Sandy Creek Airpark Community Blog

At least not as soon as previously thought.  The new airport is still on tract for opening in May for commercial operations, though by flying over it to view the progress it looks like there’s nearly a years worth of work to do.  Lots of drainage issues to clear up, lots of paving to be done yet, and none of the current FBOs have signed any leases for the new airport yet (so I’ve been told).

Apparently both the FAA transition team and the new owners of the old airport property have mentioned that the old airport will remain open at least until the end of July 2010 to aid in the transition.  Last time I flew over I noticed there appeared to be no construction progress for any FBO facilities; trying to get an FBO facility built and established in less than two months would be…well, pretty challenging at best if not impossible.  And the new owners have apparently discussed in their board meetings something about leaving it open for awhile longer than the July date as an uncontrolled field, at least until the economy starts to turn around which would make it economically feasible for them to start development.

So who knows what will eventually happen over there.  Everyone is taking a wait and see attitude and we all really feel bad for the people at the FBOs who’s job status are all in limbo.

The airpark management and residents are currently working on a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with Tyndall AFB which would influence operations at the airpark.  The initial LOA from Tyndall seems to insist on communications with Tyndall tower for airpark operations (in flight and on the ground) and suggests landing on runway 27 and departing on runway 09 to avoid Tyndall’s Class D airspace.  As written, it doesn’t address the requirement for airpark operations to communicate on our multicom frequency per the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and sets up a potentially hazardous operation by recommending using a separate runway for landing versus departures. Hopefully these issues can be resolved before it is signed.

Another weather-related update…

Yes, we had more rain here this past Monday night.  Another inch of rain in the old rain gauge.  But since it happened early in the week, everything should dry out enough to allow more flying activities to take place later in the week, including the weekend.  No further rain is in the forecast until at least next Monday or Tuesday.