3/21/2008 - Operational Update from Airport Manager March 2008 Notes from John Luke, Airport Manager Fast approaching is my 4th anniversary as Airport Manager at GAI. From a personal perspective, these four years have gone by far too fast, but as the saying goes, time flies... But in this short span, I hope that you, the users, have seen some progress in the physical layout of the facility as well as improvements in the approaches, weather reporting and other similar aspects of airport operations. I will comment below on specific areas of airport operations that affect all of us and always feel free to give me all-important feedback either by stopping by my office on the first floor of the terminal building, by telephone, or by e-mail. ADIZ Unfortunately still with us for now and in to the forseeable future. The good news is that incursions are way down (not one reported since August 30, I am told by NCRCC). The same official has given me the names of senior NCRCC decision makers who possibly could help our future cause of obtaining a cutout or corridor similar to what JYO has. This would not come without potential peril however as Leesburg corridor operations are presently under scrutiny for repeated ADIZ violations since being implemented last summer. We will continue to monitor this situation and aggressively pursue what is best for GAI. SECURITY Also something ongoing we have to live with. In fact, we have been subject to an ever increasing number of security "audits" performed by both TSA and the Maryland Task Force on Terrorism. As said earlier and worth repeating, the AOPA sponsored Airport Watch program remains one of the most effective deterrent to security violators. The number to call on a 24/7 basis for ANY type of suspicious activity noticed at GAI is 1-866-GA-SECURE. Depending on the situation and for immediate response of course call 911. WILDLIFE At present, we appear to be deer-free with a few Canadian Geese hanging around from time to time. We have renewed our contract with USDA for another year so with the local bow hunters on board during spring, fall and winter and USDA in the summer we are pretty much covered. Several days may pass after deer are spotted to arrange for removal, so remain alert at all times. The perimeter fence is monitored for breeches on a regular basis but this is no guarantee at all that deer will be kept out. NADIN As noted before, we successfully connected to the government system at no cost with one or two exceptions which are being looked in to. ATC and flight service still do not show GAI weather reporting along with ADDS when you click on the radar map. Technicians are supposedly working the problem but getting to the source of the omission is difficult. Persistence will hopefully soon pay off. WEBB TRACT The Webb Tract is hopefully behind us from a residential housing standpoint. The owners of the property are anxious to move forward with I-4 (light industrial) development which is certainly a more compatible use than senior housing. We do however, need to monitor what gets built in terms of height and light pollution. SAFETY We still have too many vehicles violating the 10 mph speed limit. If you see anyone driving across the ramp at excessive speed, flash your lights or motion for them to slow down. I will say again, our ramp is small compared to most, and when several multi- million dollar airplanes are parked... need I say more? NOISE ABATEMENT Be sure everyone abides by the published pattern altitudes (1000' agl most aircraft; 1500' agl jets/turbines). Occasionally, some pattern flights seem to be following the old guideline of 800' agl which has been changed to 1000' agl for several years. This added 200 feet increases safety margins and reduces noise. Also, be sure to comply with the published notice to use Runway 14 in calm wind conditions. MCAA ACTIVITIES Upcoming events include the 2nd annual golf tournament in May at the nearby Laytonsville Golf Course and the annual picnic which this year will be held in September. Stay tuned for further details on these events, and if you are not a member of MCAA, consider joining. 8/22/2007 - Operational Update from the Airpark Manager Aug 2007 ADIZ-----As most of you know, the ADIZ redesign has been approved by the FAA and changes affecting GAI and surrounding airfields go into effect beginning August 30. On the surface, little if any changes will be felt by GAI users ,with the exception of ingress and egress "GATES" along with corresponding communication frequencies that are depicted on AOPA's web site and will be copied and distributed throughout our facility beginning today. Heidi Williams with AOPA suggests that all should consider using FAA's online course located at www.faasafety.gov. Within the portion labeled Aviation Learning Center, there is a new, up-to-date ADIZ course that includes multiple