# Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service Development Program,

Docket DOT-OST-2010-0124

Delaware County Regional Airport
(KMIE)

Delaware County Airport Authority

DUNS 022915073

Congressional District IN-006Delaware County Regional Airport Small Community Air Service D evelopment Program August, 2010

BACKGROUND

The Delaware County Regional Airport (DCRA ) is the largest airport serving a multicounty area in east central Indiana. DCRA is lo cated adjacent to the largest city in the area, Muncie, a hub for business and industry fo r the region. DCRA is within minutes of
I-69, a north-south interstate corridor with hea vy commercial traffic. DCRA is an integral and dynamic element in the economic infrastruc ture of this region. The Airport Board recently employed the services of a group of interested citizens of the area called the Friends of Delaware County Regional Airport Advisory Committee and queried numerous community leaders. Through the Friends Committ ee, community meetings and surveys, a group of recommendations ev olved, which Delaware County Airport Authority readily adopted as part of the DCRA strategic pl an and incorporated into the airport master plan. Included in this stra tegic plan was the adoption of a new mission statement and a new airport name, which adequately summa rizes the direction the community wishes the airport to take. This mission statement is: “The airport of choice

for East Central Indiana communities work ing in tandem with regional businesses to develop economic growth while fostering av iation technology through partnerships with regional educational resource s.” One of the strategic recommendations was “Explore potential for MIE (DCRA) to support scheduled ai r service”. As a precursor of this exploration for air service t he Delaware County Airport Authority conducted a survey in 2007 on the potential for scheduled air service at DCRA. A copy of the survey is attached. The conclusion of this survey was that air service is paramount for the Delaware County Airport Authority to pursue, and is crucial for the sustainability and growth of business in the area. The beginning of this exploration for air carrier service is now. This application is crucial fo r the next step, which is to generate the marketability indicators that can be used to attract a new generation of air carrier service to operate at DCRA.

The closest major commercial service passenger airports to this air service region are Indianapolis International Airport and Fort Wayne International Airport. Both are approximately 11⁄2 highway hours away durin g non-rush hour times from the central business district of Muncie, I ndiana. Other air carrier air ports the preliminary survey

indicated were used on a limited basis were Cincinnati and Dayton. Generally because of ticket price or route convenience. Both are too far or routinely un-accessible to be a

viable substitute for air carrier service to the community. Our air service expectations are that we may attract regi onal airline service to a large hub such as Indianapolis, Cincinnati or Chicago so that passengers can connect convenient ly (with only one stop) to almost anywhere in the world.

The Delaware County Airport Authority res pectfully requests funding in the amount of $150,000.00 from the federal government under the Small Community Air ServiceDevelopment Program in order to conduct st udies to confirm the demand and secure the enhancements that are receptive by a comme rcial service operator. To offset the cost for federal funding and to show the commitment of the commu nity the Delaware County Airport Authority has budgeted $5,000 of non- airport funds toward this project.

These funds are from local tax dollars not airport rev enue. Also, another $5,000 of private investment dollars will be requested. Our local higher education consortium, Ball State University and Ivy Tech, will also be asked to participate to reduce the overall

cost to the maximum tota l project cost of $160,000.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Our primary objective in submitting this proposal is to conduct relevant studies as to the feasibility of commercial passenger service to the Delaware County Regional Airport. By conducting these studies we would be able to determine the likelihood that citizens

will make use of commercial service in our ar ea. We feel that this service could be a great asset to our community and its citiz ens. Our expected accomplishments include conducting appropriate demand studies, devel opment of possible scenarios, the economic practicability of these operating scenarios, identify pot ential operators, and develop a marketing strategy to lure these potential operator s. Once these objectives are accomplished we will move ahead with our int entions of trying to attract service to

our area.

If for some unforeseen reason th is project is not sustainable through the various outlets we have proposed we will discont inue the studies. Regardle ss of the discontinuance of the study, the information and experience as a result of these studies will be used to

continue our venture toward commercial service in our area.

Project Goals

The project goal is to establish a market strategy that will attract a sustainable

scheduled air service to DCRA.

Objective One - Conducting Appropriate Demand Studies

Since DCRA is not serviced by any passenge r services at present, projections for demand are essentially necessary to dete rmine the potential for scheduled service at DCRA. The majority of air travelers are limited to India napolis. We would like to

ascertain how much air traffic is diverted to these airports due to lack of service at DCRA. Among the sources to determine these facts will include local travel agencies, Ball State University, and associ ations representing local t ourism, motels and hotels. We also anticipate conducting studies with si milar airports that currently have scheduled services. This will give us a benchmark for analysis and further in sight into potentials for scheduled service at DCRA. This segment of the study will be a progressive portion to be completed within a reasonable time fram e. The forecast will take into accountexpected population growth and economic deve lopment, as well as stimulation which

would result from direct air service.

