HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission - 05/13/2010 APPROVED MINUTES
FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
Heritage Room I
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rick King; Vice-Chair Jeff Larsen;
Commissioners: Greg McKewan, Mark
Michelson, Jeff Nawrocki and Kurt
Schendel
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Judy Gentry
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: None
VISITORS: Chris Knowles, TSA; Rob Reynolds, EP
Police Chief; George Esbensen, EP Fire
Chief; Mitch Anderson, Pilot and Airport
Support Network Volunteer; Jennifer Lewis,
MAC; Dana Swanson, MAC; Chad Leqve,
MAC
STAFF: Scott Kipp, Senior Planner; Carol Pelzel,
City Recorder
I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair King called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Michelson moved, seconded by Nawrocki, to approve the agenda as published.
Motion carried, 6-0.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. COMMISSION MEETING HELD THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
Larsen said during the Commission's discussion regarding landscaping at Flying
Cloud it was mentioned there was a one-year warranty on the plantings and they
were aware that some of those plants would have to be replaced. He said he would
like this included in the minutes and asked that a sentence be added at the end of
the first paragraph on Page 3 under VI. Discussion Items, A. Status Report—
MAC Additional Plantings/Aesthetics. The Commission agreed the sentence "It
was noted by Nawrocki that the landscape items are under a one-year warranty
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and that those that have not survived will be replaced." be added to the end of the
first paragraph on Page 3 of the minutes. Nawrocki indicated those plantings will
be replaced next week.
MOTION: Nawrocki moved, seconded by Larsen, to approve the March 11,
2010, minutes as amended. Motion carried, 6-0.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. AIRPORT SECURITY REVIEW
King welcomed Chris Knowles, TSA; Rob Reynolds, Eden Prairie Police Chief;
George Esbensen, Eden Prairie Fire Chief; and, Mitch Anderson, Pilot and
Airport Support Network Volunteer. King asked the various representatives to
provide the Commission with an update on airport security based on things they
have seen at the airport and to recommend security improvements based on things
they have identified at the airport that might need improvement. The Commission
will then take the comments made this evening to prepare a report to be submitted
to the City Council. King pointed out included with the Commission's agenda
material was a summary of Police and Fire calls at Flying Cloud Airport from
May, 2008 to April, 2010. King also mentioned that one big change made by
MAC and the FAA at the airport was the addition of key pad entries at all of the
gates.
Chief Reynolds explained physical security at the airport continues to go in the
right direction, especially with the improvements to the gates with the addition of
key pads. All of the changes discussed when they were last before the
Commission continues to move forward including the changes to the gates and
signage. The design of the development on the other side of the airport is only
better and the people that put that plan together should be commended. It includes
a single-access point and the street layout will stop accidental incursion to the
airport. He indicated the number of calls dispatch received regarding the airport
are low and nothing stands out in any of the incidents called in. Most of the calls
were either unfounded or minor incidents.
King asked Reynolds if he sees anything that should be done at the airport to
improve security. Reynolds responded the number of calls they receive regarding
the airport is not excessive and are low considering the amount of activity on that
property. The physical security of the airport is on the right track and they should
continue with the existing programs they have. The liaison officer will continue to
work with the businesses at the airport and will keep the lines of communication
open. Reynolds encouraged the users of the airport to continue to be watchful and
explained this is the best plan for an airport the size of Flying Cloud.
On behalf of MAC, Nawrocki extended his thanks to the Police Chief and his
staff for being a great group to work with. He mentioned there was a training
event conducted last month with the response team at the airport and briefly
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described the training event that took place. Nawrocki also reported he is working
on a Letter of Agreement between Police, Fire, MAC and the tower so they have
an open line of communication and availability 24 hours.
Larsen noted in the material they received there were requests for shooting
permits. He asked what the rules and regulations are in terms of fire arms at the
airport. Reynolds said they ask that shooting permits be obtained when managing
wildlife that is causing problems at the airport. Larsen asked if the operators are
notified when this takes place. Schendel said if tenants have a problem with
wildlife they contact MAC since it is their property and they are responsible for
any wildlife problems. Nawrocki explained they contract for wildlife services and
they are on call 24/7. Reynolds said the City also has an on-going wildlife
management program in that area.