resources that can be saved and posted. The link that easily takes you to the course, once you are registered, is http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_catalog.aspx. AWOS--The segment of the AWOS which reports ceiling height is not working. FAA says replacement parts are on order and should be fixed by Friday. NADIN---Still on track for September installation but we are at the mercy of FAA funding and implementation. Our local tech has received the order to install once budgetary issues are cleared by downtown. WILDLIFE----Currently no deer have been recently seen on the inside of the airfield. This is of course no guarantee that the animals are not lurking in the dense underbrush so keep a sharp eye out for deer sightings and report them to me at 301-963-7100 or Montgomery Aviation dispatch at 301-977-5200. MOWING----Because of the summer drought, mowing activity has been sharply curtailed to eliminate costs and preserve the soil. Heavy growth of foliage around the perimeter of the airfield and on the fence will be dealt with late fall/early winter. SPEEDING ON THE RAMP-----Several vehicles have recently been seen using VERY excessive speed on the ramp and while traveling down the blind taxiway. Individuals who excessively violate the posted speed limit of 10 MPH in the Airport Operating Area (AOA) not only put themselves and others in extreme danger, but could easily jeopardize the privilege we enjoy of being able to drive to our aircraft for loading and unloading purposes. Chronic speeding offenders will be flagged down, identified, and asked to leave the AOA thus eliminating themselves from on-airfield parking privileges. Please observe the 10 MPH posted speed limit and turn on your headlights and flashers when driving in the AOA. FALL PICNIC------Mark the date of September 15 and commit to attending the annual Airport Picnic sponsored by MCAA, our users association. The event is being held in early fall (well, almost) in hopes of attracting more folks whose kids are now in school and the weather is somewhat cooler than previous dates in midsummer. This year's event will have games and a moon bounce for the kids, and hopefully will attract an array of aircraft static displays including sport aircraft, the County's traffic and surveillance aircraft MC-10, the new Cirrus, various law enforcement and rescue aircraft, and local fire department equipment. Surrounding neighbors will also be invited and Airport Management and based instructors will be available to answer operational questions that our neighbors and other members of the general public may ask. The picnic will run from 11 until 2. 6/14/2007 - More Deer Sighted - Caution Four more deer have been seen on the airfield this week. We are working to have them removed. Please use caution. 6/1/2007 - Deer Sighting - USE CAUTION Two large deer were seen on May 31 at the 14 end. Removal steps are underway. USE CAUTION! 5/14/2007 - Updates from the Airport Manager SAFETY-- *A storm drain grate has failed in the center portion of the ramp between the T Hangars and Hangar A. A light twin taxied over the grate Saturday dislodging the steel plate. Freestate has been notified and will begin repair on Monday. In the meantime, safety cones have been used to mark the area. * On several occasions last week, automobiles have been observed driving across the ramp and blind taxiway at extreme speeds. This practice has to stop as it is just a matter of time before disastrous consequences will result. Those who continue this practice will jeprodize the benefit we now enjoy of being able to drive to their aircraft. Please help me in enforcing the policy of the 10 MPH speed limit and when driving on the ramp, have your headlights or flashers on. NADIN--I was told on Friday that the long awaited NADIN weather reporting system for GAI is scheduled for installation in early fall, probably September. This news was relayed to me by FAA in Atlanta who is responsible for the connection. So unless funding falls through, it appears that our weather reporting void is about to end. RUNWAY CLOSURE----I anticipate awarding the crack sealing work for the Runway and the North End pad in early June. As a reminder, the runway will be closed from 12 midnight until 5AM for four or five nights, weather permitting. Proper notification will be given 48 hours before work begins. FSS RELOCATION/SYSTEM CHANGES---For a week or so, I have personally experienced and have been told of numerous instances of flight plans being dropped and/or being handled by controllers not familiar with our air space and fixes. This is undoubtedly due to the relocation of the FSS from Leesburg to Ashburn VA., combined with a new call directory system within FAA in which your flight plan could as easily be given out from Phoenix as Elkins. AOPA has said they are working with Lockheed to correct the problems and I have spoken to several FSS personnel who seem to be working hard on fixing the situation. 