Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Following the convening of its regular monthly meeting on February 13, 2014, Chairman Richard Gray efficiently moved the Fernandina Beach Airport Advisory Commission (AAC) into a meaty agenda that included airport security, a second fixed base operation (FBO), a facilities use agreement for the Georgia Air National Guard, and continued discussion regarding the proposed Airport Welcome Center. Many members of the Airport Tenants Association and local pilots attended the hour and a quarter-long meeting, along with Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican, who served in the capacity of liaison between the AAC and the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC).
Commissioner Charlie Corbett also attended the meeting.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent briefs AAC
Mr. Jim Maliwauki, regional TSA agent, briefed the AAC on TSA involvement with the Fernandina Beach Airport. He explained that TSA authority on general aviation airfields is relatively limited, unless those airfields handle regularly scheduled flights or charters or operate flight schools. The TSA basically serves as a resource for general aviation airports desiring to review their security. They will respond to a request for security assessment as workload permits. The last security assessment for the Fernandina Beach Airport was over a year ago and noted concern over the height of the fence. “Nobody accidentally goes over a fence,” he said. Maliwauki said that the TSA is not a funding agency. He also said that the TSA has no plans to increase security at general aviation airports because there is no funding to do so. He added that the TSA does ramp checks if they believe that non-citizens are enrolled in pilot training.
AAC supports 8FA plans for second airport FBO
Brian Echard, co-owner of 8 Flags Aviation (8FA), delivered a slide presentation on the status of his plans to build and operate a second FBO at the municipal airport. He advised AAC members that if the AAC supports his plans and the FBCC approves, he hopes to have a signed lease by the end of March and be operational in the last quarter of the year. Elements of his plan include:
- Constructing a 3600 square foot, modular building on the north side of the airport adjacent to the airport operations trailer;
- Locating a fuel farm above ground near the existing fuel farm;
- Providing a courtesy car and a second car rental operator.
Echard emphasized that he will pay the costs of his construction. In response to a question he replied that he had not considered locating on the east side of the airport because there is currently no infrastructure there. He also said that he has no plans to run a flight school or operate charter service.
He said that in addition to providing direct revenues to the city airport through increased fuel sales and a long-term land lease, 8FA will create eight new jobs immediately and more as business grows. Echard’s goal is to develop a culture of first-class service with a competitive pricing structure to promote increased activity at the city airport. To achieve the goal 8FA will work to recover flight activity, based aircraft and fuel sales that FHB has lost in recent years. Echard will also actively market the city and the airport through aviation-related associations and travel organizations. In response to a question, Echard affirmed that 8FA would meet all minimum requirements for FBOs.
Peter Timmins, a local pilot, noted that aviation fuel is $1.50 cheaper per gallon at other regional general aviation airports. He reported that in recently gassing up his airplane at the Fernandina Beach airport at the current FBO he had spent more than $400. He asked Echard how 8FA planned to offset these prices. Echard said that he believes that competition is good for everyone and that he hopes to lower fuel prices.
AAC Vice Chair Sam Lane moved that the AAC recommend to the FBCC that 8FA be allowed to continue its planning activity. Member Charles Colcord seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Lane added following the vote, “There is no way to say no.”
Proposed Airport Welcome Center update
AAC Chairman Richard Gray characterized as positive the joint meeting with the FBCC held recently. He asked the city’s airport consultant, Andrew Holesko of Passero Associates, to assist him in clarifying the timetable for expending FDOT grant money allocated for the welcome center project. Following a meeting with Gene Lamp, regional FDOT representative, deadlines were clarified. Currently, the city is already in the first phase of work on apron funding. Welcome center funds must be expended by July 2015, not 2014 as previously reported. The corporate hangar project deadline is July 2016.
Chairman Gray asked Vice Mayor Pelican to report that change to the FBCC, which will provide more time for planning. Pelican replied, “We need to get that fire in the belly stoked.”
AAC Adjunct member Coleen Baker asked, “How does our welcome center connect to the new FBO [8FA]?”
City Manager/Acting Airport Manager Joe Gerrity reported that the city will issue a Letter of Interest on February 14 with a response deadline of April 15, 2014. The letter will be advertised and invite interested parties to communicate their interest to the city in partnering to build a welcome center. Subsequent discussions with city representatives will allow the respondents to elaborate more fully regarding their specific needs and interests in such a building. During his presentation, Brian Echard indicated that 8FA would express interest in such a partnering opportunity.
Facilities Use Agreement – 117ACS Georgia Air National Guard
The AAC unanimously approved a facilities use agreement according to the same protocols observed last year for the 117ACS Georgia National Guard to use the airport from April 7-17, 2014.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
February 14, 2014 1:15 p.m.
Good to see the activity continues to move forward at the airport and 8 Flags Aviation not having given up after the prolonged delays. Competition is a good thing for the customer and best wishes to 8FA and McGill Aviation as plans progress.