Extracted text (via pymupdf)
21110 characters
Meeting Minutes
Airport Commission
Regular Meeting
January 11, 2023, | 6:30 p.m.
Chandler Airport Terminal
2380 S. Stinson Way, Chandler, AZ
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hawley at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Commission Attendance
Staff Attendance
Chairman Christopher Hawley
Ryan Reeves, Airport Manager
Vice Chairman Charles McCorkle
Scott Rinkenberger, Airport Ops Manger
Commissioner Robert Bozelli
Diana Alonzo, Management Assistant
Commissioner Chad Wakefield
Absent
Commissioner David Sperling
Others in Attendance
Steve Smith, Chandler Air Service
Scheduled and Unscheduled Public Appearances
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if there were any members of the public that would like to address the
committee on any items not on the agenda.
None.
Approval of Minutes and Discussion
1.
January 11, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes
Move Airport Commission to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, January
11, 2023.
Consent Agenda Motion and Vote
Page 2 of 9
It was moved by VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE and seconded by COMMISSIONER BOZELLI to
approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the January 11, 2023.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Briefing
2. 2023 Super Bowel Update
MR. REEVES gave the Commission an update regarding the upcoming Super Bowl LVII event in
Glendale, AZ. The goal for the airports is to make sure the flights and associated logistics flow
safely and smoothly. Due to an increase in air traffic for the 2023 Super Bowl LVII, the ramp
reservation system will run from Wednesday, February 9, 2023- Sunday, February 13, 2023. For
arrival and departure ramp reservations. Pilots can contact the FBO (Chandler Air Service).
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are within 10 nautical miles (nm) and 30 nm of the stadium.
As a major international sports event, security is at the highest level and involves coordination
among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The TFR period begins Sunday,
February 12th, at 15:30L (1 hour prior to the game). The TFR ends on Sunday, February 12th at
21:30L (1hour after the game).
For the Airspace Management (FAA), each airport has a reservation system with a fixed number
of reservation slots. The reservation system provides the FAA and airports with essential flight
information for aircraft that will be using the airspace for the time period surrounding the Super
Bowl.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if PPR is only for IFR departures.
MR. REEVES responded that it was for ramp reservation space.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if PPR was only for someone not based at CHD that would
require a ramp reservation.
MR. REEVES responded yes. In 2015, 14 of the reservations were single or twin-engine general
aviation aircraft which flew in VFR. Pilots must confirm parking space for their aircraft.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if this meant local operators are not affected.
MR. REEVES responded that local operators will be affected in terms of not being able to do touch
and go’s, flight following and other possible reduced services.
Page 3 of 9
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked what coordination has been done with the tower and if
additional people would be on standby.
MR. REEVES responded that CHD’s tower is currently staffed, and staff is currently coordinating
with Serco and the FAA. Over the next three weeks it will be determined where they need to place
extra people based on when slots are reserved.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if the FBO is the one handling the reservations and if they are
notifying the airport staff about any slot reservations.
MR. REEVES responded that they have an open communication with the FBO regarding all
updates.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if the City was making any arrangements to receive anyone
arriving in a jet to represent the City, such as a Council member. He suggested having a
Commissioner welcoming people.
MR. REEVES responded that there have been no plans for that as of now. Some budget funding
was allotted for airport-branded items.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if the lighting project near Quantum had been completed.
MR. REEVES responded that the Commission would receive an update soon, but the project should
be completed within the next two weeks.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if the self-serve fuel will be ready in time for the Super Bowl weekend.
MR. REEVES responded that it will be ready.
3. Monthly Operations Report
MR. REEVES gave an overview of the Monthly Operations Report for the month of November 2022
with 16,884 operations for the month and stated that operations are down by 1,000 this month
as compared to last year. November 2021 had a total of 17,971 operations. CHD is currently
ranked as 52nd in the nation and 18th in the GA rankings. The total 12-month operations for
November 2021 were 226,402 while for November 2022, the total number of operations are
206,977.
MR. REEVES gave an overview of the Monthly Operations Report for the month of December 2022
with 14,308 operations for the month and stated that operations are down by less than 1,000 this
month as compared to last year. December 2021 had a total of 15,193 operations. As of November
2022, CHD was ranked as 52nd in the nation and 18th in the GA rankings. The FAA has not yet
Page 4 of 9
provided the most current ranking numbers. The runway closures caused by crane operations has
impacted the number of operations.
