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Meeting Minutes
Airport Commission
Regular Meeting
February 08, 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 Operations Manager
Commissioner Robert Bozelli
Chris Andres, Airport Planning Program Manager
Commissioner Chad Wakefield
Diana Alonzo, Management Assistant
Commissioner Cecil Orozco
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, 2023, 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 COMMISSIONER WAKEFIELD and seconded by COMMISSIONER MCCORKLE to
approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the January 11, 2023.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Action Agenda
2. Request Airport Commission recommend City Council enter into an agreement with the Arizona
Department of Transportation (ADOT) to accept a grant in an amount not to exceed $2,035,200
for the design and construction of the Taxiway B Extension- Phase 1 project.
It was moved by COMMISSIONER WAKEFIELD and seconded by COMMISSIONER OROZCO to
recommend City Council enter into an agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation
(ADOT) to accept a grant in an amount not to exceed $2,035,200 for the design and construction
of the Taxiway B Extension- Phase 1 project.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0).
COMMISSIONER WAKEFIELD asked for the timeframe between receiving the grant and beginning
the project.
MR. REEVES responded that once the grant is executed, the project kickoff meeting will be in late
August or early September.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked what type of operational impact can be foreseen (runway
closures) for this project.
MR. REEVES responded that there should be minimal impact. There will probably be some delays
when they connect with Taxiway November, that will cause a two (2) to three (3) day delay. These
projects are handled by building part of the taxiway and then connecting it to the existing
pavement, 24 hours is typically needed to cure the pavement and paint it.
Briefing
3. 2023 Super Bowel Bowl Update
Page 3 of 9
MR. REEVES gave the Commission an update regarding the upcoming Super Bowl LVII event in
Phoenix, AZ. The beginning of the slot system officially begins tomorrow. This is the parking
reservation system that the FAA has mandated all airports in the Valley to participate in. 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.
MR. REEVES also shared that the Airport has coordinated with one their SASO co- permittees, Van
Wagner Aerial Media. They are the company that does the banner towing. They normally have
one (1) aircraft stationed here, but they have five (5) aircraft operating since early this morning.
MR. RINKENBERGER published a NOTAM limiting pattern work will be allowed.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked about the company name being SASO.
MR. REEVES responded that SASO stands for Specialized Aeronautical Service Operator, i.e.,
anything that can be permitted as either commercial or non-commercial business or operation on
the field.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if they are basing their work in Chandler.
MR. REEVES responded that they have several airports nationwide where they rent a tiedown
space. They have leased a tiedown space for years here. Furthermore, Chandler Air Service and
Chandler Aviation have partnered to accommodate event demand. Frank Setzler cleared his flight
line in front of Chandler Aviation to allow Chandler Air Service to position more aircraft.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if they are heading to the stadium and to Waste Management from
CHD.
MR. REEVES responded yes, as well as to the Super Bowl host committees in downtown Phoenix,
as much as Sky Harbor Air Traffic Control will allow them to.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked where they did the banner pick up.
MR. REEVES responded that Airport staff has always kept an area clear adjacent to Taxiway B.
4. Monthly Operations Report
MR. REEVES gave an overview of the Monthly Operations Report for the month of January 2023
with 18,463 operations for the month. January 2022 had a total of 15,655 operations. CHD
continues to maintain their national rankings as 52nd in the nation and 18th in the GA rankings.
Page 4 of 9
MR. REEVES shared that a lot of the increase in operations is due to flight training picking back up.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY stated that it was remarkable how Falcon Field Airport moved ahead of Deer
Valley.
MR. REEVES responded that CAE decided around 2 years ago to shift their model from
international (students that are not U.S. citizens) flight training to focus on domestic students. This
allowed them to keep their numbers through the pandemic, while other flight training schools
that relied on international students lost operations.
5. Monthly Noise Report
MR. RINKENBERGER gave an overview of the monthly noise report for January 2023.
In January 2023, eight (8) households made eight (8) reports regarding aircraft activity. One (1)
report was for aircraft noise. Five (5) reports were for low-flying aircraft. Two (2) reports were for
aircraft traffic. All eight (8) households were first-time complainants.
First complainant reported that lately aircraft near the residence had been flying exceptionally low
and wanted to verify that they were at the proper altitude. VirTower flight tracking verified that
aircraft were flying at or above regulatory altitudes. Also provided the complainant with FAR §
91.119 defining minimum safe altitudes.
Second complainant, who resides in south Phoenix reported that over the past couple of months
the amount of air traffic has increased above the residence. Flight tracking indicated most air
traffic was inbound or departing PHX Sky Harbor except for a few instances of police, medevac,
and TV News helicopters in the area.
