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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-19-HFAC-min Hanscom Field Advisory Commission Minutes May 19, 2009 Prepared by Massport Staff 1. Minutes: The meeting was called to order by Hank Manz. He will post the March and April minutes on the HFAC website. There were no corrections to the minutes. 2. General Questions: Massport’sDorothy Steele and Sara Arnoldresponded to general questions as follows:  The State of Hanscom shows approximately $600,000 in revenue from the nighttime fees in Fiscal Year 2008. Massport charges $52 for an arrival or departure between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. if an aircraft is 12,500 pounds or less. Aircraft over 12,500 pounds are charged $382. The fee doubles for an aircraft with more than 5 night operations in a calendar year.  A special military event taking place at Hanscom Air Force Base in June will result in additional military aircraft activity between June 11 and 13. The Public Affairs department at the Base sent the four Hanscom Area Towns Committee selectmen an informational email about the event and associated air traffic.  Massport has not “pulled back” on efforts to develop the East Ramp. Sara Mattes commented that Lincoln publicly disapproves of any federal stimulus money going to Hanscom that supports business jet operations. Massport staff reminded the group that:  All aircraft (including military, medical, flight schools, etc), not only jets, use the taxiways.  The rehabilitation work that was approved by the FAA for stimulus funds is only for taxiways and was previously listed on Hanscom’s Capital Program list. These projects are safety-maintenance programs not development infrastructure.  The resurfacing and rehabilitation of taxiways and runways is necessary for maintaining a safe, efficient airport.  The FAA has a variety of funding programs available for eligible aviation projects and Hanscom is currently receiving FAA entitlement money for the Echo Taxiway reconstruction project. 3.Monthly Noise Report: Sara Arnold presented the monthly noise report for April 2009. In response to questions, S. Arnold explained that:  None of the Hanscom monitor sites are on private property.  Massport has license agreements with the towns for the noise monitors that are located on town property.  Site 34 has been hit by a truck three times since 2004. The monitor could possibly remain at the existing site if the abutting tree was trimmed and if the monitor station was protected by some form of barrier. However, it may be advisable to explore alternative locations. Mike Rosenberg, Bedford selectman, suggested locating the Bedford monitor at the playground on Loomis Street.  Massport committed to visiting the site and evaluating it in terms of meeting certain criteria (i.e., access to telephone and electrical service, adequate distance from trees and loud or constant noise sources, etc.). 4. Hanscom Projects: Massport staff responded to questions, as follows:  If the Bedford Conservation Commission doesn’t allow vegetation removal in the Runway 23 approach surfaces, Massport will need to look at other options through the state.  Shortening the runway (i.e. using a displaced threshold) compromises safety because the pilot has less runway surface to use when landing. Therefore, Massport cannot support this alternative as suggested by some Bedford Conservation Commission members.  Hangar 24 could be demolished by Massport, or an agreement with a developer could include the demolishing of the hangar.  There have been no discussions with commercial or cargo carrier operators. 5. Next meeting: The next HFAC meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2009. There will be no July or August HFAC meetings. Attendees: H. Manz, M. Rosenberg, S. Mattes, M. Coppe, C. Daniel, S. Arnold, D. Steele.