December Newsletter
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FROM THE MANAGER
Roadway vs. Taxiway vs. Runway - Navigating KLVJ from the ground
I can remember the first time I pulled into the main gate at KLVJ. I stopped my car and literally got out and started scratching my head. "Am I on a taxiway? Where is the FBO? Uh-oh... there's a spinning prop heading this way!?!" I immediately thought, "Well, this isn't what I'm used to!" I asked for some help and was kindly pointed in the right direction. It took some getting used to, but I eventually felt like I had things figured out. My head did spin a bit, when I saw two ATVs and a bicycle zip across the runway. In my military and GA experience, that was not something I had ever seen before. KLVJ is the first airport I've worked at that did not have a control tower expertly directing traffic and protecting the runway from incursions. I was also concerned with the "I have been crossing this runway for years" attitude I got from some of the people I spoke with.
I understand that KLVJ is home to many of you, and most of you have been here long before me, but I hope to help change the culture of KLVJ for the better, and Runway Incursions are a priority for me. The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) defines a runway incursion as "Any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft." I have spoken with many individuals over the last two years and asked them to please take a few extra moments to exit via the front gate, and re-enter from one of our 3 other access points on the other side of the runway. 90% of folks I have spoken with are happy to comply. The other 10% seem to look over their shoulder and see if anyone is looking, and then scoot across as fast as possible.
It is my intention to ask everyone to be vigilant and assist our staff with protecting the aircraft using the runway. If you see someone crossing, or attempting to cross the runway, say something. Together we can ensure that every aircraft has a safe place to take-off and land. If you are towing an aircraft, or have a direct need to cross the runway without any alternative, we require two simple things - Radio Contact with pilots in the pattern and a visible beacon light of some kind on your vehicle. You can find an inexpensive flashing rooftop light at any auto parts store and if you need to borrow a handheld radio, we have 2 at the FBO that we are happy to lend. We are also more than happy to escort anyone across the runway using our approved vehicles. My goal is to have 100% communication and safety anytime you are required to cross the runway. The runway is exclusively for aircraft to take off and land, and we can all do our small part to ensure it remains a safe and protected space. If you have any thoughts or questions about this, or any topic at KLVJ, please do not hesitate to swing by my office to chat! My door is always open!
Wishing everyone Blue Skies and Tailwinds!
Best,
Adam Arceneaux
Airport Operations Manager at Pearland Regional Airport
DRAINAGE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Last week's rain has slowed the timeline of our drainage development, but is expected to be back on track the week of December 5th.
Weather permitting, the cutting of the the taxiway (see image below) is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6th and is scheduled to be completed that same day. Steel plates will be provided if a vehicle or aircraft needs to cross.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to improve our services here at KLVJ. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 281-482-7551.
T-HANGAR DEVELOPMENT
We're putting the finishing touches on the new T-Hangars. They will feature electric doors, 120v outlets and plenty of space for supplies. Not only that but all of the drywall has been treated with a mold preventative paint and are sealed & protected.
Over the next two weeks the entire site will be pressure washed, cleaned and ready to go! There are only a few remaining units. For more information contact Cassidy at (512) 216-6042 or LVJ@texasaviationpartners.com
NEW EQUIPMENT COMING SOON
We are always looking for the best ways to serve our pilots and passengers. We have identified a few items that will help us reach our goals. In the coming weeks, we will be adding new equipment to our fleet, to better serve YOU! As most of you now know, our Crew Car died a few weeks back and we have been working hard to find a replacement vehicle. I am happy to say that we will have a new crew car at KLVJ in the coming weeks! A solid crew car really makes a difference to many of our customers and we are very excited to get one in service. Thank you to everyone that has been patient while we searched for the perfect solution.
We are also adding a new Ground Power Unit. Our new GPU will allow us to power aircraft and avionics systems without starting their engines. We will be able to power air conditioning systems, and provide a key service that many of our Tenants need. A new GPU also makes it easier for us to serve transient pilots which are crucial to our success. We want to provide every possible service at the highest levels, and a new Ground Power Unit helps us reach that goal.
If there is something that you need that we do not offer let us know. We are constantly re-evaluating and refining our offerings to meet your needs.
GET TO KNOW ADAM ARCENEAUX
What were you doing before joining the KLVJ Team? Before working at KLVJ, I was with Redbird Flight Simulations. I began as the Line Service Manager at Redbird Skyport in San Marcos (KHYI) and continued on to the Simulator Sales and Demo Team, and later became the Flight School Admissions Advisor. Before Redbird, I worked at Georgetown Municipal Airport (KGTU) as a Line Tech, Operations Manager and General Manager of the Georgetown Jet Center. Before I started my GA career, I was a Crew Chief on the F-16 Fighter Jets for the US Air Force.
When did you start working for KLVJ? My first day at KLVJ was April 1st , 2015. In 19 months, we have accomplished so many things. The time sure does fly when you're having FUN!
What do you do for KLVJ now? As the Pearland Airport Manager, and FBO Manager, I wear many hats. As an NATA Certified Trainer, I am responsible for all initial and recurrent training for our staff. My Fuel Safety Supervisor training helps ensure clean fuel every day. Customer Service is the meat and potatoes of what we do, but I am not afraid to wear my landscaping or custodian hats as well. With a total staff of 3 outstanding guys, we are all tasked with many responsibilities. From repairing Runway lights, to hosting pilot seminars and Project Managing new developments, there is no job too big or small.
What is your favorite part of the job? No two days are ever the same. Our approach to excellent customer service never changes, but we find ourselves with many diverse opportunities to provide that level of care. We have seen the smallest of homebuilt aircraft parked next to a Phenom on our ramp. The ability to meet pilots from all over the world and help them along their journey is exciting and rewarding. I can't imagine doing anything else!
What do you like to do in your spare time? I am a bit of a weekend warrior, and I'm always up for an adventure! We will travel to many music festivals around the country and love to go camping, hiking, snowboarding, and swimming. I make the best burger you have ever had in your life! Cooking is one of my favorite things to do anytime, anywhere! I spend as much time as I can with family and good friends, laughing and goofing off. If it's fun, challenging, exciting and maybe a little crazy...I'm usually the first in line!
Share something about your personal life... I could not be happier or more in love than I am today! Erin is my heart and soul and our puppy Clara is the cutest thing you've ever seen. I have made so many friends here in Pearland and feel like KLVJ is my second home. Moving across the state and taking on a challenge of this magnitude was one of the best, and most rewarding decisions I have made. I am excited for what the future holds at Pearland Regional Airport!
PICTURE OF THE MONTH
A beautiful rainbow at the end of the runway
HANGAR BREAK-INS
It has come to our attention reports of several aircraft and hangar break-ins at area airports. Thieves have broken into several aircraft and hangars and have been steeling tools and avionics out of unlocked aircraft. The string of burglaries have occurred multiple times over the past few weeks at Hooks, Conroe, Sugarland and West Houston airports.
It's possible that the thieves are flying in a night and looking for unlocked aircraft and hangars. Please take extra precautions and be vigilant about locking your aircraft and hangar doors. Report any suspicious activity by calling 911.
We appreciate your help in keeping our airport safe and secure!
SUPERBOWL 2017
We may not know which two teams will be playing in the Superbowl this year, but we do know it will busy in Houston!
Our reservation system is ready! Call us at 281-482-7551 to reserve your arrival & departure times today!
Don't forget that we are here to make your travel easier! It's our pleasure to assist with any pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight needs you may have. And as always, you will be greeted by our amazing staff, freshly baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, Starbucks coffee and complimentary bottled water.