Chief Esbensen reported his staff continues to do fire inspections at the airport.
Like law enforcement, the Fire Department has become part of a strategy for
presence by monitoring what is going on at the airport. Their relationship with
MAC and the FBO's is highly unusual as is the level of cooperation. To start this
program was a huge undertaking because they had to inspect every hangar and
now it is more of a maintenance inspection program. Esbensen said the Fire
Department will continue their program of being visible at the airport and he
expressed his appreciation to Nawrocki and his staff for their cooperation with the
Fire Department's program.
King asked Esbensen if there is anything more that should be done at the airport
to maintain the safety standards that exist. Esbensen said he and his staff are quite
pleased with what has been going on at the airport including the extension of the
water mains. This allowed people to add fire systems to their hangars. The Fire
Department has also conducted a few training sessions at the airport with MAC's
assistance. The partnership with the stakeholders at the airport is a good model for
others and it does work. The level of cooperation is extremely high.
McKewan asked if the Fire Department stations any fire equipment at the airport.
Esbensen responded they do not because there are no scheduled airlines at this
location. McKewan asked what response time the Fire Department has to the
airport. Esbensen said it tends to run between seven and ten minutes depending on
the time of day. During the day the Fire Department has nine full-time staff and
that time response is quicker and more predictable. In 2011 the Fire Department is
contemplating moving to a duty crew which would put a small group of
volunteers at each fire station and would allow them to possibly take three to four
minutes off of their response time. McKewan questioned if the locked gates
would slow the fire trucks down and if the hangars have sprinkler systems.
Esbensen said they do not. The Department has emitters similar to what is used at
traffic signals so their entrance should not be impeded. He also explained some
hangars do have sprinkler systems and others eventually will get sprinkler
systems.
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Nawrocki thanked the Fire Chief and his staff for their work at the airport and
their responsiveness. Next week and the following week the Police and Fire
Departments will be doing training on the airfield. It is good to get the
departments out to the airport so they are familiar with the surroundings.
Esbensen said his department also appreciates the maps they have received of the
airport and also appreciates being able to have their Commanders in the towers so
the controllers and the Commander can have their eyes on the incident. Esbensen
said the work between the airport and the City is something to be modeled.
Knowles said Flying Cloud is a model airport with the cooperation of the Fire and
Police Departments. The Police program includes routine stops at the airport and
this is really good and he encourages Police and Fire participation. Knowles said
TSA was very happy to hear about the fence and gates erected around the airport.
This addresses safety concerns and also stops people from wandering in
controlled points with the gates funneling the people in. It is not a requirement
and there are very few GA airports that have this type of security. Knowles said
anything they do to continue to enhance the posture of the airport keeps them
ahead of everyone else and keeps them off the radar.
King asked Knowles if to his knowledge there is anything they are not doing that
is being done at other GA airports and would be reasonable to consider. Knowles
responded Flying Cloud is so far ahead of the game he has no recommendation
other than to get their tenants involved and keep them involved. They have a great
policing program and everyone he has talked to speaks very highly of Flying
Cloud Airport and he feels this is a model airport.
King said reliever airports are not as secure as bigger airports and Flying Cloud is
close to a bigger city and a bigger airport. He questioned if someone wanted to do
damage would they come to an airport like Flying Cloud. Knowles said he does
not know what would make Flying Cloud any more enticing to someone than
another airport. There are a number of airports within a 50-mile radius and
because of Flying Cloud's size it is probably not realistic that something would
happen at this airport. He indicated someone looking at Flying Cloud and seeing
the Police and Fire Departments presence would more than likely go to some
other airport. Knowles said GA airports are very fortunate in that the pilots and
tenants have a lot invested so they are very much aware of what is going on at
their airport.
Anderson said he is a Chaska resident and member of a flying club located at
Flying Cloud Airport. He is also an active Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
(AOPA) support volunteer and his position is to keep his eyes open and to attend
meetings such as this. Their program is based on the successful Neighborhood
Watch Program and is called Airport Watch and this is a function of the tenants
and the users of this airport. They know what is going on around the airport and
know when it doesn't look right. Anderson stated airport users are key
constituencies in airport security and that is what this program is about and is
done in partnership with TSA. He reported there are 600,000 AOPA members and
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they are regularly updated on the Airport Watch program. They also developed a
program called Lock Up Look Out to secure hangars and aircraft. Anderson
briefly reviewed the program stating the intent is to have two levels of security.
