Winter 2023 Manager's Update
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FROM THE MANAGER
December is flying by, Christmas is rapidly approaching, and 2023 is almost gone! I hope you’ve completed your Christmas shopping and plan to spend lots of memorable time with family and friends for the remainder of the year. However, if you find yourself in need of any last-minute gift ideas, be sure to stop by the FBO and purchase some KLVJ swag and grab a cup of your favorite coffee!
Looking back on 2023, we successfully submitted a based aircraft count of 245 aircraft. So, a big THANK YOU to all of you who helped us with our aircraft count! This is one important factor used each year as we apply for grant funding items like PAPI lights, a new beacon, LED runway lights, runway markings, etc. If you can imagine it, we submit a request for it. So again, thank you for your help through the based aircraft count process.
While we continue to grow at KLVJ, 2023 also showed an increase in traffic with lots of new transients and several new based tenants. It has been a great pleasure to meet so many new faces this year.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, please note below our modified holiday schedule for FBO hours and Full-Service Fuel. However, Self-Service will still be available 24-7 for both 100LL and Jet-A.
As we wrap up another great year, I sincerely thank all of you for your continued patronage at KLVJ and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Happy Flying!
Jason Panos
General Manager
RUNWAY INCIDENTS
How many of us can honestly say that they have reviewed their emergency procedures outside of the training environment? No one plans to have a flat tire or runway excursion but these things do happen. Being prepared to respond to these unexpected events will help everyone to save time, money, and minimize the impact to operations.
In this short guide, our Assistant Manager Trevor Espersen answers the question:
What should I do if I have a problem on the runway?
- If emergency response is required, call 911 first.
o Call 911 before rendering assistance. In the worst case scenario, you now also need help and no one is coming.
- If able, notify area traffic of a disabled aircraft on the runway (CTAF 122.725)
o Keep it short and to the point. Conversations and unnecessary questions will lead to confusion.
- Contact the airport: 281-482-7551 option 9
o You do not have to wait for the prompt to press 9
o This extension rings the personal cellphone of the manager on duty 24/7
o If there is no answer LEAVE A MESSAGE. This will be significantly faster than repeated calls.
- Unless it is an emergency, DO NOT ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA until cleared by the airport.
o Flat tires, while requiring urgent actions, are not an emergency.
o While we appreciate all good Samaritans, historically speaking, well-intentioned people have caused more delays and problems than they have solved.
- Airport personnel will protect recovery operations, post NOTAMs, and keep in contact with Houston TraCon along with other necessary organizations.
o Please do not call the airport asking for updates, we need the line open for official communications. We also want the runway open as quickly as possible and you will only be slowing down this process.
o Let the responding personnel do the job they are trained for. "Helpful" radio calls or uninvolved people milling around add disorganization, confusion and delays. If help is needed, staff will specifically request it.
- During a runway closure, fixed-wing aircraft are not permitted to use taxiways except in the event of an emergency where a diversion is not possible. Rotorcraft may also be required to discontinue taxiway operations.
- Our staff monitor the CTAF as best as possible, if you suspect FOD on the runway call the Pearland UNICOM (122.725) or airport office (281-482-7551) so that we can remove it before it becomes a problem.
- If you need access to the restricted area (Taxiways A, A4, & Runway 14/32) outside of an aircraft for any reason, call the airport office first (281-482-7551). This is a highly active and dangerous area which may include repercussions for trespassing.
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Trevor has nearly 15 years of experience with airport & FBO operations. 8 of those years at Pearland Regional. If you ever have any questions about procedures or operations at KLVJ, you can reach out to him at trevor@flypearland.com