Objective Two - Developmen t of Possible Scenarios

Once projected demand levels are establis hed, we will then a ssess possible operating

scenarios. Items to be included in this portion of the assessment are as follows:  Selection of points of po ssible service from DCRA.
 Evaluation of capacity/frequency tradeoffs.
 Determination of operational perform ance requirements and constraints.  Selection of appropriate aircraft types.
 Determination of proposed schedules.

Objective Three – The Economic Practicab ility of These Operating Scenarios

The scenarios for operation stemming from t he preceding section will be evaluated next in terms of the costs, revenue, and operat ing profit or loss t hat the operators may produce. Each scenario will be ranked accordi ng to its economic capability. During this section of the study a variet y of sources will be utilized, in cluding but not limited to, DOT operating indices, manufacturi ng data, general regional busi ness, etc. Consideration will be given to items, which could influence the revenues av ailable on the local portions between DCRA and other points.

Objective Four - Identify Potential Operat ors Identification of Potential Operators

Appropriate equipment will be identified bas ed on the operating scenario evaluation results. Importance will be placed on relati ve proximity of carriers to DCRA area and interest in developing oper ations in our region.

Objective Five - Develop A Ma rketing Strategy to Lure These Potential Operators

The Delaware County Airport Authority will develop a detailed air service marketing strategy. This marketing strategy will inclu de contacting potential o perators; identifying further budgeting/funding needs in cluding potential sources such as the possibility of State and local funding as well as the potentia l for additional Federal Grants. Once this stage is underway, we anticipate bei ng finished with our project goals.

Employment of Consulting Firm a nd/or Use of Lo cal Universities

We anticipate hiring a qualified consulting fi rm to carry out the above mentioned studies. Clearly, we would be unable to carry out the fu ll potential of these studies in-house. Inorder to fulfill our proposed pr ojects we will select an experi enced consulting firm via the Federal Aviation Administration’s Request for Q ualifications (RFQ) pr ocess. We believe it would be in our best interest to employ both an aviation consulting firm with national recognition, as well as, an entity more fam iliar with the local region. When appropriate, these individuals will be assisted by local personnel knowledgeable about the region

and its characteristics. One resource will be our institutions of higher education such as Ball State University.

Past Air Service Development Efforts

DCRA has been served by several scheduled comme rcial air service operators. First of which was Britt Airways. Britt Airways se rved DCRA in the 70’s and 80’s. When Britt Airways was sold to Peoples Express, subsequently becoming Continental Express,

service to DCRA floundered. Other air carri er operators did attempt air service, but these attempts were met with low budgets and no marketing efforts. The commitments were only viable while Essential Air Servic e subsidies were available. When the EAS funding dried up so did the air carriers.

Existing Airport Facilities

DCRA is a current FAR Part 139 certified air port for air carrier service with on airport

ARFF service. Additional information on the existing facilities at the DCRA follows, which will give you an overview of our capabilities of accommodating aircraft and passenger service.

Current Airfield Facilities

DCRA has two operational runways. The primar y runway, Runway 14-32, is 6,500 feet long by 150 feet wide and has an asphalt surf ace with precision markings. The runway has a full-length parallel taxiway that is 50 feet wide and has a 400-foot centerline separation distance from the runway. R unway 14-32 is equipped with HIRLs, an ILS with a medium intensity approach landing system with MALSR ap proach light system for Runway 32, Runway End Identifier Light s (REIL), threshold lighting, and visual approach slope indicators (VASI) system fo r Runway 14. The reported runway pavement strength is 80, 000 pounds single wheel, 100,000 pounds dual wheel, and 125,000 pounds dual tandem. The taxiway is equipped with MITLs.

The secondary runway, Runway 2-20, is 5, 000 feet long by 100 feet wide and has an asphalt surface with non-precision markings. The runway has a full-length parallel taxiway. Runway 2-20 is equipped with MIRLs. The reported runway pavement strength is also 80,00 0 pounds single wheel, 100,000 pounds dual wheel, and 125,000 pounds dual tandem. The taxi ways are equipped with MITLs.A non-federal air traffic control tower curr ently operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., VOR/DME navigational aid, automated Surface Observat ion System (ASOS), lighted wind tees, primary and supplemental on all r unway ends, and rotating airport light

beacon are also located on the airfield. T hese features along wi th others mentioned make DCRA readily equipped for commercial passenger services.