He also indicated the partnership between law enforcement, fire, MAC and the
City is great and they are working together to make the airport work and to keep it
viable and safe.
King said they appreciate Anderson's interest in the airport and asked Anderson
to let the Commission know if AOPA is doing something similar to what this
Commission is looking at.
Nawrocki reported they have taken the information Anderson provided along with
information from Police and Fire and developed a security guide for the airport.
This guide is updated to provide a refresher to all of the users on an annual basis
and will be distributed to the users this month. King asked Nawrocki to provide
the Commission with a copy of the guide.
On behalf of the Commission, King expressed his appreciation to everyone that
came to report on security at the airport. For the reports presented, it appears
Flying Cloud Airport is secure and they have a great working relationship with
the City Police and Fire and this is a model airport. King explained a report on
airport security will be drafted based on the information provided this evening and
forwarded to the City Council.
B. RECENT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS
Nawrocki reported in less than 12 months they have had three different aircraft
accidents off of the immediate airport property. He explained the FAA has
jurisdiction over US air space as well as the conduct of pilots and the maintenance
of their aircraft. MAC ensures the infrastructure of the airport is current and safe.
Nawrocki presented data back to 1989 of aircraft accidents and showed over that
time there were 3.5 million aircraft operations and 31 aircraft accidents with ten
of those incidents outside the immediate vicinity of the runway. Nawrocki said it
has been asked if the changes to Flying Cloud's infrastructure are a cause for
these accidents. He explained all of the incidents that have recently occurred were
not using the new runway. Overall, they are not seeing the number of accidents
escalating over the last 20 years.
Larsen asked what has to occur before an incident is considered an accident.
Nawrocki said typically it involves damage to the airplane. It is the responsibility
of that operator to report the accident to the FAA. If a prop strike is minor a
damage report is written up and if it is a severe accident the area is isolated and
investigated. Kipp pointed out from the information provided to the Commission,
it appears it is not abnormal to see an average of two accidents per year.
King said included with the Commission's agenda material was reports for the
three recent accidents. He indicated he has been asked by a Council Member
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about the accidents and what they can do to avoid these accidents. King said the
FAA will look at the accidents themselves and determine what needs to be done.
Nawrocki reported the FAA did review the Flying Cloud Airport infrastructure
and determined it was not the cause of any accident.
Larsen asked if other MAC reliever airports have a similar number of accidents.
Nawrocki responded Crystal has had three incidents over the last two months and
Anoka averages two or three per year. They are all fairly consistent and usually
nothing more than an aircraft landing hard or sliding off the runway.
C. MULTILATERATION PROJECT UPDATE
Leqve provided background information on the Multilateration Project(MLAT)
explaining there are 39 noise monitors collecting noise level data and flight track
data. The flight track data helps them to understand what happens at airports from
an operational perspective. Leqve stated they now use the data for environmental
assessments at MSP and reliever airports and disseminate the data through the
internet. Leqve stated the old system had limitations and challenges. The system
also held data for 72 hours before it was supplied to MAC and included a 5 to 7
day lag to get the information. He explained how the new system works stating
this is a passive surveillance system. He also explained the benefits of the MLAT
including the ability to get the data without any restrictions. The data is more
accurate, includes better coverage, improves reliability to the noise and operations
monitoring system, faster data availability, does not require additional equipment
installation in aircraft and it is compatible with the FAA's Next Gen technology.
Leqve displayed a map showing the location of the eight sensors and reported the
system is up and operational. He also displayed a data map comparing data
generated from the old system and the new system. Leqve indicated they will still
have some issues with the data provided but the data provided by the new system
has been incredibly impressive.
King asked if the old system was under counting operations from the tower.
Leqve said it was since the towers are closed at night. The new system should
provide them with a more accurate operations count. He explained they are in the
final phases of quality testing the data and will transition to the MLAT system by
June 30, 2010. The MAC website will include a one-day delay of flight tracking
data and later this year they may be developing a real-time flight tracking
application with a ten-minute delay depending on their budget.
