April 2023 | www.flysanmarcos.com
I received a call last month from one of our airport customers regarding who’s responsible for replacing light bulbs in the City-owned T-hangars. After checking the lease agreement and confirming it’s the lessee’s obligation, I returned the call. The subsequent conversation was professional, but our tenant was not completely satisfied.

During the “chat” he asked pointedly what he was getting for his $300 monthly rent, other than an old, government-owned, dusty, wet-floor-when-it-rains hangar. We did not get a chance to discuss his question at that time, but after locating an extension ladder, and with help from two of Berry Aviation’s finest, the new bulb was quickly installed. Everyone shook hands, and problem solved.
 
The question lingered though and got me thinking. After reviewing our waiting list of over 180 pilots desiring hangar space at HYI, I dug a bit deeper into what our airport offers future customers when they’re considering a new home for their aircraft. The following HYI features came to mind:
 
  • 3 runways
  • The only ILS between AUS and SAT
  • 6 GPS approaches
  • ATC tower
  • Free ramp parking
  • Reserved aircraft tie downs
  • On March 31, Berry Aviation’s published fuel prices were equal to, or lower than, BAZ, AUS, GTU, and EDC
  
I’m glad the Airport was able to help one of our tenants with a minor maintenance item and appreciate the professional aviation community that we all enjoy at San Marcos Regional Airport.

And don’t forget the April 20 Airport Advisory Board meeting at 10:00 at the Airport management office.
 
Sincerely,
Jim Wimberly
MONTHLY TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
Annual total operations by year:

2019: 63,955
2020: 78,010
2021: 82,368
2022: 91,852
2023 through March:
24,210
We monitor operations each month to help us secure funding for future airport projects and improvements. The operations (aircraft landings and takeoffs) are counted every day during the Air Traffic Control Tower's hours of 7:00am to 9:00pm. Operations that occur outside of these hours are not tracked.
HIGHWAY 21 WATERLINE CONSTRUCTION
A supply chain issue caused delay in the completion of the waterline project but crews were able to test pressure on the line last week and cleanup efforts are underway.

The new completion date is now slated for the end of May.
TAXIWAY CHARLIE RECONSTRUCTION
The FAA-funded reconstruction of Taxiway Charlie is on schedule and crews are making good time despite some rain delays. Lime and concrete subbase are complete and paving is underway. Contractors anticipate Taxiway Echo to be reopened by the end of April, at which point Taxiway Foxtrot will be closed to finished Phase II of paving.
AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Our next AAB meeting will be held Thursday, April 20 at 10:00am at the Airport Management offices located at 4400 Highway 21. Anyone interested in the airport is encouraged to attend.

Come for the coffee and donuts; stay to learn more about what's happening at your airport!
COVID RAPID TESTING
We are excited to announce that we are now able to provide free rapid COVID-19 testing. The test kits have been provided by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce via the Small Business COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program.
 
Testing is available by appointment only Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. To schedule a test time, please call the office at (512) 216-6042.
LOCAL AVIATION NON-PROFIT MEETINGS
EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 958

Meetings are held every third Saturday at 10:30am in the CAF Hangar, Officers Club.

For more information visit their website.
CIVIL AIR PATROL TEXAS WING 435

Meetings are held every Tuesday.

For more information, visit their website, send an email, or call (512) 710-8435.
Have something you'd like to see featured? Tag us or send it via email. We'll attribute it to you and share it with other like-minded avgeeks!