Author: Marisa Montgomery

Jack Edwards National Airport Open for Business

Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Ala. – While operations have trended down this past week, the airport is open and fully operational.  FBO’s at Jack Edwards National are operating at normal hours with full staffing and providing full service as usual.  The airport continues to monitor coronavirus (COVID -019) and is in constant contact with federal, state and local officials to coordinate any necessary response.

Scott Fuller, Airport Manager, stated “all projects including the new Air Traffic Control facility are preceding along schedule and we do not expect any delays”.

Additionally, the airport has substantial parking space available for idled fleets up to B-737 design.

Interested parties should contact the Airport Authority at 1-251-967-3968.

Jack Edwards National Airport approved for Federal Contract Tower

Jack Edwards National Airport (JKA) was notified this week that the FAA has accepted the airport as a candidate for the Federal Contract Tower Program.  With this announcement JKA is now required to provide an acceptable facility within five years.  Several FAA offices remarked that JKA set a record for the highest benefit cost ratio ever seen in the program’s history at 4.18.  In English, this means that the benefits of the tower exceed the costs associated by a factor of 4.2.  A ratio of 1.0 is required to be eligible.

 

The Gulf Shores Airport Authority actually begin design of the new tower 8 months ago in anticipation of the announcement by approving a $500,000 contract for the design phase in March 2019.  This was followed by the application process with support from Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and Council.

 

“Jack Edwards National Airport serves the thriving business and tourism market in Gulf Shores, South Baldwin County, and communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast,” Mayor Robert Craft said. “This full service airport is an outstanding asset creating jobs and diversification opportunities for new and existing businesses. Jack Edwards National Airport is vital to the development and continued economic growth of the area and provides a transportation hub for anyone traveling for business, recreation, and/or relaxation.”

JKA was able to facilitate FAA Air Traffic design and site selection reviews by volunteering to be a test case to allow the FAA to streamline its previous review method, which typically took six months.  JKA set a record of two days with what is now referred to as the “Jack Edwards” process.  Tower construction is slated to be complete toward the end of December of 2020 with commissioning in Jan-Feb 2021.

MEDIA CONTACT

 Scott B. Fuller

251-967-3968

sfuller@flyjka.com

Gulf Shores Fire Department runs live-fire exercise at Jack Edwards National Airport

Posted Tuesday, August 6, 2019 12:00 am
By Melanie LeCroy

If you saw smoke billowing from Jack Edwards National Airport last week, it wasn’t an airplane accident or building fire. Gulf Shores Fire Department hosted a live-fire training exercise with the assistance of the U.S. Navy’s mobile aircraft fire trainer. Orange Beach Fire Department also participated in the training.
The airport authority purchased a Rapid Response Vehicle and donated it to the city of Gulf Shores to meet the Federal Aviation Administration requirements for 139. The rapid response vehicle is equipped to handle aircraft-based emergencies. It features foam, and Federal Aviation Administration required dry chemicals.

“In the future, the Airport Authority plans to build an airport fire station,” said Scott Fuller, airport manager.

“There are a lot of operators that need fire protection on the airport in order to come in here. Without Gulf Shores Fire Department there are many businesses we would not be able to accommodate,” Fuller said.

The airport authority purchased a Rapid Response Vehicle and donated it to the city of Gulf Shores to meet the Federal Aviation Administration requirements for 139. The rapid response vehicle is equipped to handle aircraft-based emergencies. It features foam, and Federal Aviation Administration required dry chemicals.

“In the future, the Airport Authority plans to build an airport fire station,” said Scott Fuller, airport manager.

“There are a lot of operators that need fire protection on the airport in order to come in here. Without Gulf Shores Fire Department there are many businesses we would not be able to accommodate,” Fuller said.