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D. RESIDENTIAL NOISE TESTING PROGRAM UPDATE
Kipp explained the original Final Agreement between the City and MAC included
a provision that noise testing would be completed within two years of the
extension of the runway. They have now started the testing and public notification
was sent out to everyone around the airport making them aware of the program
and the process. They sent out an additional 35 letters to specific properties
identified at the time of the final Agreement. Approximately 19 homeowners
agreed to the testing of their property. An additional 16 letters were mailed out
and 4 homeowners responded to that letter. They anticipate 28 to 30 participants
when this program is implemented. Their goal was to obtain 35 representative
samples.
Lewis explained the purpose of the program is to measure the exterior to interior
sound level of the sample homes to determine if there is a 20DB reduction. Their
goal is to demonstrate exterior/interior noise for a sample home would be 20DB
or more. The homeowners who have indicated an interest in participating in this
program at this point have had their homes inspected. MAC and the City went to
each house and looked at the home to identify any previous issues that would
disqualify them as a participant. Lewis displayed a map showing which homes
have been inspected. Those homeowners will be notified and invited to one of two
project orientation meetings. The test period from set up through testing to
breakdown will take approximately 1.5 hours and the orientation meetings will be
held May 24 and 27. The homeowner will be required to attend one of those two
meetings. Notification of the meetings will be sent out next week. Lewis reported
testing is scheduled to begin in June and last through July with completion to
occur by August 5. It will take several weeks to review the data and the results
will be presented to this Commission after September 30. If the noise level
reduction goal does not meet the requirements MAC will work with the City to
review why the home did not meet the 20 decibel reduction level.
Michelson asked why the homes being inspected are only on the east side. Lewis
responded the homes invited to the program included homes in the 60 DNL
contour and the homes shown were the only homes under that contour. Kipp said
they looked at the houses in determining eligibility cut off at the time they entered
into the Final Agreement. This resulted in cutting off newer homes as part of the
testing.
Larsen asked if they ended up with fewer than 35 homes would that be a problem.
Kipp responded they have contacted the original homes and have added 16 more.
This would qualify as due diligence. Larsen asked if it would be possible for
members of this Commission to attend a testing to see the process. Lewis
recommended Commission members interested in the process attend one of the
project orientation meetings where a demonstration of the equipment will be
conducted.
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Michelson said they have 28 homes scheduled for this project and they were
going to do 35 homes. He pointed out most of the complaints come from residents
to the north and west of the airport and are outside of the 60DNL. He asked if
there is any possibility to do the testing on homes to the north and the west and
possibly put off future complaints. King responded if the noise at these locations
was not mitigated and it was a problem there is nothing they can do about it. It
may create an expectation to do something when it wouldn't happen.
Lewis said they would provide the Commission with an update on this project in
July. Larsen asked that information be provided to the newspaper closer to the
actual testing taking place so residents are aware of what is happening.
VI. FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY AND MAC
A. NOISE COMPLAINTS/STAGE 2 OPERATIONS REPORT (MARCH-
APRIL)
Swanson distributed information to the Commission explaining there were a total
of 871 complaints received for the March through April timeframe from 39
complainants compared to 387 complaints for January and February. Of the total
871 complaints, 164 were entered through the telephone and 707 through the
internet. Six households were responsible for 242 of those complaints. There were
21 complaints received from 6 people for run ups. Swanson explained there were
94 letters sent out compared to 56 sent out in January and February and there
were 365 nighttime complaints compared to 197 for the previous time period.
King asked if the number of operations in the last two months have increased.
Nawrocki responded they are similar to last year's with nothing increasing. King
noted helicopter complaints are going up 4 times but the number of complainants
has come down.
McKewan said it seems odd that the homeowner complaining about run ups were
able to hear those run ups. Lewis explained the complaints were classified run ups
based on the caller's or internet description. They have not been able to identify a
maintenance run up that occurred during that time period. Swanson said they have
investigated complaints regarding run ups between 5:45 a.m. to 6 a.m. There were
departures and those run up complaints could have been start up pre-departure run
ups. They have not had any maintenance run ups logged.