Third complainant, who also resides in south Phoenix reported unusual air traffic when an
airplane was making circles over the neighborhood and provided the “N” number from Flight
Aware. VirTower flight tracking identified the aircraft as a CHD based aircraft used for flight
training and while maneuvering over the neighborhood was above the required regulatory
altitude. Later, it was revealed the student pilot in the aircraft was showing his flight instructor
where he lived and took some aerial photos of his parent’s house. Staff also provided the
complainant with FAR § 91.119 defining minimum safe altitudes.
Forth complainant, who identified himself as a private pilot observed two aircraft converge onto
each other and then seem to maneuver to avoid each other. VirTower flight tracking indicated
that both aircraft were approaching from the Southwest for landing at the airport and
maneuvered for what appeared to be spacing and sequencing. Control tower staff later
confirmed the same and that both aircraft had visual contact with each other.
Page 5 of 9
Fifth complainant, who lives in Gilbert asked how the flight path could be switched back to the
east over the farmland and reported aircraft over the residence at all hours of the night. The
residence was plotted on the extended runway centerline of RWY 12R/30L at Mesa-Gateway.
VirTower flight tracking revealed many airliners departing around mid-night and passing directly
over the residence. Staff contacted the complainant and advised their concerns should go to IWA.
Complainant apologized and stated they had called the wrong airport. They were provided the
noise reporting contact at IWA.
Sixth complainant, who also lives in Gilbert reported that a low-flying airplane went directly over
the residence. VirTower confirmed the complainant’s observation and identified the aircraft as
belonging to an airport tenant. Later, it was revealed that the offending aircraft was being rented
and departed for Winslow, AZ with four occupants and loaded with fuel, which is consistent with
the slow, low, and full-power climb out. The chief pilot for the airport tenant advised he would
address the situation with the renting pilot.
Seventh complainant, who lives in south Chandler near Cooper Rd., reported a sharp increase in
helicopter traffic over and near the residence, and also reported approximately 30 helicopters
flew over the residence in the prior day. VirTower flight tracking revealed heavy helicopter traffic
north and southbound directly over Cooper Road. Flight training helicopters attempt to overfly
the roadway as much as possible. The Cooper Road corridor (as it’s known by tenant flight crews)
is a self-imposed procedure by Quantum Helicopters to help reduce impact to residential areas.
On the day of concern, only one helicopter deviated from the Cooper Rd. corridor due to a conflict
and went over the neighborhood. Staff has notified the chief flight instructor of the reported
helicopter concerns.
Eighth complainant reported increased traffic over the residence in the early morning around 5:30
AM. VirTower flight tracking revealed that much of the morning air traffic is transiting the Chandler
airspace from Falcon Field to avoid Mesa-Gateway. Complainant inquired as to city ordinances
regarding noise from aircraft and restrictions for flight at night. Staff Informed the complainant of
24/7 operations and that noise concerns are addressed for voluntary consideration of the flying
community. Additionally, VirTower did not reveal any direct residential overflights of aircraft
departing or arriving at the Chandler Airport in the proceeding weeks at the time frame reported.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if any of the noise complaints were outside of the tower hours
of operation.
MR. RINKENBERGER responded that the eighth (8) complainant stated that the noise occurred
between 5:00 am and 5:30 am.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if the complaints that are regarding altitude or in the pattern
if staff can notate the altitude next to the star on the map.
MR. RINKENBERGER responded yes that he typically plots the elevation above the sea level of a
residence reporting and match it to the tracking altitude that is indicated in flight tracking.
Page 6 of 9
6. Monthly Origins and Destinations Report
The data provided below documents the “Top 20” filed IFR flight plans for commercial operators
into and from the Chandler Municipal Airport in January 2023. These flights represent business
travel utilizing CHD; 224 such flights took place in December 2023. There were two (2)
repositioning flights from CHD representing 1,766 gallons of fuel burn enroute. Total flights to
and from CHD represent 38,454 gallons of fuel burn.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked if staff is tracking the type of aircraft that have had noise
concerns with.
MR. REEVES responded that for the entirety of the time that the airport has been tracking noise
concerns, if staff is able to identify the N number or type of aircraft the data is entered.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE stated that this information can help the airport with future
developments.
7. Monthly Construction Report
MR. ANDRES 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 was received on August 1, 2022. The plans are done, and the project will go out for bid
this month. This is 100% ADOT funding at $1,107,500.