5/1/2007 - Operational Update Spring has sprung (finally) and with it comes my quarterly operational update that I hope everyone still finds useful. I try to cover as many bases with this update as I can and as always your comments and ideas are welcome at any time. If you feel there are specific categories that I have omitted and need discussed, please let me know. VAULT RELOCATION----The work activity you see in the vicinity of the AWOS will be the site of the electrical vault that will contain the lighting system for the runway and taxiway lights, VASI, and PCL. No lighting down time is expected but a large crane will be brought in next week or so to put in place the vault building. NEAR TERM PROJECTS---In addition to the vault relocation project in progress, we will be doing the following work in the next several months: Runway crack sealing----The entire length of the runway and the North End pad must be crack sealed to prevent further deterioration. We plan this work around June 1 and it will require the CLOSING of the entire runway for approximately four nights from 12 midnight until 5am. NOTAMS will be issued, AWOS message will be changed, and runway closure markers and lights will be installed. The Revenue Authority has received a special grant from Maryland Aviation Administration for this maintenance project but still must cover 50% of the total cost. Runway painting----We plan to repaint the white numbers and centerline markers on the runway sometime this coming fall. This project will require the closing of the runway for approximately 8-10 hours. Detailed notices will be given before these projects start. Pilots lounge/briefing room----New computers and printers have recently been installed in both areas for everyone's convenience. Newish furniture is planned soon for both rooms. WILDLIFE---Looks like the recent fence repair has successfully kept the deer from entering the airfield but as we all know, this condition could change at any time. With the coming of spring, comes the Canadian geese. I try to sweep the field at least twice daily with my vehicle which has proven to be the best deterrent but invariably, some geese return pricinpally because of the close proximity of storm water ponds. BIRD STRIKE----Last week, a turkey vulture, not a Canadian goose, was hit by a flying club plane while on takeoff. I received a report by two separate witnesses that they had heard a loud sound of something hitting metal and both parties reported seeing sheet metal falling off an aircraft while departing RW32. We even called TRACON to report the incident and after an anxious hour or so, the plane that hit the bird finally returned safely. A few hours later, the downed turkey vulture was found along the edge of taxiway Alpha. It reportedly weighed 20 pounds. ADIZ/RUMORED REDESIGN---The last two weeks have produced an onslaught of rumors both from ATC and FAA management viewpoints on the specifics of a proposed ADIZ redesign. At Operation Raincheck, a recent meeting for local pilots hosted by Potomac TRACON personnel to discuss ADIZ problems and procedures, certain information was furnished by ATC that indicated the NPRM was about to be made permanent. To be brief, two disturbing aspects of the rumored proposal are: 1. Undue delays for GAI and other ADIZ bound airports caused by pilots having to file and await for clearance approval very similar to the delays encountered by those filing IFR. Under this plan, flight schools, pilots wanting to do pattern work, and those wishing to depart the area will not be able to get their squawk code and just go. All will have to wait for specific clearance instructions and will be put in the clearance que with all other affected ADIZ airports; thus making for extreme delays. 2. Our Virginia neighbors to the South, Leesburg and Manassas will be offered cutouts; thus placing GAI at an unfair competitive advantage with these two facilities that are similar to us in terms of size, traffic and instrument approaches. The principal reason given for this is the proximity of GAI to Reagan National. GAI, 20nm; HEF, 23nm; JYO 30nm. FAA management and security personnel with whom I have spoken, discount the areas of concerns (especially #1) and have promised to keep me informed of significant developments as they occur. As of today, Wednesday's regular MCAA Board meeting will be taken up with ADIZ strategy discussions and will be attended by several AOPA senior staff, all of whom are familiar with the ADIZ situation and how it affects our airport's operations. In general, it seems that the NPRM/ADIZ situation is about ready to be brought to a head with several if not many adjustments to come with it. I will keep all of you informed on this important matter