RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT USERS COMMITTEE BRIEF OF MINUTES November 7, 2016 4:30 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Adam Mayberry, Chair Bill Eck, Vice Chair Tom Hegge Robert Meurer Patrick Wink Karl Scribner Lt. Col. Tony Machabee Tracy Kalbfleisch MEMBERS ABSENT/EXCUSED Melissa Ogg-Farnsworth REPRESENTING Trustee Trustee Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group Atlantic Aviation (FBO) Federal Aviation Administration Nevada Air National Guard Dassault Aircraft Services (SASO) Southwest Airlines RTAA BOARD MEMBERS/STAFF PRESENT Marily Mora Dean Schultz Mike Scott Tina Iftiger Ken Moen David Lazo Laurie Weeks Dan Bartholomew Claire Johnson Ann Morgan Fennemore Craig The Reno-Tahoe International Airport Users Committee met at the Airport Authority Fire Station, Reno, Nevada. Chair Adam Mayberry called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm. 1. ROLL CALL Roll was called. 2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES August 8, 2016 The Reno-Tahoe International Airport Users Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 8, 2016 meeting. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 4. AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE a. 2016 Airside Pavement Repairs David Lazo, Manager of Engineering and Construction, provided an update on the airfield construction projects at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Mr. Lazo s update included the airside pavement repairs currently underway on Runway 16R-34L Taxiways Alpha (A), Bravo (B), November (N), and Papa
Page 2 of 7 (P). Mr. Lazo stated the work on the pavements is progressing in accordance with the schedule and will be complete by December 2nd. b. Deicing Materials Storage Facility The second project Mr. Lazo discussed was the recently completed De-icing Materials Storage Facility. That project was completed on October 14th. 5. ENHANCED HANGAR PAYMENT OPTIONS Ken Moen, GA Property Specialist II, discussed the new T-Hangar online account management and payment system. He indicated that a letter was distributed to all tenants which covered how to sign up for the new system. Mr. Moen stated that the objective of implementing the new system is to improve customer service through the establishment of a means to handle recurring credit card payments for T-Hangar and Tie-down tenants at RNO. This E-Pay system is already in use at the RTAA Mini Warehouses and the Air Crew Parking Lot. He emphasized that tenants can still use other methods of payments including check, money order, or bank check, and walk-ins to the RTAA Administrative Office are still acceptable. Mr. Moen explained that tenants can manage their own account online by logging on to the portal via www.payrtaa.com, and can pay a current invoice, as well as set up their account for recurring payments of future invoices. In addition, E-Pay allows the RTAA to email invoices and other informative messages directly to tenants. Mr. Moen reviewed the 5 easy steps for registering online. He also provided the special contact email address of RNOGA@renoairport.com, for use if tenants require assistance or have questions. 6. 2016/2017 SNOW REMOVAL PLAN Mike Scott, VP of Operations and Public Safety, discussed the snow and ice control plan for the 2016/2017 winter season. He began by sharing that the winter forecast indicates a higher than average year of precipitation. Next, Mr. Scott discussed the snow removal priorities for taxiways and outlying areas. In the event of a forecasted snow storm, indications and warnings are sent out to tenants and staff to begin preparations. He stated that normally there is about a 36- hour advance notice from the weather service and at that time preparations and communications will begin. If there is an indication that snow is imminent, the ramps need to be readied. Mr. Scott emphasized the importance of removal of chalks and ground handling equipment on the commercial side, but also stressed how important it is on the GA side to remove chalk blocks and pull out tie-down ropes and chains that aren t in use in order to prevent damage to snow removal equipment. He also reminded tenants not to do deicing over drains to ensure that run-off of deicing materials doesn t get into the storm water.