Arizona Pavement Management System: The grant was approved by City Council. A concern about
the project is that they wanted to start in about a week, but Super Bowl is about a month. 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 contract is scheduled for February 23rd Council meeting.
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) Replacement: The FAA is funding the equipment
replacement for $200,000. The pre-scoping meeting is to be held and the contract. 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 has been executed.
Page 7 of 9
Runway 4R-22L Rehabilitation (South Runway)- A FAA grant for $350,000 was received to design a
runway rehabilitation for 4R-22L for the coming fiscal year. The FAA environmental clearance has
been received. The contract is scheduled for the February 23rd Council meeting.
Capital Projects- Construction Phase:
Heliport Lighting Replacement: 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 is ongoing.
Ramp/Apron Painting: Staff is planning on repainting the transient parking with lead-in lines.
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.
VICE CHAIRMAN MCCORKLE asked MR. ANDRES what in entailed in the FAA environmental
clearance and why do they need an environmental clearance for something like an AWOS.
MR. ANDRES responded that it is due to NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) which
is required for any federal actions, federal funding. In this case they are paying for the equipment.
If there is federal funding attached or a change to the airport layout, by law all federal agencies
have to look at the environmental impact.
COMMISSIONER OROZCO asked where the location of the maintenance garage will be.
MR. ANDRES used a map to show COMMISSIONER OROZCO the future location of the garage. The
idea is to have the garage located in an area with direct access near the tower.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY stated that a year ago the airport had a windsock project that was taking a
long time to get through environmental and asked if staff was having the same issue again.
MR. ANDRES responded that was a rare incident.
MR. REEVES stated that during the windsock project, there was only one environmental officer n
at the Phoenix ADO (Airport District Office) reviewing all applications. Our environmental study
was sourced out to the office in Hawaii, and an environmental officer in that office approved it.
They have currently hired two (2) more environmental officers for the Phoenix office.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if the work had begun for the Cooper Road Extension that was
approved in a bond.
Page 8 of 9
MR. REEVES responded that the design of the Cooper Road Collector is in predesign. The City
offices and departments are organizing all the concerns and the touch points that need to be.
Things that have been brought up from the airport are concerns regarding where the storm water
will go, what the airport needs to preserve and see. It is a highly prioritized project at the City level.
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY asked if the concept is to run utility lines up Cooper Road.
MR. REEVES responded yes.
Information Items
8. Manager’s Report
MR. REEVES shared that the tenant of record audits is ongoing with MR. RINKENBERGER and MS.
ALONZO are doing much of the work. Staff has seen an increase in turnover within the tiedowns
and hangars. Staff will continue auditing the files.
MR. REEVES also shared that Operations staff finished the drywall work inside the pilot’s lounge
in preparation for this weekend. There is a national VFR map and a state chart that will go on the
walls. On January 23rd, fuel sales resumed in the airport. The regional fuel pricing average is as low
as $5.22 a gallon and as high as $9.60 a gallon, CHD is currently selling gas at $5.85 per gallon.
Operations staff has also been working on field mowing in preparation for the Super Bowl. Staff
has been working diligently on keeping the movement area cleared, keeping the lights visible on
the ground. They are working hard to maintain the safety parameters on the field.
The tower parking lot was opened this week after being blocked off by concrete curbs. This is now
open and available for public parking. This is also in preparation for the event to park limos, buses,
and SUVs. Tenants also requested to be able to park here on a daily basis, staff is hoping to utilize
this area for more events in the future.
MR. REEVES also shared that staff will be taking the contract for the award of the Strategic Business
Plan to Council on February 23rd. Once this is executed, the contractor has stated that in seven (7)
months they can deliver a strategic business plan to the airport. There will be a large public and
tenant outreach and engagement.
MR. REEVES also shared that staff is still waiting on the categorical environmental exclusion study
to be done for the GateOne hangar development. Staff has asked for it to be accelerated and
prioritized as much as possible. As of recent, the Airport Maintenance Supervisor- CDL position is
now open and closes in 5 days. A candidate will be chosen through the normal interview process
for this position. John Nyetrae is the current acting Airport Maintenance Supervisor- CDL.
Page 9 of 9
MR. REEVES stated that Aviation Day was very successful and thanked everyone that attended.
This event resulted in two (2) bills taken to the House and Senate floor. There is currently a House
bill for a one-time funding ask for the Aeronautics fund of $26 million and a Senate bill that has
already been introduced on to the Senate floor for a $20 million ask.
Member Comments/Announcements
CHAIRMAN HAWLEY stated that he wishes good luck to the airport staff this weekend and that it
is great opportunity for the airport.
Calendar
The next regular Airport Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 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