Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue
The aviation industry and the FAA have established a goal of removing lead from avgas no later than 2030. While that’s more than five years out, Minnesota’s airports, as well as airports nationwide, may feel the clock ticking. Currently only two GA airports in Minnesota sell an unleaded fuel, and many questions about the transition remain.
Airport lighting technologies: How close are we to LED everything?
The brilliant glow of brand-new LED edge lights can now be seen at many airports throughout Minnesota and elsewhere. A common misconception is that the hold-up for full integration of LED lighting has been the light bulb itself. In reality, other requirements of LED technology have caused delays.
Luverne, Minnesota Municipal Airport has witnessed a remarkable surge in activity over the past five years, presenting both opportunities and challenges. In addition to adding hangar space, the airport recently completed a notable project with the installation of a new asphalt treatment on its taxiway.
Maintaining Minnesota’s AWOS stations
As a pilot or member of a flight crew, you listen in to a weather briefing at the start of every flight and before landing, but have you ever thought about how that computerized voice brings you the weather and is maintained? More important, how can you trust it to make safety-critical go/no-go decisions?
This information was presented by the Airport Technical Assistance Program (AirTAP), Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota.