Mansfield Airport Commission discuss 2015 Airport Day and the removal of ‘Charlie’

Circled is Taxiway 'Charlie.' According to FAA standards, Charlie is in violation. Council recently approved rehabilitation of Runway 5-23 which includes demolishing Charlie.

Members of the Mansfield Airport Commission met on Thursday to discuss airport operations and projects as well as planning for the 6th annual Mansfield Airport Day.

Commission members expressed excitement for the upcoming Airport Day celebration,

“There will be activities for the entire community” said Airport Day Committee Chairman William Schmidt.

Airport Day will focus this year on bringing attention to the numerous aviation opportunities at Lahm Airport; particularly the 179th Air Guard. Also showcased are SWAT, the Ohio Special Response group, Mansfield Fire & EMT, Red Cross, 200th Red Horse Squadron, Police Explorers, Area Aviation Clubs, Civil Air Patrol, OSU Flight Training, Med Flight and other air & Safety groups.

Mansfield City Councilman At-Large and Chairman of the Mansfield Airport Committee, Don Bryant, expressed his support for commission projects.

“July 4th in Mansfield will move forward with a family fun celebration and I am pleased with the development of Mansfield’s Airport Day.”

“As the youngest City Councilman At-Large in this city’s history, I am presented with a unique opportunity to represent a voice and perspective that has been fighting for a seat at the table for a while now. This voice is that of my generation, the Millennials. We want to be involved in the planning of more activities in Mansfield and more importantly, activities that represent our interests. I think Mansfield Airport Day is great for families. Young people are really going to enjoy this.” Bryant stated.

Also discussed at the meeting were upcoming projects and operations.

Present at the Commission meeting was a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration, who discussed the rehabilitation of Runway 5-23 and the demolition of Taxiway ‘Charlie.’

Due to FAA standards, Commission members agreed that Charlie had to go. But, not without some regrets. Members see Charlie as a unique benefit and convenience for pilots. Charlie provides extra space for maneuvering and taxying aircrafts once they land.

City Council recently approved the Runway 5-23 Improvement Project. The total cost to remove Charlie as well as to resurface runway 5-23 is around $5,927,453. However, City Engineer and Department Manager, Robert Bianchi, said that his department will fund the majority of the project from grants and from Federal and State dollars. The total local taxpayer dollars that will be spent on this project is approximately $8,605.

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The blue line is Runway 5-23 and the yellow line is Taxiway Charlie. Runway 5-23 will be resurfaced sometime in the fall and Charlie will be removed per FAA standards.