t allow this now. Massport has also made contributions to projects in the four towns and is willing to partner and work with the local communities and businesses. This PowerPoint presentation will be made public through a PDF file. Massport will try to make plans to have next month’s meeting at Hanscom, which will include a tour of the airport. Planning / Noise Report: Sara Arnold presented the noise report for March. In response to questions, Massport staff explained: Linear Air is not planning to base all of its aircraft at Hanscom. Some are in White Plains, while two are currently at Hanscom. It does appear that they operate passenger flights about every third day. Medical flights influenced the increase in night flights. Weather and the number of calls influence aircraft operations by Boston Medflight. Massport has had no discussions with new cargo or commercial carrier operators. Other: H. Manz expressed an interest in hearing a presentation on Very Light Jets (VLJ’s). As it was noted that J. Williams has presented on this subject in the past, they will discuss options. Dorothy Steele asked H. Manz about the status of the nomination committee recommendations. H. Manz had no further information. D. Steele noted that she has not received a response to messages left at Raytheon, inquiring about its interest in continuing to hold a HFAC (aviation related) commissioner position.