Tehachapi News

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This country has for many years been losing about one airport per week. Most old-time pilots can rattle off a list of airports that they once frequented that are now condominium developments. After all, airports are strategically placed on large, flat areas with good drainage and good access to roads and utilities - the perfect spot for a residential development.

Non-aviation concerns in the community drool over the prospect of increased property tax revenues, as well as curtailment of the roar that aviators consider the sweet sound of the soaring human spirit. The cry of “We were here first” falls on deaf ears, just as it did when the native peoples of America ran into the “white devils.” Knowing this reality, it has become an axiom for airport stakeholders — just as it has been for all businesses — that you are either growing or dying.

Under the leadership of Airport Manager Dave Zweigle and the Tehachapi Airport Commission, Tehachapi Municipal Airport is one that is most certainly growing. Dave Zweigle was hired as manager of the airport five years ago. Since that time, he has raised grant money and ensured our fair share of funds from the federal Aviation Trust Fund. This revenue has been used to resurface the runway, install state-of-the-art LED runway lighting and three new LED-lit windsocks; provide security fencing and access-badge-activated electronic gates, and has installed the latest in automated weather observation systems (which you can listen to by calling 823-0473 or visiting the Internet at http://71.131.140.145/).

The pilot lounge and airport office have been remodeled. Information resources in the pilot lounge now include the latest in computerized weather and flight-filing information, as well as general Internet and WiFi access.

An array of new hangers has been added that brings in additional revenue. Tehachapi Municipal Airport is now home to 139 airplanes. This is a critical fact, because airports that have more that one hundred airplanes receive more than $400,000 in additional federal funding for continued improvements.

At least a third of the airplanes based at the airport are vintage aircraft (although most Cessnas and Pipers probably now qualify for that description). Many aircraft are brought out for public display every third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During good weather, they may gather near the airport office; otherwise, they can be visited in their hangers. These displays are primarily sponsored by the Tehachapi Society of Pilots.

Also, Tehachapi’s Independence Day celebration will include rides for kids through the Experimental Aviation Association's Young Eagles Program, as well as an appearance by the L-29 jets of the Thunder Delfins. There is also talk of bringing a real air show to Tehachapi.

Aircraft rental and flight instruction is available at Benbow Aviation Service. The airport also hosts Civil Air Patrol Squadron 46.

Not resting on its laurels, the Airport Commission is establishing a vision for the airport's future. Efforts are underway to attract aviation-related businesses, particularly for the currently undeveloped 140 acres on the north side of the runway. This includes businesses that, while not strictly in the aviation business, would maintain a corporate aircraft at the airport. The airport is strategically located for doing business with such major centers as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, as well as Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento.

An instrument approach should be in place by the end of the year, allowing pilots to land in weather that is currently prohibitive. This is critical to attracting commercial aircraft operators. More information about our distinguished Airport Commission-unpaid volunteers all-and their vision, as well as other key players and activities at the airport, will be the subject of future articles.
Tehachapians should be proud of our airport and the continuing contribution it makes to aviation and the health and vitality of our community.

Manned Space Watch

By press time, Space Shuttle Endeavour will have delivered and attached the pressurized section of the Japanese Kibo Experimental Logistics Module, as well as Canada's Dextre robot manipulator system, the final element in the station's mobile servicing system. This is the 25th shuttle flight to the station. Endeavour is scheduled to touch down at the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, March 26, at 5:33 p.m. PDT.

Space Probe Watch

NASA is marking its fiftieth anniversary this year. I'll be pointing our many of their accomplishments throughout the year.

Gemini and Apollo Astronaut Jim Lovell turned eighty on March 25. He went to the moon twice, but never got to walk on it. He was one of the first men to orbit the moon on Apollo 8 and was commander of ill-fated Apollo 13. The safe return of the crew is still considered by most to be NASA's “finest hour.” Though his distinguished career earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a NASA Distinguished Service Medal and two Navy Distinguished Flying Crosses, he must still feel that his destiny was left unfulfilled; for looking up at the moon must be a bittersweet thing for Captain Lovell. I offer a sharp salute to a real American hero.