Gulf Shores hopes to have control tower at airport by 2021

By  on July 31, 2019

Gulf Shores officials have filed the necessary paperwork seeking permission to build a control tower at Jack Edwards Airport, following the (FFA) Federal Aviation Administration’s lifting of a 10-year moratorium on new control towers at U.S. airports. The tower will help the city develop future passenger service at Jack Edwards. Mobile, Pensacola and Destin are currently the closest airports to Gulf Shores with towers.
Gulf Shores authorized a contract for $500,000 for engineering and design for a new tower in March. The plan is to complete FAA review and design in October and begin construction in 2020. The anticipated completion date is January of 2021, according to Jack Edwards Airport Authority Manager Scott Fuller.
Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced that 20 local airports throughout Alabama would receive more than $25.9 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants, including a discretionary grant to Jack Edwards Airport of $232,066.
“Jack Edwards National Airport is a vital part of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and the surrounding communities, and this grant will enable valuable safety improvements that will yield benefits to area travelers for years to come,’’ said Congressman Bradley Byrne. “This grant award is a part of the FAA’s FY19 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). With this discretionary grant, Jack Edwards National Airport will receive a total of $403,470 to rehabilitate taxiway lighting.’’
“The FAA was looking for an airport volunteer to try out their new site selection review process. So, we volunteered and they are expediting our process. We should be ready for bid about the time we are approved,’’ Fuller said.
“The Tower will control the airspace above the airport and out to three miles in every direction. This will provide some semblance of control as our traffic at times resembles an airshow with aircraft going in all directions at all times,’’ he added.
The tower will also reduce peak hour operations by increasing the distance between aircraft in the pattern and the number of takeoffs and landings for proper separation distances. The tower will not allow for multiple use of multiple runways at the same time, which will reduce operational numbers somewhat, and aircraft will be required to report in and be given instructions on procedures and be alerted to other aircraft positions.
“This currently is a significant reason for the over 25,000 radio transmissions per month being made between pilots trying to locate each other,’’ Fuller said. “Some companies will not allow their executives to fly into uncontrolled airports.’’
Orange Beach City Councilman Jerry Johnson, who is also a member of the Gulf Shores Airport Authority Board, said the Authority Board has been pushing for a control tower at Jack Edwards for many years.
“If it wasn’t for Richard Shelby appropriating funds and the Authority pushing it to the level that it was we don’t feel like the program would have ever been given the funds,’’ he said.
“What we are going to be doing is bringing a hopper type carrier where you can fly from here to Nashville, here to Atlanta, here to maybe Houston or Dallas. It won’t be a commercial carrier coming it. We’re not that big. But we probably will have some that will be interested in providing those type services.’’

Air Charter/Ambulance Service Now Available at Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores

What does an airplane pilot do when he decides to move to our little piece of paradise? Joe Todor found the answer and it is exciting news for all of us along the Gulf Coast!

Mr. Todor spent most of his life in Denver Colorado and flew for many years as a transport pilot for medical emergencies and corporate charters. He received his pilot’s license at age 17 when he was a junior in high school. His experience with Air Charter and Air Ambulance spans 40 years in aircraft such as the Cessna 441 Conquest and the Lear jet.

In June of 2017 Joe moved from Denver to enjoy the warmer climate. He immediately saw a need for Corporate Charter and Air Ambulance along the Emerald Coast.  In April of 2018 he made application to the FAA for an Air Carrier Certificate that includes on demand Charter and Patient Transport.

After deciding to go forward with getting certification to form an Air Charter/Air Ambulance company, Joe began searching for a person that possessed both a medical and marketing background to assist him with seeing that his dream become a reality. He found her at his local doctor’s office. After meeting and getting to know Bethany Kottsick, he knew that with her medical experience and marketing experience she would be a perfect fit for the job. Chief Flight Nurse, Michelle Sherrod, was the next to join the crew and having worked on Air Ambulance before, she knew what it took to get the job done.  With Joe’s knowledge of the air charter industry, Bethany’s knowledge of marketing, and Michelle’s medical expertise he knew it was a WIN/WIN!

Finally, after 11 months of developing manuals, training programs and business organization development Joe was awarded a certificate by the FAA. Certificate number 4JLA093Q now hangs on the office wall at Jack Edwards Airport, and the King Air B200 stands ready to service the needs of the corporate community and all medical institutions here along the Gulf Coast.

