HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-18-HFAC-min
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC) Minutes
Produced by: Massport Staff
April 18, 2007
1. Welcome/Introduction/Minutes:
Hank Manz called the meeting to order. There were no
comments on the Minutes.
2. Presentation on Very Light Jets (VLJs)
: John Williams presented a detailed report on
VLJs. He discussed the market factors relating to VLJs as they pertain to the nation and
Hanscom. The first VLJs coming into the market can carry four to five passengers,
including the pilot. They are easy to fly, and most are designed to be handled by a single
pilot. They cost between $1.5M and $3.7M. Operating costs are about half the cost of
operating a business jet.
VLJs will be able to land at small airports, providing access to areas not served by the
airlines. They will be particularly advantageous for short-haul trips. It is anticipated that air
taxi services using VLJs will charge more than a commercial carrier but will cost less than
chartering or owning a plane. Dayjet is a nationally known air taxi company that has
ordered VLJs. Linear Air, based at Hanscom, provides air taxi services and has ordered
VLJs for its service.
The FAA is projecting a large influx of VLJ operations; J. Williams and others are more
skeptical. Two issues relating to such increases include airport capacity and the availability
of pilots. Both are increasingly in demand. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
is actively engaged in promoting more student pilots.
VLJs are expected to exceed Stage 4 certification requirements for noise. They are designed
to fly at altitudes equivalent to the commercial aircraft, but the FAA may restrict their access
to those levels because VLJ pilots are not required to have the same amount of experience as
commercial pilots. Lower altitudes inhibit fuel efficiency. Also, the VLJ is more
susceptible to wind gusts than heavier, commercial aircraft. `
3. Noise Report:
Sara Arnold presented the noise report for March. It was noted that local and
single engine aircraft activity was down primarily because of weather factors in March. The
2006 data used to calculate EXP is currently being reviewed by Massport staff and
Hanscom’s noise consultants, Harris Miller Miller and Hanson. Once the review is
complete, EXP for the year will be available.
4. Vegetation Management
: Massport staff is preparing a vegetation management plan for
approach surface penetrations at the Runway 23 end. This involves vegetation off airport
property in Bedford. The plan will be submitted to the Town of Bedford in the near future.
These plans will be part of a five year vegetation management program for the entire airport.
5. Planning Reports:
Runway Safety Area: Massport plans to file a Notice of Intent with the Town
of Bedford for the Runway Safety Area project in late April or May.
2005 ESPR: The Secretary of Environmental Affairs issued a certificate
accepting the 2005 Environmental Status and Planning Report, which
completes this project.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Massport recently responded to the
Massachusetts Historical Society’s request for information regarding Hangar
24.
6. Commercial Operations
: Massport has had no discussions with cargo or commercial
carrier operators.
3. Other:
The next HFAC meeting will be on May 15, 2007. It was noted that there was an email
glitch at the Lexington Town Offices, which caused the delay in email notices for the April
meeting.
HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION
DATE: 4/17/07
HFAC MEMBER ATTENDEES
CATEGORY NAME IN ATTENDANCE
**********************
Contiguous Towns (4)
Bedford Gordon Feltman X
Bedford Alt.
Concord Anne Shapiro
Concord Alt. Charles Blair
Lexington Hank Manz X
Lexington Alt. Michael Barrett
Lincoln Sara Mattes
Lincoln Alt. Sarah Cannon-Holden
**********************
Local Citizen Groups (2)
So. Lex Margaret Coppe X
No. Lex Graydon Wheaton X
**********************
Area Wide Organizations (2)
LWV Melodee Wagen
LWV Alt.
VACANT
**********************
Other Area Towns (2)
Carlisle Steve Lerner
Waltham Rep. Tom Stanley
Waltham Alt. Michael Squillante
**********************
Businesses Basing Acft at Hanscom (2)
VACANT
VACANT
**********************
Aviation/Aviation Related Businesses (2)
Jet Aviation Frank Diglio
Signature Flight Support Rick Blaze
Signature Alt. Jim Phelps
**********************
Business Aviation Organization (1)
MBAA John Williams X
NBAA (Alt. Org.) Ken Heider
**********************
General Aviation Organization (1)
Hanscom Pilots Association Thomas Hirsch X
**********************
Commission Advisors
Massport Sara Arnold X
Massport Barbara Patzner X
Massport Cedric Daniel X
Massport Dorothy Steele X
Massport Tom Ennis
HAFB
FAA Barry Morgan
MMNHP Nancy Nelson