The Flyover | November 2022

November 21, 2022

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Airport Tenant Open House

December 1 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Hangar 1 | 2525 NE Douglas

You're invited! Meet airport staff and management for informal one-on-one discussions and provide feedback on upcoming proposed activities and operational issues. A short presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Airport Manager Joel Arrington at joel.arrington@cityofLS.net or 816.969-1186.

Fly Friendly

In an effort to be a good neighbor, Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport asks pilots to consider following some simple recommendations consistent with safety. Piloting choices impact the community’s perception of the airport and the City of Lee’s Summit. Pilots may only fly in and out once, but Lee’s Summit residents live, work, play and relax daily. As always, operate your aircraft in a safe and friendly manner.

When departing Runway 18, turn left as soon as allowable to reduce or possibly avoid over-flight of the residential areas south of the Airport.
When taking off on Runway 36, turn right as soon as allowable to reduce or possibly avoid over-flight of the residential areas north of the Airport.

Welcome to the Crew

Jeff Penfield

Assistant Airport Manager

Jeff Penfield began his position as assistant airport manager for the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport in October 2022. Prior to joining the City, Penfield served 34 years in the United States Navy. He retired in 2016 with the rank of Rear Admiral Upper Half(08).

Penfield received a degree in aviation management from Wichita State University. He attended the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in 1982. He earned his Navy Wings of Gold in 1984. His operational assignments include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)136 as a plank-owner, VFA-94 and command of VFA-115. While in command, he deployed on the maiden F/A-18E Super Hornet cruise participating in Operations Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and the initial combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His shore tour assignments include Training Squadron (VT-23), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 5, the Super Hornet Fleet Introduction Team and VX-9 where he was the lead operational test director for the F/A-18E/F operational evaluation.

Penfield's assignments as a professional acquisition include:

Deputy Program Manager Air (PMA) 265 – the F/ A-18 & EA-18G Program Office
Command of PMA-259 – the Navy’s Air-to-Air Missile Program Office
Command of PMA-268 – the Navy’s Unmanned Combat Aerial System Program Office
Naval Air Systems Command staff working Integration and Interoperability initiatives

Penfield’s assignments as a flag officer include:

Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers and Commander
Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force

Penfield has more than 4,000 flight hours and 750 carrier-arrested landings. He has been recognized as the 1995 Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet Pilot of the Year and the National Defense Industrial Association Navy Military Tester of the Year for 1999. Jeff was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Air Medal (six awards, one individual with combat V/five Strike Flight), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards, one with combat V) and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Awards along with various other personal, unit and service medals.

Penfield is currently the secretary for the Greater Kansas City Friends of Fisher House and is a board member of Camp Valor Outdoors headquartered in Kingsville, Mo. He previously served as the Chairman of the Commissioning Committees for the USS KANSAS CITY (LCS-22) and the USS WICHITA (LCS-13). Penfield resides in Blue Springs, Mo with his wife Cynthia.

Rules and Regulations

Each month, the airport will review a highlighted section of the airport rules and regulations in the newsletter to educate users and assist tenants in becoming compliant.

November Focus: Fire Prevention

Sec. 2-14. MAINTENANCE | All tenants must maintain their leased property in a condition of repair, cleanliness, and general maintenance and free from all fire hazards in accordance with their individual lease agreements.

Sec. 5-3-G STORAGE | No person shall use flammable materials for cleaning aircraft or parts except with adequate ventilation in areas approved by the fire chief and/or his designee and with a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Flammable materials, such as naphtha, gasoline, and organic or inorganic solvents shall not be stored at the airport except in approved containers with adequate warning signs.

Sec. 5-8. OPEN FLAME OPERATIONS | No person shall conduct any open flame operations in any hangar or on the airport unless specifically authorized by the airport manager.