King asked that future information provided to the Commission include any pre-
approved maintenance run ups. Michelson asked if it would be possible to
correlate this information with the multilateration system. Swanson said they
currently do that with the existing system when they are investigating complaints.
McKewan asked that street names be included on the maps provided so it is easier
to determine what area the complaints are coming from. Leqve said they would
have to check with their legal staff about having streets located on the map as it
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might be an issue in identifying the complainant. King suggested they list the
major streets only.
King said it appears they have fewer problems but more complaints. He said he is
concerned about the data collected being actionable and correct. He suggested
they think about changing the methodology to determine how to get to the essence
of the real complaints. They need to work with the people who have serious noise
complaints. Michelson said he agrees with King. They have 39 people making
800 complaints. McKewan said complaints received within minutes of each other
have to be about the same aircraft.
Lewis explained a lot of the complaint traffic patterns could be related to several
aircraft in the pattern during touch and go. King said ten reports in ten minutes
from one person is not a major problem but ten reports from ten different people
could be a major problem. He said he is not sure how they can screen those out to
get to the one that had ten complaints from ten different places. McKewan
suggested instead of separating by complainant they put the complaints together.
King said if they could have the aircraft identified with the complainant they
could then eliminate talking about the same aircraft complaints by so many
homes. King asked MAC's noise office to look at a different way to present the
reports so that they are more effective and actionable.
Lewis said when they investigate complaints for nighttime hours they can
determine how many people complained within a couple of minutes of an event.
Larsen said the number of complaints is not important but the actual number of
aircraft creating those complaints is. King said they need to think more about the
things they can look at to help explain the real trends. Lewis said they will take
the information discussed this evening and see if they can develop some ideas on
how to better present this information at the next Commission meeting.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
King announced the Commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 8. Commission
members should meet at Flying Cloud Airport at 1:00 p.m. to tour the recent construction
projects. The regular business meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. Larsen suggested they also
tour the storage facilities for the maintenance equipment. He said it is important they
make contact with everyone at the airport.
King said the Commission had discussed visiting the Air Route Traffic Control Center
located in Farmington. He suggested the Commission visit this facility for their
September meeting. They could have a tour of that facility and then hold their regular
meeting.
Kipp reported releases have been received from the FAA for their 42 acre passive park on
the west side of Eden Prairie Road. The FAA also signed off on some of the road uses
that don't impact their future plans.
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King reported the Joint Airport Zoning Board held a public hearing two weeks ago on the
first draft of the ordinance for the safety zones around the airport. Two weeks from today
the Board will meet again to modify the zoning ordinance, approve it and send it to the
Transportation Commissioner for approval. If it is approved, it will be presented for
another public hearing and any modifications will be sent back to the Transportation
Commissioner then to the cities of Bloomington, Shakopee, Chanhassen and Eden Prairie
for adoption of the ordinance. King said he would have the ordinance that was submitted
to the State available for Commission review in July and will explain the differences
between the ordinance and the standard State ordinances.
Schendel asked if a letter would be sent to Council Member Nelson who requested an
update on the recent airplane crashes. King said he would respond to her request
including the information presented this evening.
Schendel reported MAC's 2009 FCM Operator of the year, Ben McQuillan of Inflight
Pilot Training, recently received an award from the FAA Flight Standards District Office
for the 2010 General Aviation Flight Instructor of the year.
Nawrocki reported the Flying Cloud Air Expo will be held on July 17 and 18 at the south
end of the airfield. Also, the Minnesota Council of Airports presented MAC with the
Project of the Year Award for the Flying Cloud Airport expansion and updates. SEH
Services, the designer for the recent construction at Flying Cloud, also received a national
award for the runway work at Flying Cloud from the Minnesota Association of Pavement
Contractors.
A. VARIOUS FYI ITEMS
1. Approved FCAAC Minutes of January 14, 2010
2. Approved City Council Workshop Minutes of February 16, 2010
3. Revised Advisory Commission Meeting Schedule and Topics Listing
4. Various Airport Documents/Aviation Related News Articles
5. Next Commission meeting—July 8, 2010
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion was made by Schendel, seconded by Nawrocki, to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried, 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.