Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 20, 2021
This weekend will be one of the busiest of the year for the Fernandina Beach Airport. The annual Concours d’Elegance held at the Ritz will generate lots of fly-ins of both cars and event participants. Even though airport grounds are used for event parking, air traffic will continue throughout the weekend, thanks to assistance this year from the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Over the past five years, the 2-111th Regiment, Airfield Operations Battalion, Florida Army National Guard has provided temporary tower air traffic control services at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport in support of Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance events. This year, the 2-111th will be deployed and unable to support these events. However, it has provided assistance with obtaining proposed support from the 1-107th Aviation Regiment, Airfield Operations Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard. A small presence from the 2-111th Regiment will still be available to participate and provide continuity to the 1-107th Aviation Regiment.
Aviation support will include Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Clearance Delivery, and IFR arrival down time reports in support of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Air Traffic Services (ATS) and general aviation use relating to the Airport. No fee will be charged to the Tennessee Army National Guard since they are providing a free service which will enhance safety of operations at the Airport during this busy weekend.
The Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) approved the agreement with the Tennessee Army National Guard at the FBCC’s April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting, following unanimous approval by the Airport Advisory Committee.
Airport Manager Nate Coyle introduced CW2 Jason Hakala, Tennessee Army National Guard (1-107th Aviation Regiment, AOB) and CW3 Holly Denny, Florida Army National Guard (2-111th Aviation Regiment, AOB) to City Commissioners at the FBCC’s May 18, 2021 Regular Meeting.
On behalf of the City, Commissioners thanked the Guard personnel for their assistance.
Although online tickets for this year’s Concours d’Elegance have sold out, tickets will still be available at the event. Visit https://www.ameliaconcours.org for more information.
For additional information about the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, click here.
Thanks to those members of the TN Army National Guard for providing this service to increase the safe operations at the airport during this high traffic time.
Sincere thanks to TN Army National Guard CW3 Holly Denny and CW2 Jason Hakala for their service, and for their service to our community this weekend.