Page 3 of 7 During storms, information dissemination is primarily in the form of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) to report surface conditions, braking action, and friction values on runways and taxiways. Mr. Scott mentioned the new field condition reporting system and new runway condition codes. He also referred attendees to a signup sheet where they can indicate their desire to receive all the NOTAMS. Lastly, Mr. Scott provided contact information for Operations in case of special/emergency requests for snow removal on the airfield; special requests require a minimum of a 30 minute lead time. Patrick Wink, General Manager for Atlantic Aviation, added input from the FBO s standpoint. He indicated that Atlantic s threshold on their ramp and the GA ramps is 2 of snow. Once that amount of accumulation is reached, plows are automatically dispatched. However, Mr. Wink said that if it is heavy snow that s going to continue to accumulate, Atlantic will get plows out there more quickly. As far as clearing of the east and west T-Hangars, the more notice that is given of any planned flight activity, the better. If ample notice is provided, it can be placed on the schedule and they will make sure a path is cleared from the ramp to the taxiway. Karl Scribner, FAA Air Traffic Manager at RTIA, discussed the FAA s implementation of a new Take-Off and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA) system. Much of the reporting is relatively the same, but new runway condition codes are now in effect. Mr. Scribner reviewed the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) including the assessment criteria and associated codes for reporting conditions on the runway. He gave examples of what the reporting would include based on different runway condition scenarios. Discussion followed regarding various situations including who would be responsible, and how the situation would be handled. Committee member Bob Meurer asked if text messaging could be included. Mr. Scott responded that texting is not built into the notification system. Trustee Mayberry asked if there has been any thought of pushing the information out to the GA website. Mr. Scott responded that the WebEOC is a separate website and that he would have to research whether there is capability to transfer the information over. 7. MASTER PLAN UPDATE Dan Bartholomew, Manager of Planning/Environmental, provided a high level overview of the Master Plan project currently underway at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. He indicated that the notice to proceed was issued to the master plan consultant, Mead & Hunt, on September 29, 2016. This kicked-off a 16-month process. Mr. Bartholomew discussed the tasks involved in the master plan update and the key deliverables. He described the role of the Master Plan Working Group (MPWG) and what stakeholders are represented within that group. Looking ahead, Mr. Bartholomew stated that the first meeting of the MPWG will be held on November 17th, followed by a public information meeting later that same day at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Mr. Bartholomew referenced the special master plan website that can be accessed via the RTIA website by clicking on Master Plan in the top right corner of the page. The website includes
Page 4 of 7 information about the master plan, a survey that will be updated throughout the entire process, and a mechanism for signing up to receive email notifications regarding progress on the master plan update. 8. GA COMMERCIAL MINIMUM STANDARDS Ann Morgan, RTAA General Counsel, provided an in depth overview of the proposed new GA Commercial Minimum Standards. She began by stating she was asked to present this item due to the fact that a lot of what the document includes is the result of a significant legal vetting process. Ms. Morgan reminded the audience of what the mission and goals were when the project began. She stated that in terms of the minimum standards, the RTAA has to comply with the grant assurances of the FAA and balance the risk to the Airport Authority, while at the same time providing the flexibility to make sure the Airport is open to businesses. Ms. Morgan discussed the 5 goals for improving the minimum standards which were: 1. Take out the noncommercial hangars and let them be governed by the Rules and Regulations of the airfield, 2. Have an easy in/easy out process for people who are on the airfield in an intermittent fashion as opposed to a sustained basis, 3. Provide for a limited services FBO, 4. Create some additional categories for specialized aeronautical uses, and 5. Reduce the experience requirements to encourage more business on the airfield. Ms. Morgan reviewed the timeframe and activities that took place during the update process and how decisions on what should be included in the minimum standards were derived. She also shared that best practices were garnered from Tulsa International Airport. Ms. Morgan stated that the draft document in fact meets the 5 goals outlined above and that the next step after this presentation for the Users Committee will be to seek Board approval at the December 2016 