Andrews – Federal Aviation Administration representatives visited Western Carolina Regional Airport last week and, according to assistant county manager Maria Hass, the visit went well.
“The meeting was actually with our Division of Aviation project manager and planning and environmental manager,” Hass said. “They also serve as our FAA liaisons. They were very pleased with what we have done and with the direction we are going.”
Hass said the representatives were “impressed with the growth and professional atmosphere at the airport, and said the county is able to seek funding again in order to replace antiquated lighting on-field and off-field.
Once the lighting projects are complete, the county will seek funding to renovate and expand the airport terminal, she said.
“We are excited about where we are going,” Hass said. “If the county decides at some point to move the AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System), we will request funding to do so, but we are not required to move it.”
The system is across the runway from the terminal and is located on private property.
Some airport users have complained about a variety of issues at the airport, including navigation lighting, the AWOS system and recently installed fencing that puts the main entrance to the airport terminal behind a fence and gate.
Hass said she is aware of the complaints, but said the complaints are without merit. For example, the terminal’s main door is located behind a gated fence and a keypad lock is planned to secure the gate after hours, but the gate will remain open during regular business hours and provides an added level of security for the terminal after hours.
She said regulatory agencies “are pleased to know that we are moving in the right direction.”
Western Carolina Regional Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport located 2 miles west of downtown Andrews. It was formerly known as Andrews-Murphy Airport and before that Wood Field.
Minutes from the meeting will be released to the public once they are released by the regulatory agencies, Hass said.