the best I can. See link from AOPA. http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2007/070409adiz.html SECURITY---Now a routine part of our existence at GAI. A reminder to everyone that only those individuals with a need to be on the airfield are allowed inside the airfield fence area. Sorry, but all picture taking by family and friends must be done from outside the fence. Please challenge or contact me to challenge anyone whom you feel is not authorized to be on the airside of the facility. JANITORIAL SERVICE----Cliff Gale and family, who have performed janitorial services at GAI for ten plus years, has graduated from college and is officially retiring from his janitorial duties this week. Cliff has done a great job and I know you join me in wishing him good health and best of luck for his future plans. He has been replaced with a franchise owner associated with Coverall Cleaning Concepts. NORTH END DEVELOPMENT-----As some of you know, the Revenue Authority has received several proposals for developing the North End of the airfield. We are trying to sort out what is best in terms of overall development for the vacant space at the North End, and this process has recently been made more complicated by the rumored news of ADIZ redesign. Once the ADIZ situation is made clear, the various proposals can be addressed in a more intelligent fashion than can be done under the present uncertain circumstances. GOLF OUTING---The first annual MCAA/MCRA golf outing is planned for May 18 at the Revenue Authority's Laytonsville course. It will be an 11:30 shotgun start with many prizes, good food, and a good time predicted. Flyers have been distributed with the details so fill one out and join us for this fun and worthwhile event. Proceeds will go towards aviation scholarships for local youths and the MCAA general fund. USER FEES---The Revenue Authority has stated that a larger percentage than normal of user fees are still outstanding. As a reminder, this necessary collection of revenues are used to fund the Revenue Authority's local share of capital projects. If you have not sent in your annual user fee, please do so now. 2/19/2007 - Caution Against Salt or Ice Melt Use Near Aircraft Airport Manager John Luke issued a reminder to never use salt or ice melt in the vicinity of your aircraft. The corrosive nature of this substance can play havoc with bearings, brake pads, and other metal parts. For the same reason, salt is never used on runways, taxiways, or ramp areas with the exception of Urea, which is a specialty product that is extremely expensive and difficult to warehouse. 12/29/2006 - Operational Update - December 2006 An update from Airport Manager John G. Luke, III, C.M. ADIZ- I attended the sixth annual AAAE/TSA/DHS Aviation Security Summit in Washington on December 11, and came away with distinct information that TSA and the other various alphabet groups still consider aviation in general to be the number one target for terrorist organizations in all parts of the world. They allude to other forms of transportation as being vulnerable to threats, but none of the representatives at the session feel that other modes of transportation surpass aviation in terms of its importance. Robert Rottman, TSA spokesman for GA security, said that the NPRM comments were still being collected into various categories, and he felt that a final determination would be headed to the TSA and FAA chiefs in the near future. He added that some "enhancements" would probably occur with the final product but sadly, it seems the restricted air space is here for the long term. GAI SECURITY- Except for the ATM situation mentioned below, nothing major to report in this category, although vigilance needs to maintained at all times. As stated often, the GA Airport Watch program is no question an effective tool for airport security, so continue to call 1-866-GA-SECURE to report any suspicious activity. The "gate ghost" has hopefully been caught and repaired so that inadvertent openings will not occur. To prevent "piggybacking," please allow the gate to fully close if the vehicle behind you is someone that you do not know. As most of you know, the ATM was burglarized a few months ago, and the unknown thief has not been caught. A poster has been placed in the manager’s bulletin board with information about the crime. WILDLIFE- Thanks to Tom Grass and his bow hunting team, we think that the deer inside the fence have been eliminated as of this notice, but with the proliferation of the animals in this area, they could reappear at any time. The fence has been recently inspected and repaired, but they can still get inside the fence through a variety of ways. