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September 2022 | www.flysanmarcos.com

Howdy,

Texas Aviation Partners thought it would be good for me to introduce myself in this edition of the September newsletter. My name is John Cyrier and earlier this year I was selected to be the Chairman of our San Marcos Airport Advisory Board. This board is composed of five City Council-appointed board members and five non-voting stakeholders appointed by Texas Aviation Partners. We meet quarterly to discuss airport business and operations. Our role is to provide advice and recommendations related to methods and matters in recruiting and creating interest in the airport and planning and developing airport services and expansion.  I had the pleasure of serving on this board back in 2013 through 2015.  
 
My passion for aviation started at a young age flying in my older brother’s J-3 Cub. Five years out of Texas A&M, one of my Aggie Band classmates was a CFI and he helped me get started on my license. I finished it that same year in 2001 at the Lockhart Airport just a few years after I bought a ranch there. Needless to say, I’ve been hooked ever since. I ended up building my own grass strip on the ranch where I keep and have been the caretaker of a 1941 Stearman for sixteen years. The fleet currently also includes a Baron, RV-4, an experimental Woody Pusher and a partnership with my brother in a T-28C. I am most proud of mentoring new pilots and being one of the founders of the Lockhart Flying Club.
 
In 2010, I was appointed to the Caldwell County Commissioner’s Court where I served for just over three years. The San Marcos Regional Airport is located in Caldwell County, so I naturally focused my attention to use the airport as a driver for economic development in the region. In March of 2015, I was sworn into the Texas House of Representatives after a special election. There I have served as Chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism and last session as the Chairman of the Texas Sunset Commission. I am currently the Chairman of the Texas General Aviation Caucus for which I have served in that role for the past six years. After roughly twelve years as an elected official, I have decided to not seek re-election and so my term will be ending on January 9th when the new legislative session begins. With this extra time, I have re-focused my attention back into my passion of flying and warbirds. This includes spending more time with our CAF Central Texas Wing and giving back to our veterans through aviation.  
 
We are so fortunate to have this great asset in Central Texas. Whether it is for business or pleasure, I look forward to continuing working with you, the City of San Marcos, Caldwell County and Texas Aviation Partners in securing the airport’s future for generations to come.  
John Cyrier
MONTHLY TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
Annual total operations by year:

2017: 66,781
2018: 59,679
2019: 63,955
2020: 78,010
2021: 82,368
2022 count through August:
56,889
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
City crews have begun construction of a new water line along Highway 21 (see map below). Construction is ongoing and runs parallel to the highway about 50 feet inside airport property. This project should not affect air traffic in any way.
AIRPORT REGULATIONS REVIEW
It's been several years since the Airport's Minimum Standards and Rules & Regulations have been reviewed. We're dusting them off and giving them a fresh look.

In the coming months, we plan to present proposed updates to the Airport Board. In the meantime, we're going to start highlighting existing regulations to educate our users and assist tenants in becoming compliant.

If you'd like to review the current documents, click here. Have a suggested edit? Send us an email!

September Focus: Airport Speed Limits

Rules & Regulations Ordinance, Section 10.035(b) states:

"No person will operate a motor vehicle on the airport in a reckless or negligent manner, or in excess of safe and prudent speed. Posted limits will not be exceeded. The posted speed limit for the ramp is 15 miles per hour and the posted speed limit for roadways is 35 miles per hour.”

To ensure safe operations at San Marcos Regional Airport, please be sure to remind all employees and delivery drivers of this regulation.
TAXIWAY CHARLIE RECONSTRUCTION
The FAA-funded reconstruction of Taxiway Charlie has been approved and funded and we anticipate construction to begin on January 1, 2023. Information is forthcoming related to phasing and closures and we will continue to share any developments as the project moves forward.
FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING CENTER
Construction is underway on the new Fire Department Training Center, located just north of management offices along Highway 21. Today, the City commemorated by holding a groundbreaking ceremony.
We expect there to be a four month completion time (weather permitting) and are excited to have the training center right here by the TAP office.
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DUMPSTER AT AIRPORT MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Due to continued unauthorized use of the dumpster located at the airport management office, a replacement dumpster with a lock has been ordered.

As a reminder, this dumpster is provided at no cost as a courtesy to our T-Hangar and T-Shelter tenants. Please swing by during normal business hours and we'll unlock the dumpster for you.

If you are a commercial user, you are required to coordinate the regular removal of your trash.

To make this transition as easy as possible, the lock will not be placed on the dumpster until Monday, October 17.
FREE AIRPORT SHIRTS
Airport t-shirts are now available!

Feel free to swing by the Airport Management office during the week to grab yours.

Did we mention they're free?!
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
KHYI INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CLUB

IMC meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

Follow their Facebook page for more information or email Gary White to be added to the newsletter.
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.
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