“What are locals saying about this fantastic asset to our community? “

“Very exciting and there is not a more competent Pilot than Joe Todor, and this is from my personal experience. This area has needed a corporate charter for years. And the fact that we can now have an Air Ambulance service too, makes it even better! Congratulations!” Leonard Kaiser- Owner Kaiser Real Estate

“It is GREAT to see an Air Ambulance service and Charter service finally get established at Jack Edwards. I have been involved in Aviation for the last 15 years and have always seen the need for both. Joe Todor is certainly the person to make it happen!” Eddie Spence – Local Businessman and Entrepreneur

“An important Fixture at Jack Edwards Airport” Jennifer Rosnagle- Accountant Gulf Air Center

“Gulf Air center is proud to support such an asset to the community.” Shawnda Henderson-General Manager Gulf Air Center

“I’ve been a solo family practitioner in Gulf Shores since 1985 and have seen many changes during that time. The addition of an Air Ambulance has been needed for a long time and is a great addition to our healthcare services. This service allows our patients the capability for more extensive medical services quickly. Medical facilities like MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, UAB (to list a few) are just a short flight away. I am thrilled that Mr. Todor has worked to make this happen for our community.”-   Thomas J. Davidson M.D

For a QUOTE or more information, please visit their website at www.charterflightsUSA.com or www.intensiveaircare.com or call 251-233-5356.

Press Release submitted by Bethany Kottsick, Marketing Director, Charter Air Inc.

JETWINDS HANGAR FACILITY NEARING COMPLETION

Gulf Shores, Ala. – The Gulf Shores Airport Authority announced that Jetwinds, LLC, is nearing completion on their new corporate hangar facility at Jack Edwards National Airport. The new 10,000-square-foot hangar is located in the Southwest Corporate Hangar Complex and is the fourth facility added in the last 24 months.

Jetwinds, LLC entered into a land lease for 0.5 acres with the Airport Authority for construction of their new hangar.  Jetwinds expects completion and move in to take place in March.

Vic Roberts, Authority Chairman remarked that it was satisfying to see the aggressive growth taking place in the complex.  The project providing the needed infrastructure to build the Southwest Complex was completed some five years ago just prior to the economic downturn.

The Airport Authority is also considering a number of build to suit projects for commercial operations in the Business and Aviation Park at this time.

GULF SHORES AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES NEW HANGAR FACILITY NEARING COMPLETION

Gulf Shores, Ala. – Gulf Shores Power Sports, LLC, a national marine sales and service company, is nearing completion of their new corporate hangar facility at Jack Edwards National Airport. The new 9,100-square-foot hangar is located in the Southwest Corporate Hangar Complex and is the third facility completed in the last 24 months.

Completed earlier were a new 11 unit cabin class hangar facility and new 16,800 square foot storage facility by Fixed Base Operator Gulf Air Center.  Both leased out within weeks of completion, the latter to new MRO Resicum International/Aeropro who themselves are planning a new 22,000 + square foot facility in the Business and Aviation Park.

Vic Roberts, Authority Chairman remarked that it was satisfying to see the aggressive growth taking place in the complex.  The project providing the needed infrastructure to build the Southwest Complex was completed some five years ago just prior to the economic downturn.

The Airport Authority is also considering a number of build to suit projects for commercial operations in the Business and Aviation Park at this time.

AOPA FLY-IN OCTOBER 26-27, 2018

White-sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean waves, and breezes off the Gulf of Mexico—that’s Gulf Shores, Alabama, host of the final 2018 AOPA Fly-In. An AOPA Fly-In is an exciting event with amazing aircraft, stimulating seminars, and interesting speakers—and with a fantastic setting like Gulf Shores, this fly-in is worth the trip. We’ve saved the best for last. Join AOPA October 26 and 27 in a beautiful beach town sure to delight your senses—and challenge you to expand your aviation horizons.

Bordered on one side by Pensacola, Florida, famous for its renown naval air station, the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are popular summer vacation spots that continue to beckon beachgoers even in the fall. That’s because the average temperature is still around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the water temperature is the same!

Jack Edwards National Airport (JKA) is located just two miles from the center of Gulf Shores. Originally a reliever field for Naval Air Station Pensacola, it was called Canal Field. The city bought it in 1977 and renamed it for U.S. Rep. Jack Edwards, who was instrumental in the city’s purchase. A new terminal was added in 1998 and the main runway, 9/27, was expanded to its current 6,962-foot length. Runway 17/35 is 3,596 feet long. It is the second busiest airport in Alabama, averaging approximately 228 operations each day.

Three full-service FBOs serve JKA: Gulf Air Center, Salt Air Aviation, and Platinum Air Center. Each is unique. Gulf Air is managed by Shawnda Henderson, at 28 one of the youngest general managers in aviation. Salt Air is the newest and its high-style facility is beautiful. Platinum Air Center is a member of the Paragon Aviation Group. All three FBOs will help with the AOPA Fly-In.

