David Luna
As your vice mayor and city councilman, it is my hope you are enjoying our outdoors and wonderful spring weather.
Here is an update about District 5 and the Falcon Field Airport.
Falcon Field Update
As a city council, our priorities include focusing on four key areas:
- Sustainable economy
- Workforce development
- Public safety
- Transforming neighborhoods
Falcon Field works toward developing new jobs and increasing wages, while attracting new and expanding businesses. In the long run, this helps our evolving economy. Last year marked a significant year for the Falcon Field Airport. Funded by federal and state grants, as well as the Enterprise Fund, $4 million was invested in improving the airport.
Upgrades to airfield lighting and signage—This $2 million project will provide energy-efficient LED upgrades to runway and taxiway edge lights and directional signs. Improvements also will be made to components of the airfield’s electrical system. The project is scheduled for completion this spring.
Improvements to historic World War II hangars—Falcon Field Airport has completed approximately $600,000 in upgrades to its two historic World War II hangars, with Precision Heli-Support taking occupancy in one of them. Hangar roof trusses were restored, new glass windows were installed, and the building was freshly painted. Precision Heli-Support is completing its own improvements to prepare the facility for helicopter maintenance, fixed-wing aircraft repair and overhaul services, as well as full-spectrum logistics for the private, commercial and government aviation sectors.
Airport Master Plan Update—The master plan assesses airport facilities and industry trends and guides future decisions about development. It will help identify airport capital improvements for the next 12 to 15 years.
Additional Updates—Renovation of aircraft washing facility will include a new 3,000-square-foot covered and lighted drive-through self-service bay and an additional 3,000-square-foot open-air wash bay.
Falcon Field has an on-going annual pavement maintenance program to ensure the facility is performing at top levels for aircraft safety and convenience.
Falcon Executive Aviation, the airport’s full-service fixed-based operator, recently completed construction of its new 12,000-square-foot hangar.
As the Falcon Field District creates more jobs and opportunities, I am sensitive to the balance of community livability and growth. Please join me at the Falcon Field Open House on March 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a number of aviation-related activities. For more information, contact me at (480) 644-3771, or send an email to District5@mesaaz.gov.