Airfield Letter August 2024

Alex Nelon and Mark Cigal

8/2/20244 min read

Progress! The cleaning of our drainage ditches was the first to be checked off the list, at least partially. There is still a considerable amount of standing water on the Airfield due to a couple of issues: Beaver dams clogging up the natural flow downstream and deteriorating pipes. The beavers have been trouble for years; they use sewer lines that cross the swamp that lies north of us to fortify their dams and calls are in to Hendersonville Water to clear them.

Here’s a look at the work that was done during the first half of July:

There is more to do, as the pipes that go under what was once Carlton Hawkins’ runway ramp, now the Studnik property, are subject to clogs as is the pipe that runs under New Hope Road along the north side of the Airfield.

Incidentally, Mark and Alex met Ofek Studnik in July . . . he is up for the summer from south Florida and flies an interesting 2-place LSA. Ofek, I hope we see more of you this year and look forward to learning more about that unique machine!

The next project was the complete renovation of the Airfield restroom, tackled by volunteers from among the Museum membership headed up by Daryl Habit. The first task was to demolish the old restroom and, then, figure out how to clean up the tangle of plumbing, wiring and structure to deliver a really nice facility for our members and guests.

Below, EAA and Museum Member Bill Kemper added his skills with a sledgehammer to the job. Daryl and Mark Cigal uncovered layers of construction technology that were well overdue for updates. The picture on the right shows a sound skeleton for the finishing touches to come:

There’s more progress every day. Finishing touches are being made (it helps to include the necessary plumbing fixtures) and we should be operational by mid August. Below, Daryl (in the grey shirt) and Tim Higgins (blue shirt) have put in a lot of time on this.

Many, many thanks to Daryl, Tim, Bill, Mark and members of our local EAA Chapter, who have contributed their time, talent and advance money to make this project possible. The Airfield will, of course, reimburse for the materials but there is no amount of money that can take the place of initiative and dedication to contribute a significant improvement that will benefit all of our members and guests.

We’ve had a problem with the loss of electrical power in our Museum Hangar since work was done to replace the drain pipes that channel water from the west side of the museum to the drainage ditches running along the runway. Member Bill Walker has volunteered to foot the bill to hire a professional electrician to fix the problem and we expect that to be resolved quickly. Thank you, Bill.

There’s news on another front: The old chemical/fertilizer/grass seed/fuel tool shed is just about gone. Before and after pictures:

We just have the floor to remove as of yesterday and the old fuel shed is next. Mark and Alex expect that WILL be gone by the end of August with fresh fill, landscaping and grass to take its place.

As always, many thanks to everyone, particularly Glenn Gordon, who pitches in faithfully to keep the grass mowed and the area clean. Jerry Moore is in his busy season at Moore Farm Equipment but comes to the Airfield when he can .. .. He will be back regularly when things at work slack off enough to permit.

Our Airfield hangars and the Museum hangar are full and we have a waiting list which can be viewed here.

END NOTE:

Mark and Alex appreciate the efforts made by EAA Chapter 1016 members (many of which are also members of our Museum) as we continue to improve the quality of the Airfield experience. We might be one of the smaller fish in the greater aviation pond but we are unique little fish – and our part of the pond is unique, too. Not all the bigger fish feel comfortable flying into our Airfield, but those who do, particularly when the Museum is open, find a warm welcome and a nice little corner of the aviation world. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to raise money with Fuel Sales, Landing Fees or Maintenance (the traditional sources of revenue for airport operators) so we rely on you to pitch in when you can and when something is needed. So far, we’ve made our payments and kept ourselves above water with hangar rents. The occasional (and purposeful) contribution of money is much appreciated but the real value we seek is your participation. There’s always something to do – just ask.

All the best .. Fly safely .. be safe

Mark (860-930-5453) and Alex (828-595-5950)