Posts by Andy Wilson
Fresno Yosemite International Airport Receives $3.6 million Grant
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is getting a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to finish a 360-foot runway extension required under federal safety regulations. – The money, announced by Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, is part of an annual Federal Aviation Administration entitlement program. “The city receives this approximate amount every year,” said Kevin Meikle, interim airports director for the city of Fresno. “Normally we get this grant much earlier in the year, but this year the sequestration delayed the award.”
Santa Maria Airport could be future launch site for drones
The Central Coast could become home to a drone launch site. The Santa Maria Airport’s Board of Directors met to consider joining with the Ventura County Department of Airports and the Indian Wells Valley Airport District, which have applied to be drone test sites.
The Santa Maria Airport would be a location where drone systems could be recovered, refueled and then re-launched.
The Federal Aviation Administration intends to start using drones in national airspace.
Read MoreRim Fire Yosemite Video
The Link below is video from one of the Channel Island C-130 aircraft fightng the Rim Fire. It provides a good perspective of what pilots flying these missions are dealing with. http://calfire.blogspot.com/2013/08/must-see-maffs-6-146-aw-channel-islands.html#links
Read MoreCastle Airport inks fire-fighting deal with U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service entered into a five-year contract – ushered in bythe massive Rim fire in Stanislaus National Forest – with Merced County for use of Castle Airport in Atwater.
Flight and ground crews hit the ground running Tuesday, their first day at Castle Airport, as they filled air tankers with flame retardant.
Read MoreRaising The Rent: Airport Asks Fresno P. D. To Pay More
FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) – The rent is going up for the Fresno police department and there’s nothing they can do about it. The department’s K-9 and mounted patrol unit training center is located in Fresno on land owned by the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. The facility is directly across the street from the airport. However, the airport says they don’t have a choice and they have to raise the rent.
California Vies for New Space Industry
As several new private ventures to take people on trips to space come closer to becoming reality, California lawmakers are racing other states to woo the new space companies with cushy incentives.
They are debating a bill now in Sacramento that would insulate manufacturers of spaceships and parts suppliers from liability should travelers get injured or killed on a voyage, except in cases such as gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Last year, the state enacted a law that shields space tourism companies such as Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic from similar lawsuits.
Read MoreCharles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport – Project Meetings
Public meeting planned on airport projects – The upcoming $53.8 million runway extension and safety project at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport will be the topic of a public meeting Monday at the Windsor Town Hall.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.
Read MoreLong Beach Group Concerned About Airport Security Plans
Long Beach group concerned about plans for airport security – A group of airport tenants Monday expressed concern that a change in policing strategy at the Long Beach Airport could leave the facility with officers who are less familiar with aviation security than those currently employed.
In a two-page letter addressed to Mario Rodriguez, the airport’s executive director, the Long Beach Airport Association’s Board of Directors said any switch by the airport from trained security guards to uniformed members of the Long Beach Police Department could be costly.
Read MoreElk Hills-Buttonwillow Airport – RC airplanes banned
Remote-controlled airplanes banned from local airport, concerns over full-sized aircraft safety – Ban date is set for September 9th
Club members at the Bakersfield Airplane Radio Control Society are forced to cut their air time short after their remote-controlled airplanes have been banished from the Elk Hills-Buttonwillow airport.
Read More8th Annual BBQ Aerospace Museum of California
You are invited to the 8th Annual BBQ on the Ramp on Saturday, August 24th. Don’t miss this spectacular fundraising event to support the Museum’s educational programs. There will be wine tasting, live music, delicious food, a live auction hosted by David Sobon and an incredible fireworks show!
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