Posted on Jun 14, 2017
 

Mineral Wells Municipal Airport manager Wayne Sanderson sees the facility really taking off in the coming years as growth moves west across Parker County.

A Rotarian himself, Sanderson spoke to Rotary Club of Mineral Wells at its weekly Wednesday luncheon. Sanderson, left, is pictured above with club President Jimmy Walker.

The city and area benefits greatly from the airport with its long, 6,000-foot main runway that accommodates commercial jets and larger planes like C-130s, with the ability to land DC-9s and Boeing 737s. A secondary runway stretches about 4,100 feet. The airport features a large terminal and comfortable lounge with television, lots of seating and two recliners to let charter plane pilots relax and nap during stops.

The city-owned airport was built in 1943 by the U. S. Army to support the nearby infantry training facility, Camp Wolters, during World War II. After the post was renamed Fort Wolters and supported training for helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War, the Downing Heliport was added to provide additional space for training helicopter pilots. The heliport contains over 30,000-square-feet of hangar space, several buildings and 54 acres of tarmac.

The airport leases hangars and sells regular aviation and commercial jet fuel, at prices per gallon below the costs at Metroplex airports.

Another benefit is lower hangar lease rates than most plane owners find to the east, and the airport is outside the DFW air traffic command and air congestion, he said, making it easier for pilots to fly in and out.

Sanderson said he is fielding more calls from plane owners looking to lease hangar space at the Mineral Wells airport, finding it preferable to Weatherford and other surrounding airports. He said this is an important area financially for the airport and he and city officials are looking for ways to provide more hangar accommodations.

He said the airport is working with Envision Mineral Wells, incorporating its growth strategies and plans, while also reaching out to Parker County officials to help with expansion and attracting business to the facility, since most of the airport – from the main runway east – lies in Parker County. Any taxable growth would benefit that county, as well as the City of Mineral Wells.

Another important area for the airport is the continued development of the unmanned aircraft industry through training, education and associated businesses. He said Mineral Wells is in prime position to become a center for unmanned aerial systems and the city and airport continue to aggressively pursue those opportunities.

Sanderson said UASs are becoming increasingly popular in commercial applications, such as for surveilling and inspecting farm and ranch land, pipelines, development and many other uses, including government and military applications. The FAA has increasingly added licensing requirements and regulations for UASs, or drones as they are commonly called.

The Mineral Wells Unmanned Systems Academy offers courses and certifications for novice UAS users up to large commercial pilots of unmanned aerial systems.

Sanderson said with population growth he hopes to be able to one day add an air passenger service to the facility and bring in a car rental operation.

The 500-acre-plus Mineral Wells Municipal Airport is a major asset for the city and the Parker and Palo Pinto county areas, attracting a growing number of pilots and plane owners, and can be a key economic growth source for commercial expansion. Sanderson said the airport's ability and room to grow is a major plus.

To learn more about Mineral Wells Municipal Airport and the businesses currently operating there go to http://www.mineralwellsairport.com/.

Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country Club for lunch, networking, updates on club projects and a program of interest. Come join us.