Two days of aviation events such as seminars, exhibits, and meetings are complemented by great food, good people, and camaraderie at an AOPA Fly-In. If you haven’t been to one before, this AOPA Fly-In will be a winner—blue skies, warm temps, and low humidity. The AOPA Fly-In begins Friday with all-day seminars (registration and fee required) on topics ranging from weather to mountain flying. Each all-day seminar features an expert in the field sharing his or her knowledge, along with a hands-on opportunity to increase the learning experience. Friday afternoon, the exhibitors open and invite everyone for a happy hour, and Friday night is the much-anticipated Barnstormers Party. Saturday dawns with a pancake breakfast, aircraft displays, various free seminars, and much more. The day concludes with AOPA President Mark Baker’s Town Hall meeting and ice cream social.

2018 AOPA FLY-INS

June 15 and 16 Missoula, Montana (MSO)
September 14 and 15 Santa Fe, New Mexico (SAF)
October 5 and 6 Carbondale, Illinois (MDH)
October 26 and 27 Gulf Shores, Alabama (JKA)

By Julie Summers Walker

GULF SHORES AIRPORT ANNOUNCES NEW MRO OPERATION

 

Gulf Shores, Ala. – Resicum International LLC, a government services business focused on providing support to the Federal government in aviation, information, and maritime services, announced plans to relocate its headquarters and begin construction on a new hangar facility at Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores. The new 21,000-square-foot hangar is scheduled to open its doors summer of 2019, bringing 18 new aerospace jobs and more than $1.1 million in annual payroll to Baldwin County during its first two years of operations.

 

Resicum International is a DCMA-I 8210 Certified aviation training and maintenance provider and one of few companies approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to maintain their aircraft and provide training using DOD assets at the contractor owned facility. With operations on three continents and a wide range of maintenance and training services, Resicum International’s global reach has earned a reputation of quality and commitment in the aerospace industry.

 

“Resicum International is committed to bringing excellent aerospace services and well-paying technical jobs to Baldwin County and the Gulf Coast, for both our commercial and government services clients,” said Robert Baird, managing director. “We intend to invest in the area for the long term and grow our aviation and government business here. To that end, we have already invested in infrastructure, equipment, people and processes to ensure that we always deliver safety in flight for all our clients, no matter how small. We look forward to continuing our investment and growing over time in the region.”

 

In addition to federal government work, Resicum International provides commercial, state and local government services for Part 145 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services, and Part 61 Flight School Services through AeroPro, the company’s civil aviation unit. Resicum has applied for a Part 141 certification which is pending with the FAA. Additional services, such as non-scheduled charter and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle support for both government and commercial customers will come on line by the end of 2018. Together, both business units account for approximately $7 million in sales in 2017, with sales projections over $8 million in 2018, with steady growth projections thereafter.

 

“We are excited to welcome Resicum International to Gulf Shores. Their investment in our community and Jack Edwards National Airport will benefit the entire region by bringing new, high paying jobs to our area,” said Mayor Robert Craft. “Expanding and diversifying our local economy is one of the critical objectives of Vision 2025. The addition of Resicum International represents a tremendous step toward achieving this goal.”

 

“This was the result the Airport Authority was striving for when we pursued funding and developed the over $5 million Horak Complex investment, which was just completed last year,” stated Scott Fuller, director of Jack Edwards National Airport. “Resicum International’s operation will have a significant positive impact in growing non-tourism, specialized jobs for Baldwin County, and all parties involved in this acquisition need to be commended.”

 

Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, said this announcement is another example of the continued momentum in the region’s aerospace cluster. Home to more than thirty aerospace companies and a regional workforce of over 500,000, South Alabama continues to be the premier destination for aerospace investment. For two years in a row, SmartAsset has ranked Baldwin County No. 1 in the state of Alabama for incoming business investment, and Emsi, a leading labor market analytics firm, recently ranked Baldwin County No. 1 in the state for workforce talent attraction.

 

“Resicum International’s decision to relocate its headquarters in Gulf Shores further showcases Baldwin County as a premier destination for businesses looking to expand in the southeast,” stated Chris Elliott, Baldwin County Commission representative for economic development. “As a growing hub for aerospace, we are excited to welcome Resicum International’s new MRO operation to Baldwin County and the City of Gulf Shores.”

 

Resicum International will start up operations in August in an existing hangar facility at Jack Edwards National Airport, as construction begins on the new facility later this year.