Friday, November 14, 2014

Airport operations still going strong: Harold Davidson Field (KVMR), Vermillion, South Dakota

Aviation is a popular American pastime for many individuals as well as a speedy method of transportation. As rural communities such as Vermillion continue to grow, it has become apparent that having an airport is a necessity.

“This airport is the front door to the community,” said Denny Martens, caretaker of the airstrip located south of town. Martens has been working in aviation for 57 years, and his words are wise.

“My wife and I used to have a flying service here. Then I went to fly for USD,” Martens said. “Then I retired in 2002.”

Harold Davidson Field, commonly referred to around town as “the airport” is a quiet space one mile south of Vermillion. Many Vermillion residents may remember attending fireworks displays there on the 4th of July or watching small planes land from the bluff.

“There is a lot of business traffic here, people who fly into Vermillion for business,” Martens said. “It’s really important.”

Harold Davidson Field is what is known as a general aviation field, and is classified as so. There are over 20 aircraft based at the field, many of which are single engine planes. The remaining aircraft are multi-engine. The newly resurfaced runway is 4105 feet long and is owned by the city.

“People have built their own hangars which is a very common thing,” Martens said.

Martens and his wife host a fly-in pot luck for area pilots and aviation folks in their personal hangar each third Wed. of the month from April through Nov. It’s a time for the aircraft enthusiasts to get together and exchange ideas, thoughts and tips with each other.

Each Aug. the Harold Davidson Field hosts a fly-in pancake breakfast. The community is invited to come watch planes from a 100 mile radius, and sometimes more, land at the airport.

Usually 20 to 30 aircraft fly in and the proceeds go towards the Vermillion Senior Citizens Center.

2013 statistics show that 84 percent of the traffic at the air field was for general aviation purposes. 15 percent was transient general aviation, and less than one percent was used for aircraft taxi operations.

Data also reflects that from 2004 through 2009 there was an increase in local flight traffic at the airport.

For visitors to the area, both Martens and the City try to be as accommodating as possible.

“The City provides a courtesy car,” Martens said. “That is something the City does for visitors.”

The courtesy car is available for pilots and their passengers who are using the airport to visit Vermillion.

While Martens is quick to point out that personal aviation has become an expensive hobby in he also notes that the airport is still a busy place.

“We do try to generate interest in activity by keeping our fuel prices low and by not having certain fees,” Martens said.

The University of South Dakota has always been a large supporter of the airport.

“USD uses it very frequently,” Martens said. “They are the biggest user.”

The most recent hangar addition to the airport is, in fact, USD’s.

“They have an aircraft here and built a new building a year ago,” Martens said. “If you have an aircraft it’s critical that you have somewhere to put it.”

Martens acts as the gatekeeper to the amenities. He maintenances the airport facilities and helps pilots and passengers with questions they may have or services they may require such as fuel or directions.

There are some improvement plans in the future. New asphalt for the parking area is slated to go in during 2016. As with running any large facility, funding is one of the issues the airport faces.

“90 percent of our funding comes from the federal government,” Martens said, explaining how fuel taxes go towards the FAA. “Only the remaining 10 percent is generated locally from city and state taxes.”

As for the future, Martens hopes the airport can keep supporting the Vermillion business community and the University.

“I enjoy being here,” Martens said. “It’s a busy place.”


- Source:  http://www.plaintalk.net

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