ALEXANDRIA, MINN. – As reported by Jim Conn, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Airport Support Network volunteer for Alexandria Regional Airport – Chandler Field, the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics/Advanced Air Mobility Program just announced that their airport has been highly ranked (#4 in MN) as a premier location for the installation of charging stations to support new electric-powered airplanes! See Executive Report and Technical Summary https://mnsasp.org/mean/
The possibility also exists that these new electric-powered airplanes now coming on the market could in fact be manufactured in a renovated Bellanca building.
Opinions were expressed by several in attendance at a recent airport board meeting that the roof covering this 56,000-plus sq. ft. building is well beyond its useful life, which is consistent with an engineering study conducted in 2016. All airport commissioners seemed supportive of repairing and renovating the building and to develop a longer-term solution that preserves the value of the building for future aviation tenants. There is currently only one aviation tenant in the building — On His Wings Mission Aviation – in a recently renovated office.
One of the meeting participants opined that the historic nature of the building and its history could be a significant attraction for global aviation companies involved in the manufacturing and distribution of new technology airplanes now coming on the market due to Congress recently passing a major bill (MOSAIC), significantly supporting the expansion of “LSA ” (Light Sport Aircraft) technology in the United States. The U.S. is the largest market in the world for this new airplane technology to include Advanced Air Mobility Electric Airplanes.
Budget-wise, airport manager Kreg Anderson stated there are no funds currently earmarked for renovation and restoration of the building, but several at the meeting expressed thoughts that grant money could become available to help preserve the Bellanca building for future use. There are substantial funds currently available in the Alexandria Airport Development Fund, but these monies are earmarked for runway construction in 2027.