COMMISSIONER WAKEFIELD asked if weather conditions have impacted the number of
operations.
MR. REEVES responded to no appreciable degree.
4. Monthly Noise Report
MR. RINKENBERGER gave an overview of the monthly noise report for November 2022.
In November 2022, Seven (7) households made Twelve (12) reports regarding aircraft activity.
Three reports were for Noise. One (1) report was for low-flying helicopters. Seven (7) reports were
for aircraft traffic. And One (1) report was a combination of noise and aircraft traffic. Four (4)
households were first-time complainants, and three (3) households are previous complainants.
First complainant made a report of an aircraft doing repeated touch-and-go landings in the
middle of the night. According to VirTower, the aircraft was identified as a flight training aircraft
based at the airport. Contacted the chief flight instructor for that flight school that indicated that
nighttime pattern work is limited to early evening hours and discouraged in the middle of the
night. He stated that he would address this incident with his staff.
Second complainant made a report of constant helicopter noise and did not request contact or
follow-up. Report was only logged.
Third complainant made numerous reports of aircraft taking off to the east only and over his
residence instead of a westerly direction. When traffic is on east flow, aircraft are climbing
under power which is loud. During west flow traffic, aircraft are descending for landing with lower
power settings which is very quiet. All reports were in the late evening just prior to sunset. Sent the
complainant corresponding emails regarding the weather, wind and sunshine decisions made by
the control tower.
Forth complainant reported a “flying propeller plane” over his residence many times between 2AM
and 3AM. According to VirTower the offending aircraft was an Arizona DPS helicopter orbiting
the area of Hunt Hwy and Gilbert Rd. providing air support to a law enforcement incident at the casino
under construction.
Fifth complainant reported aircraft noise appeared to be getting later in the evenings and earlier in
the morning. Pulled flight data for complainant's residence for 5AM. All aircraft operations were
departures leaving the area, not touch and go landings.
Sixth complainant reported many airplanes flying over this residence at all hours of the day. On
the day of the report at approximately 5PM, many low flying airplanes flew over the residence.
Complainant lives in Gilbert approximately 4 miles Northeast of the airport. According to flight
Page 5 of 9
tracking at the time of this report, the offending aircraft originated from Falcon Field and were
transiting the air space heading southbound at regulatory altitudes. Additional research
indicated aircraft activity around this residence as transiting aircraft not from the Chandler Airport.
Seventh complainant has made many previous reports of low flying aircraft, specifically
helicopters over the residence with is also a horse ranch. Complainant indicated that since the
property is zoned for agriculture use that the airspace above is owned by the homeowner.
Called the complainant several times and left voice messages to follow up. To date, this
complainant has not called back.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCROKLE stated that he has noticed more aircraft taking off on 4L will turn out
early in some cases they come out low and may sound louder, asking if they could use 4R instead.
MR. RINKENBERGER responded that he would speak to the airport manger and the traffic control
regarding this.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY stated that the new software (VirTower) has really been useful.
MR. RINENBERGER responded absolutely in terms of noise abatement and gives answers to any
of the noise concerns staff receives.
MR. RINKENBERGER gave an overview of the monthly noise report for December 2022.
In December 2022, Five (5) households made Five (5) reports regarding aircraft activity. Three
reports were for Noise. One (1) report was for low-flying helicopters. One (1) report was for
aircraft traffic. Three (3) households were first-time complainants and (2) households are previous
complainants.
First complainant made a report that over two days low flying jet aircraft could be heard
during adverse rainy weather. One aircraft sounded so low that the complainant thought
it might crash and asked if the traffic pattern had changed. Flight tracking around the
residence at the times of reports indicated jet traffic at approximately 3,000 feet
descending into Sky Harbor. No other aircraft were identified. Assured the complainant
that the airport’s traffic pattern has not changed. Advised complainant to call if it occurs
again.
Second Complainant reported a helicopter flying directly over the residence that is also a horse
farm after hours on the noise hot-line. This is the same complainant from the previous month that
reported a similar incident. Complainant requested a call back, which went un-answered multiple
times with messages left. To date, this complainant has not called back for follow-up. I am currently
tracking data in VirTower as I have a virtual geo-fence set up around the complainant’s property
line.
Third Complainant reported a group of airplanes flew over the residence multiple times waking
up her napping children on a Saturday afternoon. Flight tracking for the residence indicated
Page 6 of 9
multiple aircraft departing from Stellar Airpark in formation flights. Provided the complainant with
the contact number to the FAA FSDO in Scottsdale.
Forth complainant reported airplane noise at night over the past two nights and requested to
“Please, fix this.” Contacted the complainant and got approximate times over the last couple of
nights. First aircraft was the Phoenix Police helicopter that directly overflew the residence at 1:32
A M . Second a i r c r a f t w a s a Medevac helicopter that overflew the residence at
approximately 3:26AM that originated in the Florence area going to the Phoenix Children’s
Hospital. Assured the complainant that the traffic patterns for the airport have not changed and
are well away from the residence. I am currently tracking data in VirTower as I have a virtual geo-
fence set up around the area of this residence.
Fifth complainant directly emailed the mayor, the entire city council and city management regarding
helicopter activity over the residence at approximately 9PM. Contacted the complainant the
following day, who indicated that many complaints have been made to the airport previously
regarding helicopter noise. Offending aircraft was found to be an Arizona Army National Guard
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter conducting nighttime night-vision training and were executing
multiple touch and go landings. At the time of this report, the control tower was closing for the
evening and the Blackhawk departed the area shortly thereafter. Complainant is a U.S. Air
Force veteran and understood the need for military training.
5. Monthly Origins and Destinations Report
The data provided below documents the “Top 20” filed IFR Flightplans for commercial operators
into and from the Chandler Municipal Airport in November 2022. These flights represent
business travel utilizing CHD; 238 such flights took place in November 2022. There was one (1)
repositioning flights from CHD representing 675 gallons of fuel burn enroute. Total flights to and
from CHD represent 45,716 gallons of fuel burn.
The data provided below documents the “Top 20” filed IFR Flightplans for commercial operators
into and from the Chandler Municipal Airport in December 2022. These flights represent business
travel utilizing CHD; 226 such flights took place in December 2022. There was one (1) repositioning
flight, representing 465 gallons of fuel burn. All flights represent 40,859 gallons of fuel burn
enroute.
6. Monthly Construction Report
MR. REEVES gave an overview of the Construction Report.
Capital Projects- Design Phase:
The Wildlife Hazard Perimeter Fence: City comments received for 30% plans. ADOT environmental
clearance received on August 1, 2022. The plans are done, and the project will go out for bid in
February. This is 100% ADOT funding at $1,107,500.
Page 7 of 9
MR. RINKENBERGER stated that one of the aspects that was added to the Wildlife Hazard
Perimeter Fence was based on an incident staff had with coyotes. The coyotes were chased inside
the airport perimeter in an attempt to get them out of the airport property. Staff has added wildlife
escape gates that allow the wildlife to exit the airport without injuring themselves.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if the escape gates allow humans to get in.
MR. RINKENBERGER responded no, the traps look more like a fish trap, you can get in, but you
can’t get out. It is a one-way gate.
Arizona Pavement Management System: The grant was approved by City Council on April 28th. A
concern about the project is that they wanted to start in a week’s time and might conflict with
increased arrivals and departures for the Super Bowl. ADOT reached out to inform staff that the
project will begin mid-April. This is a 90% ADOT-funded project at $617,574 with a City match of
$61,758. ADOT is handling the contractor procurement.
Airport Operations Garage: This is a city funded project at $1 million. The design contract has been
approved. All the airport operations equipment will be moved to inside the perimeter and free up
the former heliport area for further capital development.
Airport Fuel Tank Relocation: The design proposal is under contract development. This is a city
funded project at $610,000. The fuel tank will be relocated once the new above ground tank has
been installed.
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) Replacement: The FAA is funding the equipment
replacement for $200,00. The pre-scoping meeting is to be held. The FAA environmental clearance
has been received.
Runway End Identifier Light (REIL) Installation Runway 4L-22R- (North Runway)- This is FAA funded for
equipment replacement for $110,000. The contract is enrooting at the moment.
