From Doug Fee Vice-President

Long hot sunny days, warm evenings, and VFR weather . . . . . summer is in full swing around the Auburn Airport. And fortunately, we've had very little smoke so far this fire season (knock on wood). Here's hoping that the ethereal forces that control the weather and the fires continue to treat us kindly until we are rescued by the coming of autumn.

This summer is also seeing another successful season of Friday Flydays put on by the Ben Foss and Diane Hammer team. Our thanks go to them for making this outstanding community event happen. If you haven't been to one yet, there is still time. They are held the 3rd Friday evening of each month, so the next one will be August 17th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Each month has a different theme, and the August event will be a Law Enforcement fundraiser. Admission is free, so come out and enjoy the family fun!

We also have numerous airport projects in the works to maintain and upgrade our facilities. In late July or early August, the runway will be closed from 10:00 PM until 5:00 AM, five nights a week for about two weeks, while crews install new LED runway lighting. Watch the NOTAMS for final scheduling.

The airport experienced a brief power outage recently. It didn't last long but, unfortunately, the resumption of power service generated a spike that damaged some of the phone lines at the airport. This took down the credit card system at the fuel pumps, and also damaged some of the AWOS (weather reporting) equipment. While the credit card system is back working again, the AWOS still needs some new components to be installed before it will be back up to full utility. Those repairs are in the works, but might take a few more months. Meanwhile, we'll have to look out the window to see what the weather really is. I guess that's why we have windsocks.

Airport management is also planning a new slurry seal on our ramp area. The project is currently out for bid, and its hoped that it can be completed before the wet season arrives. Additionally, an upgrade to the waste water handling system at the aircraft wash rack is in the works.

So the summer marches on, and so do the seasonal airport projects. Our thanks to Walt Wilson and all of those at the City of Auburn who help to make these improvements happen.

Blue skies & tailwinds,

Doug