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be guaranteed to be fail-safe, so you must be cautious at all times to watch for deer and other animals, especially at night. Goose nesting on the airfield seems to be practically nonexistent so far this fall/winter. ELECTRICAL VAULT RELOCATION- Work has been temporarily suspended on this project until March 11, due to back orders of necessary supplies. Poles have been set and conduits placed underground, which makes the project about one-third complete. Once the restart begins, final completion is expected by the end of April. BOMBERS- The mid-October visit by the B-17 and the B-25 was a tremendous success as estimates by the Collings Foundation put the overall turnstile count at close to 3,500. Even though our ramp is one of the smallest on their tour, GAI ranks second in terms of visitor popularity, according to Collins. We were helped by beautiful weather and the dedication of the Air Force Memorial in downtown Washington, D.C. NADIN/AWOS- Progress has been made for the AWOS to be hooked up to the nationwide NADIN system. Claude Jones, the most recent contact at FAA on the NADIN subject in a recent e-mail to me stated the hook up was somewhere in the system, but provided no time line for completion. I have contacted him for clarification and restated the importance of live time/weather reporting for our airport. This process has been painfully slow, but it is fairly complicated, principally because of the costs and security issues involved. FYI, six or so individuals from MCAA, MAA, University of Maryland Research Foundation and FAA have and will continue to play key roles in this project. SURVEY CARDS- In an earlier e-mail, I stated that a survey card program initiated by the Montgomery County Visitors and Convention Bureau was underway. The survey cards themselves are located by my door on the first floor and at the entrance hallway on the second floor of the terminal building. Additional cards will be made available at the entrance to the Airport Cafe. So far, overall response has not been what was anticipated, so if you have not filled out a survey card yet, please do so. CALM WIND RW 14 PREFERRED- Much has been discussed lately about using Runway 14 in calm wind situations. And not everyone agrees that this voluntary program is the right way to go. But the reason for recommending the adoption of this procedure, placing the written procedure in the AFD and placing a sign in the appropriate area on the field is that the pros far outweigh the cons as shown below: Reasons for:   * GAI's instrument approaches all terminate on RW 14   * the VASIs are for RW 14 use   * more off-field landing areas are available if necessary for RW 14 departures   * for landing aircraft, RW 14 offers a one degree upslope   * numerous incidents involving potential conflicts have and continue to occur; some examples include: two airplanes actually landing on the RW at the same time in OPPOSITE DIRECTION (3x); corporate jets taking off on 32 while IFR traffic was landing 14 (4x); and numerous more.   * the noise abatement policy currently in place calls for RW 14 use in calm winds   * the potential conflicts have been called to my attention numerous times by local and corporate users, and I feel compelled to put measures in place to mitigate the circumstances. Reasons against:   * taxiing to RW 14 for departure takes longer and burns more fuel   * flying to EMI on the departure "fix" is shorter if RW 32 is used   * a wind shear condition could exist if winds aloft at 3000' were from the NW even if the winds on the surface were calm; thus, landing roll could be longer on RW 14   * RW 32 has a one degree downslope thus shortening take-off roll Absolute compliance with the above is, of course, not possible and common sense must reign when exceptions occur. For example, if multiple aircraft are in the pattern and using RW 32, and the wind dies off, only when the pattern activity lessens and all parties are in agreement should the pattern rotation be changed. And if a large twin or jet must utilize the downslope for RW 32 for take-off purposes, then it must do so. Hopefully, the enactment of this voluntary procedure will help eliminate the multitude of incidents that have been occurring on a regular basis. WEBB TRACT- This issue appears to have disappeared in terms of residential development, but there seems to be no question that light industrial use will eventually become a reality in the near term. The Revenue Authority will insist that proper FAA approval must be obtained for any structure to be built on the site. AIRFIELD MAINTENANCE- Preliminary plans have been set for RW/TW repainting and crack-filling sometime in March/April. Ample notice will be given, but expect the runway and taxiway to be closed for periods of time during this work. USER FEES/HANGAR & NDB SURVEY- The Revenue Authority has mailed out 2007 User Fee invoices. Included with the invoice will be a survey form on the subject of hangars at the North End, as well as a survey about the continued use of the Non-directional Beacon (NDB). Please look for this survey and remember to send it to us along with the user/storage fee for this coming year. Thanks. MCAA/GOLF OUTING- As part of a membership drive initiative, the Montgomery County Airport Association (MCAA) will, if enough interest exists, host a membership and fundraising golf tournament at a nearby course in late April or early May. This could really be a fun event and serve the purpose of attracting new members and raise money at the same time. I also understand that MCAA plans to hold a second annual spot landing/safety seminar sometime in the spring. 