Friday, April 29, 2016

Russellville Regional Airport (KRUE) fuel sales climb 27 percent

Russellville Regional Airport Manager Keith Frazier was happy to report to commissioners that February fuel sales were up 21.59 percent.

The Commission got even better news during its regular meeting Tuesday, when Frazier said aviation gas and jet fuel sales through March 2016 totaled 18,907 gallons, 26.95 percent better than the 14,893 sold in the first three months of 2015.

For the month, Jet fuel sales totaled 4,229 gallons in March, while aviation gas sales were 3,148 gallons for a total of 7,377.

That was better than the 5,410 sold in March 2015 and surpassed the 7,241 total gallons sold in February.

Frazier and Bob Chatman of Miller-Newell Engineers of Newport explained the grant for a taxiway extension project was still “in a holding pattern.” Chatman said the FAA had said there was a possibility they would want the airport bid the project in May, but the earliest he saw it taking place would be in early June.

Hard Rock Construction previously bid the project at a little over $250,000.

The funding priority for the airport at the present time is a new or renovated jet fuel truck. Commissioners discussed buying a brand new truck, estimated at $105,000, or buying a used truck and refurbishing the tank and fuel equipment.

Airport Liaison and Alderman Eric Westcott told the commission he was aware of a Texas truck dealer that bought several International diesel trucks, but now must sell them at a lower price since the business they were bought for went out of business. They then discussed a diesel truck versus a regular gas truck and some possible other options.

Commissioners were told that the Hangar Lease Committee will recommend to the Russellville City Council that 30-year hangar leases be extended to 40 years from the date of their inception. The rental price per square foot will go up from 10 cents to 20 cents per square foot.

The commission also discussed gearing up for a fly-in, food and contests on Saturday, June 4.

Frazier among the activities were a morning training session for pilots, break for lunch, a spot landing contest and flour bomb contest beginning at 1 p.m. He encouraged all community residents to come out and watch the contests that afternoon and hoped the weather would cooperate.

Paint has been ordered for the old fixed building of operations (FBO) and painting is expected to begin soon, Frazier said. Volunteers are being sought to build a gazebo in front of the new terminal.

Commissioners include Andy Berkemeyer, Bob Burris, Phil Carruth, Paul Horney, Tommy Littleton, Dwight Talburt and Les Teaff.

The Russellville Regional Airport Commission meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month inside the airport terminal.

Original article can be found here: http://www.couriernews.com

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