b'GENERAL AVIATION8GK 51Local Management Airports are economic magnets. Its going to grow in ways we Jon Ryan Morris is airport manager at 8GK.cant comprehend now, adds Steely. 8GK is ideally located for The role coincides with his duties as judge- growth that filled a hole that was identified many years ago. This executive of Gallatin Countyan electedwill be a strong general aviation airport. four-year position that is essentially chiefMorris agrees: We are in the right location at the right time. We executive officer of the county, without judicialhave so much herewaterway traffic, interstate, rail and now air. powers despite how the title sounds. Morris,By adding another key transportation option, the new airports who suspended his service as a local policeJON RYAN MORRISofficer after being elected, is the fifth countymile of runway could cement a path to prosperity for Gallatin judge-executive affiliated with the airport. There is no limit to howCounty. Stay tuned for news about the terminal and other many times a candidate can be re-elected to the position. facilities as they are completed. For now, Morris day-to-day duties at the airport are relatively limited since the runway is the only major infrastructure in place. But traffic is growing, and the airfield already logs 60 to 70 operations per month despite its lack of terminal facilities and fuel.REGENERATIVE AIR SWEEPERS Hansen notes that the airport board mayFor a Deeper Cleanconsider an FBO or other hybrid management arrangement as the terminal, fuel farm and other crucial assets come online. The size and function of the management team will depend on how quickly the airport grows, he adds.Education and Job CreationEarly on, community leaders recognized that the airport could be a tremendous resource for local youth. Morris is particularly excited about the educational and employment opportunities it will offer the county and wider region.Conversations with the local school revealed similar enthusiasm, and committees were formed to develop aviation-related curriculum and technical training. New content might bePhoto courtesy of Meridian Regional Airportincorporated as soon as this school year. Morris notes that jobs associated with 8GKROUTINE CLEANING OF RAMP, RUNWAY, & ROADScould help Gallatin County retain citizens whoRemoves FOD that can hide in cracks & crevicesmight otherwise move away for such similar opportunities.Model 600 HSP OptionsTo that end, flight schools, aircraft Chassis Mounted Magnet removesLiquid Recovery System removes maintenance providers and the military have approached county leaders about possiblyferrous metals at sweeping speedsand recovers standing liquids, such establishing a presence at the new airport.up to 25 miles per hour. as glycol.Hansen reports that military operations could Lateral Air Flow Nozzle clearsRunway Sweeper, High Speed include personnel and materials associateddebris, such as sand, grass andPerformance.with C-130 aircraft.snow from runways and taxiways.Optimism Soars Dovetailing on the educational and economic benefits, Wright is open to considering vertical lift operations such as industrial drones and air taxis. Being in the center of the Triangle, we would be foolish to not consider these, he says. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 800.258.9626|TYMCO.COMAirportImprovement.comOctober 2024'