PHL- Is it true that the MAC’s LTCP does not include lengthening the runway at FCM past its current legal designation? 

Patrick Hogan- Yes, that is correct.  The updated long term-comprehensive plan for Flying Cloud Airport does not include extending any of the airport’s runway lengths past the 5,000’ limit for minor-use airports. 

PHL- What proposed changes does it contain other than relocating the control tower and lengthening or shortening a cross runway that is parallel to 212? 

Patrick Hogan- Actually, the plan does not recommend relocating the air traffic control tower.  Rather, it recommends that MAC discuss the matter with the FAA.  The FAA, not MAC, owns the control tower.  Any relocation of the tower is contingent on the cooperation and assistance of the FAA. The plan does recommend shifting north-south runway 18-36 to the north and extending it to a length of 2,800’ from its current length of 2,691’ in keeping with FAA runway length standards. 

PHL-  What impact would the changes in Runway 18-36 have, and which residential area would it impact?  

Patrick Hogan-The slight shift in the runway to the north would enhance safety by bringing the runway safety area on the southern end into compliance with federal guidelines.  Lengthening Runway 18-35 to 2,800’ also provides an added layer of safety, giving pilots more room when landing or taking off.  The updated plan indicates changes in the runway will not increase the 2025 noise contour.  Planes taking off on Runway 18 fly over a non-residential bottomland and those taking off on Runway 36 generally turn over airport property or over a lake before overflying residential areas.  Noise contours are based on a federal metric that averages noise impacts in a given area.  Runway 18/36 will continue to be used as a crosswind rather than a primary runway, and the addition of 109' of pavement is not expected to result in significant runway use changes or increased noise impacts in neighborhoods around the airport. 

PHL-   What can you tell us about the Flying Cloud Airport Zoning Board MAC is forming related to FCM? 

Patrick Hogan- Both state and federal Transportation departments require a degree of zoning around airports for safety purposes.  The zoning boards typically consist of representatives from cities in close proximity to an airport.  The MAC has a presence on the zoning board, but community representatives make up the majority of the board.  A Flying Cloud Joint Airport Zoning Board was convened last year and is in the early stages of its work, developing safety studies that, along with future public input, will help guide the board in developing a draft zoning ordinance for adoption by each city.  The focus is on zoning within the cities themselves, which is why city participation is key.  Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Shakopee each has two representatives on the Flying Cloud Joint Airport Zoning Board, as does the Metropolitan Airports Commission.  Rick King chairs the board. 

PHL- Will the new security additions by the Obama administration affect any of the reliever airports? 

Patrick Hogan- We have received no new federal regulations for general aviation airports in the wake of the Christmas Day attempt to set off an explosive on a commercial flight from Amsterdam to the United States.   

Patrick Hogan is the Public Affairs & Marketing Director for the  Metropolitan Airports Commission