By Dave Elliott, Airport Manager
Meadow Lake Airport has been awarded FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) and Colorado Aviation grants to perform runway pavement maintenance during the summer of 2024. This $300,000 program includes sponsor-matching funds from the Meadow Lake Airport Association.
Pavement maintenance is performed every four to five years to protect the primary surfaces of the airport. A competitive bid process took place in April. American Road Maintenance was selected to perform the maintenance with crack filling, seal coating and re-striping. The runway will be closed for several days at a time through the summer to perform these procedures.
Meadow Lake Flight Center: The MLAA and our flight school tenant “Springs Aviation” continue to upgrade the old American Aviation property on Judge Orr Road, now the “Rudy Welch General Aviation Terminal,” to serve the public. Discovery Flights are available for purchase at the flight school at https://www.SpringsAviation.com.
It is not uncommon to see this “public ramp” full on weekends with visiting aircraft. A new program is being initiated by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics in July that will provide data to the airport about transients and where they come from. We’re looking forward to results of the program to learn what the actual service area is for this regional airport.
Meadow Lake Activities Center: The Experimental Aircraft Association Bruce McCombs Chapter 72 is expanding their programs with the Red Bird flight simulator and their youth group (Chapter 72.5), as well as Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 160, Boy Scout Troop 149 and the Falcon AeroLab.
During the weekend of May 3 and May 5, the Colorado Wing Civil Air Patrol will be hosting “Warrior Weekend.” This is a training event for emergency services for cadet programs. Cadets and senior members have the opportunity to earn several types of emergency services certifications and participate in orientation flights. More information is available on the website, https://WarriorWeekend 2024/Colorado Wing (cap.gov).
EAA 72 has restarted their annual “Young Eagle” program (March-November). Volunteers fly 30 to 35 youth (ages 8-17) for free 15-minute introductory flights on the second Saturday each month (weather permitting). Reservations can be made online at https://www.EAA72.org.
On Saturday, June 1, MLAA will sponsor a public open house on the Transient/Special Events Ramp: 13560 Piper Lane. EAA 72 will provide a pancake breakfast and BSA Troop 149 will provide a cookout at noon (each for a nominal donation). Come out and see some of the Meadow Lake based aircraft.
Meadow Lake Soaring Center: High Flights Soaring Club and Falcon AeroLab have reinitiated their glider programs after a temporary grounding this winter for engine overhauls on both tow planes. Discovery Flights are available for purchase at https://www.highflights.com.
The Falcon AeroLab “Aviation Center of Excellence” continues to grow their aviation STEM program (grades 7-12). Forty-five students have now soloed in gliders.
The Colorado Division of Aeronautics is kicking off their five-year update of the “Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study.” The 2018 report showed Meadow Lake contributing 273 jobs, with a $13,442,000 payroll, and a total impact to the community of $45,010,000 in business revenues. We look forward to the updated statistics next winter.
Meadow Lake continues to apply for federal funding for a new terminal building and transient ramp to expand our capabilities to the Falcon community. While we desire to improve our facilities on the airport and grow in our service to the Falcon community, there are no current plans to physically expand the size of the airport or our runways. We are committed to remain a “grassroots” general aviation airport, home to 485 local aircraft. Visit https://www.GOKFLY.us.
