Still no lights on airport runway

DESERT AIRE — Officials at Desert Aire Airport, who have a brand new flight line, are still looking for a way to install the main runway edge marker lighting.

Construction Project Manager Cliff Naser, who used to serve on the board, told the DAA commissioners at their Oct. 22 meeting the problem is still the ability to dig the 18-inch trenches that are needed for the installation.

Several attempts to trench both sides of the runway to bury electrical cable for the runway edge lights have been unsuccessful due to the unavailability of heavy equipment necessary to dig into the tightly compacted soil, Naser said.

The next day, board member and secretary Ken Broda said Naser and the commissioners will continue to try to locate the appropriate equipment. They tried one of the largest farm tractors in the area, and it didn’t do the job.

Another consideration, Broda mentioned, is that the commissioners hope someone will donate the equipment and the operator.

In other runway news, the taxiway seal coating and re-striping have been completed.

The five-year capital improvement plan has been updated, Commissioner Vince Himsl said. Volunteer Chuck Fuller said there were no security concerns during the reporting period.

It was noted that the Wahluke High School Aerospace Science class made a tour of the airport recently.

“This event was a resounding success, as applauded by both teachers and students,” Broda said. “The highlight of the tour was an unscheduled “aircraft maneuverability demonstration” performed outside the airport airspace over the river in plain sight of the attending tour group.”