ARLINGTON AIRPORT
KAWO Quarterly Update
March 1, 2022
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Message from the Arlington Airport Director
No one likes change. We are, for the most part, creatures of habit. Change can be uncomfortable. But, as we have all probably learned, the only constant in life is change.
I say these things because general aviation is changing. Arlington Municipal Airport is also changing. Whether it is the looming switch from 100 LL to unleaded fuel, the advent of electric aircraft, flight testing for Eviation’s “Alice,” the future of autonomous drones, or the mix of aircraft using the airport, we have seen a lot of change in a relatively short period of time here at AWO. While we do our best to plan and conform to these changes, we do occasionally hit a few bumps in the road. We do our best to learn from these and try to avoid them in the future.
The positive side of change is that we now have three aircraft manufacturers at AWO. These businesses provide jobs for residents and tax money to the City. With the ability to lease non-aeronautical property in the Airport Business Park, we continue to build a revenue stream that will help support the airport for decades to come. With electric aircraft and the use of cleaner fuels in piston powered aircraft, we help the environment.
I think the key to all of this is to understand that change is vital to general aviation’s survival and success. Please work with us in negotiating these changes at AWO.
Blue Skies,
Dave
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The Arlington Municipal Airport and SKYFEST come together for a weekend of excitement and fun August 19 - 21!
On the west side of the Airport, the campgrounds open on
Friday, August 19th with SkyFest 2022 and Saturday, August 20th.
Sunday, August 21st is Community Fun Day with Young Eagle Flights, on the east side of the Airport.
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Airfield Reminders and Expectations
Every year we like to remind our tenants and users about rules and policies we have at the Airport to help keep it safe and efficient for everybody.
Dogs: We love our pets, and part of the charm of AWO is watching our tenants working in their hangar or taking a walk around the airfield accompanied by man’s best friend. We are big fans of dogs here, and just want to remind owners to make sure your pet is on a leash at all times while on the Airfield. Keep them safe!
Incidents: Please remember to report incidents to airport staff. Many times incidents occur when we’re not at the Airport. There might be FOD, ruts or missing/damaged lights or NAV aids that we need to address. Injury accidents are just one version of an “incident,” but an incident can be almost anything. If you feel like there may be damage to the airfield or infrastructure, or if your aircraft or vehicle might have done some damage or lost some parts, please let us know! Recently, an aircraft knocked down a threshold light and our crew was able to clean up glass and debris from the threshold of 34; however, later that day or night an AWO “Good Samaritan” decided to tape up the threshold light frangible mount to avoid water and debris getting inside it. Problem is, that lighting can was hot to the tune of 100amps. Please allow our trained staff to do what they do and notify us when you see a problem.
Driving on the Airfield: While we expect tenants to use the taxilanes and other Airport surfaces to get from point A to point B, it is important to remember that if you’re planning on driving (need to basis only) on taxiways, crossing runways, or any other “movement type” areas:
- you need a viable reason to do so (“It’s shorter than driving around to get to lunch” doesn’t constitute a viable reason.)
- must have the required air-band radio and amber beacon on the vehicle.
- you MUST attend the Airfield Vehicle Driving Course. Airport Operations will be happy to get you squared away with this and it only takes about an hour.
Oil Recycling Stations and Dumpsters: Please use the oil recycling tanks for aircraft oil only. Don’t bring waste oil from home or work. This service costs the Airport money and it's intended use is for Airport tenants only. Same goes for the dumpsters and garbage receptacles around the Airport. Many of the amenities we have here at AWO are free and a benefit to our tenants and users. Abusing these amenities only increases costs that must be passed on to the very people that they benefit.
If you have any questions or concerns about this or any other issue, please contact the Airport at 360-403-3470.
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Wildlife
KAWO is one of, if not the most, beautiful airfields around. With runways 16/34 and 11/29 tucked between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, it is easy for airport users to fall in love with the airdrome. Because of KAWO’s unique location, the local fauna also enjoy the airport.
Airport staff would like to remind the users to leave any wild animals alone unless the animal is causing imminent danger to a pilot. In that event, please use CTAF 122.725 to radio airport operations.
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Washington Pilot's Association
Message from Arlington Chapter President
Thank you everyone who made it a great start to the new year at our Arlington chapter! We had excellent attendance with a special presentation by retired Air Force colonel and test pilot Eric Hansen.
I’m privileged to serve this year as President of the Arlington chapter. As we move forward in 2022, our guiding principles will be the four pillars of the WPA:
1. Advocacy
2. Outreach
3. Education
4. Socializing
We have such a special group of people with diverse backgrounds in piloting, instructing, maintenance, engineering, and building all things aviation, both civilian and military. The skill and knowledge of so many of our members is available in a family safe environment.
As we grow our chapter this year, we’d like to extend an invitation to pilot members who may not have attended in a while, as well as anyone that would like to visit us for the first time. The only prerequisites are that you have a passion for aviation and like to have fun!
Our meetings are held on the airport property (contact me for location) the first Wednesday of each month, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with food and socializing. (Socializing is my favorite pillar). I’m always available for questions/suggestions and location details for our next meeting. We look forward to seeing you!
Randy Miller
WPA President, Arlington Chapter
425-941-9292
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KAWO Photo of the Quarter |
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Three prominent visual points of reference to aid aviators navigating home to KAWO are Three Fingers Mountain, Mount Pilchuck, and at night the lighted antenna towers of Jim Creek Naval Radio Station.
In the photo is the fire lookout tower atop Mount Pilchuck, a popular hiking destination in the region during the warmer months, still heavily covered in snow in late January. With an elevation of 5,344 feet, it offers incredible views that make the hike worth it, or better yet, you can fly over without breaking a sweat.
Photo Credit: Matthew Green in a 1958 Cessna 172
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Would you like to be an Airport Commissioner?
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FRIENDLY REMINDER:
Check NOTAMs
for up to date
airport conditions.
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FOR SALE:
Available at the office:
Hats $15
T-Shirts $20
Gate Remotes $30
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FRIENDLY REMINDER:
Always use
Runway 34
when winds
are calm.
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Airport Office
Phone: 360-403-3470
18204 59th Avenue NE Suite A, Arlington, WA 98223
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