12/20/2006 - AWOS Repaired Airport Manager John Luke reports that the AWOS has been repaired. 12/18/2006 - Windsock NAVAID Inoperable The wind sock on A Hangar came loose and fell to the ground. 11/28/2006 - Deer Warning Warning, deer were spotted running from the 32-end into the woods on the west side of the field recently. Four deer have been removed. Always use caution and report any further deer sightings to the Airport Manager, John Luke. 11/8/2006 - Survey Cards at the Airpark The Montgomery County Visitors and Convention Bureau, along with the Montgomery County Revenue Authority, has designed a survey card to capture demographic and other information from users, both local and transit, who visit GAI. Survey cards may be obtained at Montgomery Aviation's front counter on the second floor of the terminal building and outside the Airport Manager's office door on the first floor of the terminal building. Please assist the County and the Revenue Authority by participating in this important survey. 11/7/2006 - Speed Limit at the Airpark SPEED LIMIT SIGNS----10 MPH speed limit signs have been placed at strategic points on the airport to remind everybody that a speed limit, enforceable by law, exists on the airfield and common area parking lots at all times, and must be adhered to. Too many vehicles that exceed this limit crossing a very busy ramp often filled with corporate and other aircraft. Violators will be warned accordingly, and ramp/on-airfield driving privileges could be suspended for those who do not comply. 11/6/2006 - Electrical Vault Project to begin November 6, 2006 Starting Monday, November 6, Midasco Company, Inc. will begin work on the electrical vault relocation project recently approved by the FAA. With the exception of placement of the vault building itself, the project should be completed by year's end. Due to long lead times, the building will not arrive until February. Most of the work being performed should be virtually unnoticed by Airpark users, with minimum disruption expected. 10/30/2006 - Pattern Altitude Update Reminder Airport Manager John Luke reminds us, "Our pattern altitude is 1000' agl (1539' msl) for the majority of GA aircraft at GAI. Several instructors have reported to me that some students and others getting check rides are still using the old 800' agl as the entry altitude." The higher pattern has been in effect since May 2005. 9/9/2006 - Operational Update - September 2006 Summer's almost history and much has taken place involving GAI since my last general E-mail sent to my distribution list. Highlights listed chronologically include: LANDING/SAFETY WORKSHOP (a.k.a. SPOT LANDING CONTEST)------This first ever event was a real success and to the best of my knowledge, MCAA plans for another similar event in the near future. Precise landings was the central theme of the event and the multiple participants for the most part scored well. MCAA PICNIC----This annual event was again well attended and the volunteers with MCAA did a stellar job coordinating the multiple activities including prizes, food, activities for kids, etc. The visit of the WACO was well received as rides were being taken well after the official closing hour of the event. Freestate and Montgomery were extremely generous in their donation of various resources necessary to make the picnic a success. WEBB TRACT----As most of you know, a lot of time and effort on the part of Revenue Authority and MCAA has been put into a coordinated effort of opposition to the proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) that would allow for a Planned Retirement Community (PRC) to be built a scant 900 feet from the end of Runway 14. At this juncture, it appears the momentum for this proposal has temporarily stalled. Rest assured the Revenue Authority along with MCAA and others will do everything possible to thwart this type of development now and in the future. NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR------On June 26, Keith Miller, PGA, officially became the Executive Director of the Montgomery County Revenue Authority, owner and grant sponsor of the Montgomery County Airpark. Keith replaces Marc Atz who served as Executive Director for almost nine