Airport Director Glen Boyd said Thursday that in addition to the localizer, the May 24 lightning strike damaged taxiway lights along with wind speed and direction instruments. Two hundred feet of underground wire, five transformers, 40 bulbs and two fixtures had to be replaced. The total repair cost was $24,652. The majority of the cost will be covered by insurance.
During his presentation to the authority, Director Boyd:
• reported that the final inspection of runway 5/23 was completed on August 12. The contractor will be presented with a punch list of minor items, none of which compromise operational safety.
• announced a policy change that will make Georgia a block grant state. The change means that FAA funds will now be disbursed and administered through the Georgia Department of Transportation.
• informed the authority of two incidents which occurred on August 6. In the first incident, an experimental aircraft lost a brake upon landing and veered off the runway causing damage to the airplane and a runway sign. Later that day, a second aircraft was damaged after landing with the gears up. There were no injuries in either incident, but both planes were seriously damaged.
In other business, the authority:
• asked Boyd to seek estimates for repainting the airport’s beacon tower. The safety officer at the National Guard has asked that the tower be repainted to enhance the safety of their operations. The tower has not been painted in more than twenty years.
• approved a permit request from Bobby Swink which would allow him to conduct airframe and power plant maintenance in a sub-leased hangar.
• received an appraisal report denoting fair market values of current airport properties.
• reviewed the monthly financial statement. The airport reported total income of $27,389 in July and total expenses of $23,741.
• met in executive session to discuss pending litigation. No action resulted.
The next meeting of the Airport Authority will be September 16 at 12 p.m. in the terminal building at the airport. The airport is located at 841 Ronald Woods Road in Winder.