Runway 4R-22L Rehabilitation (South Runway)- A FAA grant for $350,000 was received for Runway
4R-22L Pavement Rehabilitation Design for the coming fiscal year. The project scoping has been
initiated.
Capital Projects- Construction Phase:
Heliport Lighting Replacement: This week they are building the actual lights that go on the perimeter
so that all the light poles can be eliminated that are at the center of the heliport area. There will
be no work done during Super Bowl week. This project is city funded at $277,771 for construction.
Maintenance Projects:
Fence Repair: Selective tensioning along perimeter fence.
Page 8 of 9
Ramp/Apron Painting: Staff is planning on doing some beautification prior to Super Bowl by
touching up areas that have some flake off.
Flight Planning Room/Pilot Lounge Repairs: Staff is still waiting for the updated wall planning
maps/charts.
Terminal: The terminal is receiving general beautification and touch-ups.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY stated that the $350,000 grant is the one the Commission voted on the
previous meeting.
Information Items
8. Manager’s Report
MR. REEVES shared that the POS (point of sale) machine is functional after having to replace
subterranean plumbing as preventative maintenance in addition to the repairs to damage directly
caused by the lightning strike. Operational fuel should be available by next week.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if the new above ground fuel tank will be installed using the below
ground wiring until it can be switched over.
MR. REEVES responded yes, they should have a day or two (2) transitioning from the manifold
feeding from the old tank to the new tank. Once that is established, the tenants should see
minimal interruptions. Then, last City of Chandler subterrain tank can be removed.
MR. REEVES stated that staff has began tracking regional fuel pricing, CHD will be closer to the
mid-range low end of pricing. In the Southwest region out of 558 sale locations, the average fuel
price is $6.05 per gallon. Staff is tracking this on a weekly basis. The minimum is currently at $4.22
and the high is at $9.96.
MR. REEVES also shared that the new equipment (recorders, receivers, and transmitters) that were
installed in the tower are now fully operational. The tower staff is happy with the new equipment.
MR. REEVES also shared that there are plans to install high speed internet to the tower, and they
are currently obtaining pricing. If any equipment has a fault, there will be no need for someone to
physically service the equipment. Instead, virtual or remote repair services may be engaged.
MR. REEVES also shared that Operations Staff has been doing hangar maintenance on demand as
well as preventative maintenance. In the next month staff will purchase equipment such as rollers
and latches to replace the old latches on the City hangars.
MR. REEVES also stated after researching crane company requirements within the City, crane
companies are not required to provide proof of insurance, unless they are a Chandler based
Page 9 of 9
company. They operate as a subcontractor which falls under maintenance even when it is
construction. MR. RINKENBERGER is taking care of any issues with crane companies on a daily
basis.
MR. REEVES also shared the selection committee for the strategic business plan has made a
unanimous recommendation for award, which will be taken to Council in February for approval.
Once this is approved, a kickoff meeting will take place in March or April for strategic planning
process. There will be a large public and tenant outreach and engagement.
MR. REEVES shared with the Commission that on January 17th, the Arizona Airport Day will be held
at the State Capital. This is the day to engage with both the House and the Senate as to why the
aviation fund for ADOT’s Aeronautics Department is so important to the state’s airports. Federal
and state grants help maintain the infrastructure for public airports. In the past year, the Aviation
Fund have received $20 million dollars as a one-time funding from the State Legislature.
COMMISSIONER OROZCO has agreed to bring his Kitfox down to the State Capital for Arizona
Airport Day. Quantum Helicopters will be taking two helicopters and land them in Wesley Bolin
Plaza. The Arizona National Guard will be bringing in one Lakota helicopters.
Member Comments/Announcements
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE wished everyone a Happy New Year. VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE also
appreciates all the fuel updates and believes keeping track of the prices will be beneficial for the
airport in the future.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY stated that this information can be beneficial in the strategic business plan.
COMMISSIONER OROZCO thanked MR. RINKENBERGER on the noise concern follow ups by
addressing those concerns.
Calendar
The next regular Airport Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 2022, at 6:30
p.m., in the Chandler Airport Terminal, 2380 S. Stinson Way.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
______________________________
__________________________________
Ryan Reeves, Secretary Christopher Hawley, Chairman