Athens Airport Update
Spring/Summer 2004

Athens Ben Epps Flight Center Opens its Doors

The ribbon was cut on July 1, 2004 officially opening the new Athens Ben Epps Flight Center. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Flight Center please take time to stop by for a visit. Any of the operations staff will be glad to show you around. The building is here for your use and includes a pilot’s lounge, flight planning room, catering center, and conference room. If you have a need for a meeting, please contact Angela or any of our receptionists to schedule the conference center. The Flight Center is open from 6:00 am through 10:00 pm everyday.


Rock Quarry

One of the good things about having the quarry next door is that they are a good neighbor with the airport. One bad thing is the dust that they produce when blasting. Airport staff has been meeting with quarry representatives and have agreed to implement new procedures for reducing the dust. These were started about a month ago and we have seen a reduction in the dust. Hopefully you have too. We cannot eliminate the dust completely, but will continue to work with the quarry to control it as much as possible.

Vehicle Operations on the Ramp

The tower wanted to remind everyone of vehicle and aircraft operations on the ramp. As the airport grows we are getting more and more vehicles driving on the ramp. This mix can be a safety issue if not managed properly. Please remember these rules when operating on the ramp.

Vehicles
  • Try to use other routes on the landside of the fence.
  • Drive the same pace of a fast walk.
  • Stay off and away from taxiways.
  • Limit ramp travel as much as possible.
  • Drive to the other side of the airport outside the fence.
  • Aircraft always have the right-of-way
Aircraft
  • Always contact tower for repositioning for engine runs, etc.
  • Use safe taxi speeds.

Airport Projects

Road and Parking Lots – This project will build a new loop road and car parking facilities throughout the terminal/FBO area. The project has been bid and the contract will be awarded at the September ACC Commission meeting.

Fire Station – The new station will be built on the east side of the control tower. It will be a two bay station with offices and storage areas. The contract for this project will also be awarded at the September Commission meeting.

Fire Truck – A replacement truck for our current fire truck will be ordered within the next few months. The new vehicle will be larger in size to accommodate the needs of regional jets that now frequent our airport during fall/winter. The truck should arrive in the summer of 2005.

SPLOST 2005 – To date we are still on the Mayor and Commission’s list of projects for the 2005 sales tax program for a new commercial terminal facility. If approved by voters this November, we should start the design on the new terminal in the near future. The new terminal will be located on Lexington Road next door to Farmer’s Hardware.
"Please use standard NBAA Noise Abatement Procedures when operating at Athens- Ben Epps "

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