Terminal Area Facilities

The terminal area facilities consist of a te rminal building with ticket counters and an area available for security clearances, airpor t management offices, maintenance hangar, corporate hangars, T-hangars, and ancillary improvements. The terminal building has recently been remodeled. A convenient well-lit newly repaved parking lot will

accommodate over 100 vehicles.   	
   Delaware County Regional AirportExisting Facilities AvailableMission StatementDelaware County Regional Airport: the airport of choice for EastCentral Indiana communities working in tandem with regionalbusinesses to develop economic growth while fostering aviationtechnology through partnerships with regional educational resources.Pavement Strength80,000 Lbs. Single Wheel100,000 Lbs. Dual Wheel125,000 Lbs. Double Dual TandemPavement Strength80,000 Lbs. Single Wheel100,000 Lbs. Dual Wheel125,000 Lbs. Double Dual TandemAir Traffic Control Tower (6:00am - 10:00 pm)Automated Surface Observation System- ASOS (114.4 mhz) Phone: 765.288.9617Fuel 100LL, JetAHangarsAircraft Parking (41,000 syds.)Airframe and Power Plant ServiceAvionics ServiceAircraft SalesMIE VOR/DME 114.4 mhzBest ApproachILS R/W 32 (200’, 1⁄2 Mile)GPS R/W 14 (269’, 1 Mile)6,500’ x 150’High Intensity Runway LightsMALSR Approach Lights - 32VASI (4) - 145,000’ x 100’Medium Intensity Runway LightsREIL - 2-20PAPI - 2- 20Best ApproachVOR or GPS R/W 20 (564’, 1 MILE)Executive DirectorDelaware County Regional Airport311 W. Carl Simmons RoadMuncie, IN 47303Office: 765.747.5690Fax: 765.288.1067Forecas t of Traditional Based Aircraf tPROPOSED DEVELOPMENTRunway 2-20 RehabilitationRunway 2-20 LightingExpand GA Apron (4,000 sy.)Taxiway “B” Widening @ GA Apron (50’ to 60”)Strengthen Taxiway “B”Taxiway “B” LightingStrengthen Taxiway “A”Runway 14-32 and Parallel Taxiway “A’ Extension (500’)Runway 14-32 Extension, Relocate LocalizerIntersection @ Walnut and Riggin Road ImprovementsExtend Parallel Taxiway “D”Runway 14 MALSR installationExpand GA Apron (25,000 syds.) w/ 20 tiedownsIntersection @ SR 28 and Walnut Road ImprovementsNorth Development AreaConstruct Executive Hangar (4,000 sft.)Construct T-hangar (4 units)Airport Layout Plan Update Phase 4Rehabilitate Terminal Building Roof ReimbursementRunway 14-32 RehabilitationRunway 14-32 Rehabilitation LightingWildlife and Security FencingReimburse ATCT Voice RecorderReimburse Parcel 49CSnow Removal Vehicle with PlowRehabilitate/Expand Terminal Parking Lot and Access DriveParallel Taxiway “C” (2,100’ x 50’)GA Apron (Relocate 11,000 sy) w/30 tiedownsAirport Administration RelocationMaintenance Building ExpansionRunway 2 Approach Upgrades (LPV) LandRunway 20 Approach Upgrades (LPV) LandStandby Engine GeneratorSelf Service Fuel FarmTerminal UpgradesConstruct Executive Hangar (20,000 sft.)Construct T-hangars (5 units)Road Signage ImprovementsEast Development AreaSouth Development AreaSTAGE I (0-5 years)Parallel Taxiway “D”Parallel Taxiway “D” LightingTerminal Expansion (4,550 sft.)Parallel Taxiway “C” (2,100’ x 50’) LightingReconstruct Taxiway “B” to Runway 2 EndRunway 14 Approach Upgrades (LVP) LandWest Development AreaCardinal GreenwayConstruct Executive Hangar (10,000 sft.)Construct T-Hangars (5 units)Potential FBO DevelopmentSTAGE II (6-10 years)STAGE III (11-20 years)Source: Delaware County Regional Airport Layout Plan Update, 2009GA = General AviationRiggin Road

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eelin g P ike Shaffer RoadAirport Property LinePhase IIIProperty AcquisitionPhase IProperty AcquisitionPhase IProperty Acquisition Walnut Street

Walnut Street450 N RoadNorthNot to Scale32

6,500’ x 150’ Taxiway A Air Traffic Control T ower

Taxiway D Taxiway B

7,000’ x 150’ 8,000’ x 150’ 8,000’ x 150’ 5,000 ’ x 100 ’14 N County Road 175 W Taxiway B

6,500’ x 150 Taxiw

Taxiway D 7,000’ x 150’ 8,000’ x 150’ 8,000’ x 150’ Terminal Building Airport T erminal Development Area

Taxiw ay CWestDevelopmentAreaEastDevelopmentAreaSouthDevelopmentArea2Airport Property Line

Ta Taxiway D Taxiway B

100 ’

N County Road 175 WEastDevelopme200 - 5 years (Stage I)5 - 10 years (Stage II)10 - 20 years (Stage III)Development AreasProperty Acquisition (Phase I)Property Acquisition (Phase III)Development ScheduleNorthDevelopmentAreaLowBaseHighContingency5,000 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 202610,00015,00020,000

Operations25,00030,00035,00040,00045,00050,000Year 2028--102030405060 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028

Based Aircraf tYear Forecast of Annual OperationsSource: Aerofinity, Inc. 2007