Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2017/January 2018
EAGLE RIVER, WIS. – Eagle River Union Airport completed reconstruction of its primary runway, Runway 04/22 (5000 X 75 feet) and reopened the runway on October 6, 2017. The airport is a medium-class general aviation public-use facility, which serves residents and property owners in Vilas and Oneida Counties, including the communities of Eagle River, and Lincoln and Washington Townships.
Eagle River Union Airport features 72 hangars – 68 of which are owned by tenants – and is home to 56 based aircraft, including one jet, four twins, and 51 single-engine aircraft. The airport also serves many transient visitors each year, as the counties are in the heart of the northwoods and lake country. There are between 12,000 and 15,000 flight operations each year.
The airport has an economic impact of $13 million per year, and directly supports four based businesses: Eagle Fuel Cells, Noble Aviation, Wilderness Aviation, and Northwoods Aviation.
Reconstruction of Runway 04/22 included new LED runway edge lights, end identifier lights and directional signs. The pavement design includes new 4-inch bituminous pavement (Type E-3), and over-pulverized existing bituminous and existing base course for 12-inches of base course. This reconstruction method raised the grade of the runway 4 inches and required re-grading the safety area adjacent to the runway to maintain FAA criteria for cross-slope. The improved base course increases the weight bearing capacity of the pavement from 12,500 lbs. to 60,000 lbs., enabling the airport to safely handle all visiting aircraft.
The airport commission expressed its appreciation to the Federal Aviation Administration, Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics, City of Eagle River, Town of Lincoln, and Town of Washington for their support and investment in their communities, and to tenants and visitors who support the airport. The total cost of the project was $1,817,714.22.
Eagle River’s secondary runway is Runway 31/13 at 3400 X 60 feet. The airport also has a helipad, 100LL and Jet A fuel, and a modern terminal building with an office, conference room, lounge, pilot briefing room, and restrooms. A courtesy car as well as car rental, is available.
For additional information call 715-479-7442, and visit www. erairport.com.
