b'14 SUN OPERATIONSWhen the conference is over, arriving traffic is temporarily suspended to create more departure windows. Toward the end of the main arrivalsThese are pilots who fly all over the worldhas been huge, especially when we get day, SUN runs out of ramp space to parkall the time. They are really educatedthe timing just right, says Pomeroy. aircraft. Instead of closing to traffic, itconsumers of airspace, so getting thatIts amazing the number of aircraft that issues NOTAMs that let pilots know thepositive feedback is fun, Dyer admits.depart out of here in that closure-to-airport is available only for drop-and-goPomeroy notes that the routingarrival period. Its a very constant stream. flights. Pomeroy and Dyer work closelystructure developed for the annual SunIts been a really effective and really with ramp managers at Atlantic AviationValley Conference has worked so well,efficient strategy for us.to monitor capacity throughout the day,SUN uses it during the airports peakIf you hit your timing right, it goes so and stay in close contact with Salt Lakewinter/skiing season as well.fast, Dyer adds. Its just beautiful to Center to see how many aircraft are stillwatch all of those aircraft take off in the headed their way. That allows controllersDeparture Day blue sky.to let crews of incoming aircraft knowTo manage the busy flow of aircraft taking they need to be prepared to either dropThats when the high fives begin on the and go or divert to the airport in Twin Fallsoff on Sunday after the conference ends,ramp, and Pomeroy reflects about how or Boise. airport personnel work with the eventfar the process has come since his first organizer to understand when sessionsday on the job seven years ago. While After most of the conference guestsand keynote speakers are wrapping up.its a stressful week, it is a very unique have arrived, Pomeroy and Dyer get toThis helps them estimate when guests willeventthe type of people who come, relax a bit. be coming to SUN, boarding their aircraftthe sheer volume of heavy iron and how Typically, they head to the pilots dinnerand wanting to leave.much some of those aircraft cost, he to rub elbows and talk shop with the flightArmed with that information, Pomeroyremarks. Seeing that all come together crews they helped land. Some crewsand Dyer devise a plan that includesat our airportI just love being a part of have been coming to the summer fly-intemporarily closing the airport for arrivalsit. And seeing things improve year after at SUN for many years, and most speakto create more departure windows. Thatyear is very satisfying. highly of the improved route structure. July | August 2023AirportImprovement.com'