years. During Marc's tenure, much was accomplished both administratively and operationally to ensure the future of GAI. Keith's first day on the job included attending an evening work session at East Village where the Webb Tract proposal was discussed publicly for the first time. How's that for being on the firing line your first day on the job!!!!! NOISE COMPLAINTS-------Noise complaints coming into my office have increased since my last general update. Contributing factors include good flying weather, increased activity of flight schools and clubs, and the publicity/sensitivity caused by Webb Tract development proposal. To mitigate noise complaints, please observe the following: * Refrain from intersection takeoffs * Follow published noise abatement procedures * When practical, reduce propeller RPM after reaching safe altitude * If possible, when weather and other situations permit, practice touch and go's at an airport that is more remote and has less of a residential population surrounding it. * In no wind or light wind conditions, try to utilize RW 14 as much as possible. SECURITY-------We still receive high marks from TSA for the security that is in place including the perimeter fence, coded gates, security cameras, and of course the GA WATCH program that is constantly being implemented by all of you at GAI. I have even had non-pilots report suspicious activity to myself and law enforcement which indicates the high level of awareness that everyone who visits GAI for whatever reason exhibits. RAMP CHECK--------Today several officers from MCPD conducted random ramp checks for mostly transit aircraft pilots and passengers. This is part of a new initiative launched by MCPD to enhance security at GAI and is welcomed by management. The officers were polite and professional in their approach, and my feeling is that no one that was questioned or asked to show credentials felt intimidated by the process. Unfortunately, this is the world we now live in. WILDLIFE-------Unfortunately, the deer presence on the field has increased this summer. Despite several successful removals by USDA personnel, (last week 3 deer, 5 fox, 6 ground hogs) two deer were spotted Thursday evening at the 14 approach/run-up area. The "deer and birds" comment has been removed from the AWOS tape to shorten the message, but the comment remains in the AFD and as always report deer and other wildlife sightings to me ASAP. VAULT RELOCATION-------Next Tuesday, a pre-construction meeting will be held at the Airpark to officially begin the Vault/Airfield Electrical System relocation. This FAA Grant totaling approximately $600,000 will relocate all airfield lighting and NAVAID systems from the terminal furnace room area to an area on the airfield close to the AWOS. Among the benefits of this project will be a safer working environment, updated equipment, and the addition of necessary electric power infrastructure to the North End for future development purposes. The FAA requires a full time inspector for this project; thus a work trailer will be situated on the auxiliary parking lot for his/her use. Midasco Company, an experienced airfield maintenance organization who has done work at IAD and BWI has been awarded the contract. THRU-THE-FENCE--------The thru-the-fence project to accommodate the Falcon 2000 hangared in the vicinity of the RW 32 run-up is completed and aircraft operations to and from the taxiway have started. If necessary, and if turning radius permit, the newly constructed concrete apron CAN be used for occasional run-up purposes but ONLY if the Falcon is not impeded in the normal course of ingress or egress. RADIO CALLS------There are still too many position reports NOT being made by aircraft coming to and leaving from GAI. For the safety of yourself and others, make periodic position reports while in the air and broadcast your takeoff intention while on the ground. We are still experiencing too many close calls that could be easily avoided by simple declarations on CTAF. ADDITIONAL SAFETY SIGNS-----Next week, 10 MPH safety reminder signs will appear on and around the Airport Operations Area (AOA). Too many vehicles crossing the ramp are doing so at excessive speeds and the signs will hopefully remind everyone to slow down and proceed with caution. A reminder to have you flashers on at all times while inside the AOA and if you see someone operating at excessive speed, motion them to slow down. Thanks! Also, the MCFD has requested that all buildings including the T hangars have a designated address sign placed at a strategic location on the structure and compliance with this request will be completed in the near future. BOMBERS----It's official. The B-17 and the B-24 owned and operated by the Collins Foundation will visit GAI in Mid-October. A detailed schedule including times for tours, rides, and related costs will be announced