FROM THE TOWER

May, 2006

MORE HANGARS

More growth on the airport is coming. We are currently negotiating ground leases with several developers that would like to bring more amenities to the airport. The projects would include as many as 120 new hangars for lease, a Charter Service and a new facility for a local flight training school. We will keep you advised as these developments progress.

Speaking of new construction, the new hangar at the heliport belongs to Quantum Helicopters. Neil Jones and his band of “rotor heads” will soon have a new facility to operate out of. Neil is building a great facility and is bringing a beautiful addition to the airport.

AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE

With the growth of the surrounding areas and the increase of airport operations, the Airport, FAA and ADOT has decided it is time to redo the Airport Master Plan. We have actually outgrown the projections of the 1998 Master Plan.

Part of our master planning process includes public meetings to allow airport tenants, users and neighbors to ask any questions regarding this master plan update. The first public meeting will be May 23 starting at 6pm in the Terminal Building. Everyone is welcome. We believe you will find the information to be very encouraging about the growth of your airport.

To date, the planning process has compiled an inventory of the facility and activity forecasts. This information will be available for review, questions and comment at the May 23 public meeting. You can also stop by the airport and we’ll be glad to provide you with a quick briefing. Upcoming parts of the study will include Facility Analysis for what is needed both land and airside and eventually from the Facility Analysis, Airport Development Alternatives will be developed for discussion and comment.

FROM THE FIELD.

With the recent completion of the 202 Freeway, improvements to local roadways and development of commercial property around the airport, we have seen a sudden influx of businesses and other development wishing to build on the airport on a regular basis.

We currently have three private construction projects on the airport (two hangar projects and the new Quantum facility), with contractors that may never have operated within the confines of an airport with its many special requirements, regulations and safety issues. The operations staff find themselves constantly monitoring the projects, but we can’t be there 24 hours a day. If you, as a tenant observe activities by these contractors that raise concerns, please let airport staff know about the situation, at 480-782-3544.

Examples of these activities are blowing dust during any excavation that is not being watered down, open and unguarded gates to the airfield, blocked taxilanes, cranes that are not NOTAM’d, a lack of barricading, debris, contractor vehicles, employees out of their work area, unscheduled power or water outages and damaged city or private property caused by construction activity.

Airport staff have the contact numbers for the developers and contractors to correct any concerns, but it’s a continuing education process for each sub-contractor that come and go on the airport during different phases of the construction. With your help we can all make CHD a safer place to fly during the growth process.

FROM THE TOWER

KEEPING YOUR EYES, EARS AND MIND OPEN

In the wide world of aviation things are constantly changing. Keeping up with the most recent Rules and Regulations is no small feat. This rings true for controllers as much as it does for pilots. At Chandler tower we take pride in the fact that we meet and most times exceed our requirements in keeping up with these changes. This may however cause a bit of confusion for our flying public. We have had little to no problems with the recent implementation of TIPH (Taxi Into Position and Hold) no longer being authorized here, with the exception of slightly longer departure delays during our busiest times. Believe me when I say that we miss having the use of that procedure. All we can do in these situations is to work through them together. Know and trust that when we issue instructions/deny requests there is a valid reason.

Communication problems have always been and always will be one of the major problems that we deal with daily. Simply put; look, listen and comply. If that is not possible say so right away. Be flexible with your expectations, you never know you may just learn something knew. You are not always right and the same goes for us. One pilot's interpretation of a proper pattern entry may not be the same as another's. With a vast mix of experience levels, teaching levels and aircraft types our talent is tested continually, yet our goal is to accommodate everyone as much as possible. If we should ever ask for you to call the tower, chances are it's just for clarification and/or educational purposes. Please do not hesitate to question if you do not understand, this cannot be stressed enough. Rely on instinct, good judgment and common sense.

To list every possible scenario that one may come across in this environment would be impossible, but one thing is for certain, we are here because we love what we do. Your safety is our number one concern. This tower crew is always open to suggestions on how to make this a better place to fly. So aviate, navigate and communicate, but for goodness sake have a good time while doing so, because we will.

Please remember, fixed wing traffic pattern altitude at Chandler is 2200’ MSL. Our helicopter traffic pattern altitude is 1800’ MSL. Additionally, helicopters cross over mid-field at 1800’ MSL for those aircraft departing, going around, or on missed approaches.