meeting. Next, Ms. Morgan walked the Committee and audience through the document by describing the contents of each section. She assured the group that the standards are not overly prescriptive and that the document, which is comprised of the standards, followed by the permit and the aeronautical activity application, is very user friendly. Ms. Morgan also stated that the definitions included in the minimum standards document match all other related documents currently in place such as Board resolutions, agreements, leases, contracts and the airfield rules and regulations. Ms. Morgan spent time discussing the permit for intermittent airport users and stressed its ease of use. Trustee Mayberry opened up the discussion to the Committee and asked members if they are satisfied with the proposed document. Committee member Tom Hegge
Page 5 of 7 nodded his agreement and referred to the airfield Rules and Regulations, saying that moving forward those should be looked at as well to match the minimum standards and integrate with the rates and charges. Ms. Morgan agreed and said the goal is to have consistency. Mr. Meurer commented on how restrictive the old standards were. He said he is very satisfied with the work that s been done and that it is a big step in the right direction. Mr. Wink said from an FBO standpoint, Atlantic Aviation is very pleased with the way it has come together. Trustee Mayberry opened up the discussion for questions and comments from the audience. Former Trustee Bob Larkin thanked Ms. Morgan for her involvement. He expressed some disappointment, saying that the inclusion of services is too narrow under the limited services FBO. Mr. Larkin said he hopes it is conveyed to the Board that there needs to be an ongoing review in order to continue to meet the needs and demands of the changing environment. Other than that Mr. Larkin said he was satisfied. John Howitt commented about avgas going away, hinting that the FAA is on a mission to get rid of it. He said this will affect anybody from making a decision to move to this Airport. Mr. Howitt suggested a continuing need to revisit the GAMS and that this be conveyed to the Board. Discussion continued regarding the cost associated to permitting an intermittent user on the Airport. There was also clarification given by Dean Schultz, Executive VP/COO, that this GAMS document is specific to RTIA, and that GAMS are in the process of being developed at Reno- Stead Airport. In reference to the above comments, Mr. Hegge stated he believes that this is not going to be a 20-year document, that it will be reviewed on a regular basis, and that it will morph over the next few years. Tina Iftiger, VP of Airport Economic Development, cited that the document was revised in 2008, 2012 and is now being revised in 2016. She said it can be revised again and that it needs to be kept appropriate for the time, technology and the environment. Ms. Iftiger said attendees know how to let staff know when it s time to look at it again. Trustee Mayberry and Marily Mora, President/CEO, thanked everyone for their involvement. 9. FIXED BASED OPERATOR (FBO) UPDATE Mr. Wink reported that since July 2016 there have been 9 calls for maintenance requests and all calls were related to T-Hangar doors. He stated that Atlantic s response time has improved, with 90% of requests being resolved within 2-days. Mr. Wink said the remaining 10% represent open calls just recently received. As far as Hangar occupancy, Mr. Wink provided an update of the current status of T-Hangar leasing. There are 3 vacancies at GA East and 4 vacancies at GA West, which translates to an overall occupancy rate of 94%. Mr. Howitt asked at what point there will be a plan for opening up the rest of the T- Hangars on the west side and at what occupancy level would there be consideration for making those available. Mr. Wink responded that those Hangars are unavailable
Page 6 of 7 for lease due to asphalt conditions so it would have to be a capital investment discussion that the Airport would have. Mr. Wink also said that it is something that should be looked at as part of the master planning process because leasing them now would not be a long term solution due to the condition of the Hangars. Mr. Schultz recommended waiting until the conclusion of the master plan as it will be a useful tool in forecasting the need for additional Hangars. Trustee Mayberry asked how long before there will be data to use out of the master plan. Mr. Schultz responded that although the master plan update is a 16-month project, information will be available within 12 months in terms of the forecast, GAP analysis, and alternative analyses. Ms. Mora reiterated that the ideal solution would be to get through the master plan. However, she said if occupancy got to 100% and there was demand, the RTAA would be open to discussion and look at making the investment, but that a long term strategy is preferable. Mr. Schultz added that there are 4 Hangars on the west side that could be made available with some lesser amount of capital investment and is an option if needed. 10. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) TOWER UPDATE Mr. Scribner discussed Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 107 that went into effect on October 1, 2016, thereby incrementally opening the airspace around the country to drones. He added that RTIA opened its airspace to drones on October 31st. On December 4th, Class Bravo airspace will be opened and there will be many more NOTAMS issued about drones operating here and there. Mr. Scribner said that given the interest in using drones, there is an effort underway to streamline the approval of access to the airspace for drones. Mr. Scribner said there are currently 6-7 authorizations around Reno and he displayed maps showing where the drones are working in local Class C airspace. He said people can go to a website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/, to apply for airspace access and obtain a permit. As in the past, Mr. Scribner highly encouraged everyone to report any drone sightings or encounters immediately to Air Traffic Control (ATC). Mr. Schultz added that anything flying in Class G airspace under 400 feet does not require a permit. A discussion followed regarding the uses of drones, how they work and their integration into the airspace. Mr. Meurer commented that this technology is coming and that he has decided to try working with them by teaching them. He said if the unmanned pilots follow the rules they are pretty safe. Mr. Larkin added that he and Mr. Meurer have been doing these classes independently, and that they ve done about 20 classes already. He said the question is, what are we going to do as a community. Mr. Larkin indicated he s not talking about the hobbyists, but the ones that are serious and that they need to be invited into the pilot community. He asserted that by this time next year, there will probably be 500 of these people flying drones in this community in some sort of capacity, and that s going to outstrip any other pilot group out there. Mr. Scribner ended his presentation by explaining how the FAA responds to requests to fly and that each request is handled on a case by case basis.
Page 7 of 7 Ms. Mora added that there has been a lot of community outreach conducted by RTAA staff in conjunction with Mr. Scribner. She also informed the Committee of her appointment to the FAA s national Drone Advisory Committee, representing one of only two airports asked to serve on the committee. Ms. Mora added that Mr. Schultz was subsequently appointed to the Drone Advisory Subcommittee. Ms. Mora said that based on her and Mr. Schultz s appointments to these committees, the RTAA has a seat at the table and that we are covered in terms of looking after the interests of the Airport. However, she said that when you consider the numbers, creating a forum to bring drone pilots into your organizations is a great idea. Mr. Scribner referred to the Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group (RTAG) as a possible forum where drone pilots could be represented. Further discussion followed regarding the growth of the drone industry. Mr. Larkin suggested that the RTIA Users Committee needs to think about adding a remote small UAS member of the community to its membership. He said there are several good candidates out there, for instance people who are running a real business, making money, and adding to the value of the community. Trustee Mayberry responded that this was a good suggestion. 11. MEMBER ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Trustee Mayberry announced that the next meeting of the RTIA Users Committee is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2017 at 4:30 pm. Mr. Hegge brought up GA T-Hangar capacity and said that with all the companies relocating to Reno there needs to be consideration of expanding capacity and developing available properties on the east side. He cautioned against waiting too long to begin the discussion on this issue. 12. PUBLIC COMMENT Tracy Rhodes, President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 3161, requested to speak. Mr. Rhodes began by clarifying that Chapter 1361 is based out of Reno-Stead Airport but is actually a Reno area chapter. Mr. Rhodes stated the group promotes sport aviation, recreational aviation and aviation safety. One of their activities is an Inclement Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Club that holds monthly meetings at the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Headquarters building at RNO, to conduct scenario based discussions of instrument flying and instrument flying safety. He thanked the CAP and the Airport for their hospitality to the group. Mr. Rhodes shared that another activity coming up are the EAA 1928 Ford Trimotor tours at Reno-Stead Airport on November 10-13, 2016. He indicated that flights will be flown over the weekend and passengers will be able to experience airline travel as it was in the 1920s and 1930s. Mr. Rhodes stated that the tours are open to the public and encouraged people to sign up for a tour. He indicated that tickets can be purchased by going to the EAA website. Mr. Rhodes ended by thanking the RTAA for allowing the EAA to put on the event. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m.