soon. This has the potential for being the biggest event ever at GAI especially if the weather cooperates. Among the reasons is the planned unveiling of the new Air Force Memorial in downtown Washington the same Saturday as their visit. Posters and Media kits are anticipated by next week. SURVEY-------Shortly, in conjunction with Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (DED), an informational survey form will be made available in the upstairs lobby for anyone wishing to participate. Demographic information and questions related to customer service at and away from the airport are the central themes of the survey. It's purpose is to give DED more information about who uses the airport, where they come from, how long they plan to stay, and how they viewed their experience while they were here. Three items to add to my recent update: *REIL------The left side REIL (strobe light) for RW 14 is out and will be repaired/replaced by week's end if replacement parts can be located. The use of instrument approaches to RW 14 are not affected. *SECURITY GATE CODES-----The gate codes will be changed possibly as soon as tomorrow. Information about the change will be disseminated through this e-mail channel and made available from Montgomery Aviation and Freestate Aviation as well. *RAMP WORK---Freestate will be doing the final touchup of ramp repaving either tomorrow or Wednesday. Use Caution. That's all for now folks. Enjoy the fall flying season and as always, stop by my office at any time for any reason. John Luke III, C.M. (301) 963-7100. 6/26/2006 - Montgomery County Revenue Authority Announces Keith Miller as New Executive Director Montgomery County Revenue Authority Announces Keith Miller as New Executive Director Stephen H. Edwards, Chair, Montgomery County Revenue Authority Board of Directors, announced that Keith Miller, PGA, will be the Revenue Authority’s new Executive Director. Miller most recently was a Regional Vice President for Arnold Palmer Golf Management, overseeing multiple golf properties. During the past six years, he has been involved with properties in eleven states and has worked with several government agencies across the nation. A second-generation PGA Professional, Miller is enthusiastic about continuing efforts to improve the operations and facilities at the nine Montgomery County Golf courses with a continued focus on customer service. Edwards said, “We had a strong field of candidates, but Keith Miller’s extensive experience in managing multiple golf courses and working with public agencies set him apart. We are thrilled to welcome Keith to our team.” Montgomery County Golf (MCG) is a division of the Montgomery County Revenue Authority. MCG owns, operates, and leases nine golf courses in Montgomery County, Maryland in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. MCG’s goal is to provide the golfing public with quality, self-supporting golf courses and related services at affordable prices. He succeeds Marc Atz, who has led the Revenue Authority for the past nine years. Edwards said, “We cannot thank Marc enough for the outstanding job he has done. He has set a very high standard and one we will strive to maintain. We appreciate his willingness to remain on the staff until the transition is accomplished.” In addition to the focus on the golf operations, Miller is looking forward to familiarizing himself with the Montgomery County Airpark and moving the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) into the next phase of improvements. 2/6/2004 - Under New Management In 1960, the Montgomery County Revenue Authority (MCRA) acquired land from Montgomery County Airpark, Inc. and leased the land back with the understanding that the lessee would construct and operate an airport. The parties recently amended that lease and the Revenue Authority is now responsible for air operations at the Airpark. The present tenant, Montgomery County Airpark One, Limited Liability Company (MCAO) will continue to provide various aviation-related services to the public. 2/6/2004 - Montgomery County Revenue Authority Appoints Airport Manager The Montgomery County Revenue Authority has appointed John Luke, III, CM to fill the roll of Airport Manager. Mr. Luke will have an office off the main lobby in the terminal building at the airport. Mr. Luke has been involved in a broad range of activities relative to the Revenue Authority's ownership and sponsorship of the airport over the last seven years. Mr. Luke has been a pilot for 40 years. Mr. Luke is a member of the Montgomery County Airpark Association (MCAA), the Maryland Airport Managers Association (MAMA), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Mr. Luke is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), having demonstrated his competence in a rigorous program of study and examination conducted by the AAAE.