It was a busy year for the Drayton Valley Industrial Airport.
Drayton Valley town council recently received an update from the Pembina Regional Aerodrome Society. The Society – formerly known as the Drayton Valley Flying Club – is the organization that currently maintains the airport.
Society president Jerry Greiner and member Corey Hallett gave their presentation at council’s Nov. 24 meeting.
Greiner pointed out there was a lot of aerial surveying taking place in the region this past summer, and they all made the Drayton Valley Airport their home base. TC Energy was building a new pipeline in the area and conducted their aerial operations out of the airport. Plus, Weyerhaeuser did their latest forestry survey from the air.
In addition, there was a lot of aerial firefighters that called Drayton Valley their home base this summer, particularly when fighting the wildfires near Tomahawk.
The airport continues to look for ways to expand as well. Hallett shared that efforts are ongoing to get a mechanic to set up shop at the airport.
They are also considering upgrading their fuel systems. Currently, the airport does not offer jet fuel, so jets and helicopters need to bring in their own fueling systems.
Greiner also shared that a lot of those aerial surveyors expressed a desire for the airport to have its own GPS system to assist in landings.
Town council asked if the airport charges landing fees. Hallett replied that they do not, as they find they attract more people that way. At this point, airport officials fear that charging landing fees would drive away business.
Hallett wrapped up the presentation by saying that was one of the busiest years for the airport, and they attribute it to people getting out and looking for something to do.
Comments