The Board of Aviation Commissioners discussed updates on projects, strategies for safety and approved a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Warsaw Flying Club at its monthly meeting Tuesday. Airport manager Nick King said the dimensions of the guidance signs changed and are posing a new challenge for Michiana Electric. Some of the signs were larger than the previous ones, so the concrete pads will need to be enlarged. Michiana Electric is working to accommodate these issues. The project is to be completed around April 6, pending weather. Warsaw Flying Club President Jon Fussle received the board’s approval to host a ribbon-cutting event with the Chamber of Commerce, press and aviation board March 26. Fussle said the club is celebrating its 11th anniversary and said he’s “burned a lot of bridges” during that time. “It’s not easy for me to admit that I’ve been a bad neighbor in the past,” Fussle said. Fussle apologized to the board and said he looks forward to working with them. He said he hopes the board has seen a positive change over the last year. “Bottom line is, we want to do everything right to rectify those relationships we have hurt,” Fussle said. “It’s been an awesome 11 years, and I look forward to building our common interest in aviation in this community.” King mentioned a few strategies to make the airport safer and receive a little more income. He suggested implementing a facility fee. A few weeks ago, five large aircrafts visited the airport and only one of the five aircrafts purchased fuel, but they all still used the amenities. A facility fee would “combat these issues,” King said. Another suggestion King made was to install a de-icing facility. King said Johnson and Johnson is forced to fly to Fort Wayne if there is precipitation. “A lot of people would like to see (a de-icing facility) here,” King said. King said February was a “good month” because fuel prices are still so low. He mentioned pilots flying from Angola just to purchase fuel, and two men flew 70 miles out of their way just for fuel. The board also approved the land acquisition of approximately 81.9 acres with Ceres Farms LLC, pending the approval of engineer Ken Ross. The board scheduled this year’s air show for the weekend of Aug. 14 and 15. The next board meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. April 14.
