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-006 
Delaware County Regional Airport 

Small Community Air Service Development Program August, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The Delaware County Regional Airport (DCRA) is the largest airport serving a multicounty area in east central Indiana. DCRA is located adjacent to the largest city in the 

area, Muncie, a hub for business and industry for the region. DCRA is within minutes of 

I-69, a north-south interstate corridor with heavy commercial traffic. DCRA is an integral 

and dynamic element in the economic infrastructure 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 Committee, community meetings 

and surveys, a group of recommendations evolved, which Delaware County Airport 

Authority readily adopted as part of the DCRA strategic plan and incorporated into the 

airport master plan. Included in this strategic plan was the adoption of a new mission 

statement and a new airport name, which adequately summarizes the direction the 

community wishes the airport to take. This mission statement is: “The airport of choice 

for East Central Indiana communities working in tandem with regional businesses to 

develop economic growth while fostering aviation technology through partnerships with 

regional educational resources.” One of the strategic recommendations was “Explore 

potential for MIE (DCRA) to support scheduled air service”. As a precursor of this 

exploration for air service the 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 for 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 during non-rush hour times from the central 

business district of Muncie, Indiana. Other air carrier airports 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 regional airline service to a large hub such as Indianapolis, 

Cincinnati or Chicago so that passengers can connect conveniently (with only one stop) 

to almost anywhere in the world. 

The Delaware County Airport Authority respectfully requests funding in the amount of 

$150,000.00 from the federal government under the Small Community Air Service 
Development Program in order to conduct studies to confirm the demand and secure 

the enhancements that are receptive by a commercial service operator. To offset the 

cost for federal funding and to show the commitment of the community 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 revenue. 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 total 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 area. We feel that this service could be a 

great asset to our community and its citizens. Our expected accomplishments include 

conducting appropriate demand studies, development of possible scenarios, the 

economic practicability of these operating scenarios, identify potential operators, and 

develop a marketing strategy to lure these potential operators. Once these objectives 

are accomplished we will move ahead with our intentions of trying to attract service to 

our area. 

If for some unforeseen reason this project is not sustainable through the various outlets 

we have proposed we will discontinue the studies. Regardless 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 passenger services at present, projections for 

demand are essentially necessary to determine the potential for scheduled service at 

DCRA. The majority of air travelers are limited to Indianapolis. 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 associations representing local tourism, motels and hotels. 

We also anticipate conducting studies with similar airports that currently have scheduled 

services. This will give us a benchmark for analysis and further insight into potentials 

for scheduled service at DCRA. This segment of the study will be a progressive portion 

to be completed within a reasonable time frame. The forecast will take into account 
expected population growth and economic development, as well as stimulation which 

would result from direct air service. 

Objective Two - Development of Possible Scenarios 

Once projected demand levels are established, we will then assess possible operating 

scenarios. Items to be included in this portion of the assessment are as follows: 

 Selection of points of possible service from DCRA. 

 Evaluation of capacity/frequency tradeoffs. 

 Determination of operational performance requirements and constraints. 

 Selection of appropriate aircraft types. 

 Determination of proposed schedules. 

Objective Three – The Economic Practicability of These Operating Scenarios 

The scenarios for operation stemming from the preceding section will be evaluated next 

in terms of the costs, revenue, and operating profit or loss that the operators may 

produce. Each scenario will be ranked according to its economic capability. During this 

section of the study a variety of sources will be utilized, including but not limited to, DOT 

operating indices, manufacturing data, general regional business, etc. Consideration 

will be given to items, which could influence the revenues available on the local portions 

between DCRA and other points. 

Objective Four - Identify Potential Operators Identification of Potential Operators 

Appropriate equipment will be identified based on the operating scenario evaluation 

results. Importance will be placed on relative proximity of carriers to DCRA area and 

interest in developing operations in our region. 

Objective Five - Develop A Marketing Strategy to Lure These Potential Operators 

The Delaware County Airport Authority will develop a detailed air service marketing 

strategy. This marketing strategy will include contacting potential operators; identifying 

further budgeting/funding needs including potential sources such as the possibility of 

State and local funding as well as the potential for additional Federal Grants. Once this 

stage is underway, we anticipate being finished with our project goals. 

Employment of Consulting Firm and/or Use of Local Universities 

We anticipate hiring a qualified consulting firm to carry out the above mentioned studies. 

Clearly, we would be unable to carry out the full potential of these studies in-house. In 
order to fulfill our proposed projects we will select an experienced consulting firm via the 

Federal Aviation Administration’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. 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 familiar 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 commercial air service operators. First of 

which was Britt Airways. Britt Airways served 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 carrier 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 Service 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 airport 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 primary runway, Runway 14-32, is 6,500 feet 

long by 150 feet wide and has an asphalt surface 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. Runway 14-32 is equipped with HIRLs, an ILS 

with a medium intensity approach landing system with MALSR approach light system 

for Runway 32, Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL), threshold lighting, and visual 

approach slope indicators (VASI) system for 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 80,000 pounds single wheel, 100,000 pounds dual wheel, and 125,000 

pounds dual tandem. The taxiways are equipped with MITLs. 
A non-federal air traffic control tower currently operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 

VOR/DME navigational aid, automated Surface Observation System (ASOS), lighted 

wind tees, primary and supplemental on all runway ends, and rotating airport light 

beacon are also located on the airfield. These features along with others mentioned 

make DCRA readily equipped for commercial passenger services. 

Terminal Area Facilities 

The terminal area facilities consist of a terminal building with ticket counters and an area 

available for security clearances, airport 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 Airport

Existing Facilities Available

Mission Statement

Delaware 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 Strength

80,000 Lbs. Single Wheel

100,000 Lbs. Dual Wheel

125,000 Lbs. Double Dual Tandem

Pavement Strength

80,000 Lbs. Single Wheel

100,000 Lbs. Dual Wheel

125,000 Lbs. Double Dual Tandem

Air Traffic Control Tower (6:00am - 10:00 pm)

Automated Surface Observation System- ASOS (114.4 mhz) Phone: 765.288.9617

Fuel 100LL, JetA

Hangars

Aircraft Parking (41,000 syds.)

Airframe and Power Plant Service

Avionics Service

Aircraft Sales

MIE VOR/DME 114.4 mhz

Best Approach

ILS R/W 32 (200’, 1⁄2 Mile)

GPS R/W 14 (269’, 1 Mile)

6,500’ x 150’

High Intensity Runway Lights

MALSR Approach Lights - 32

VASI (4) - 14

5,000’ x 100’

Medium Intensity Runway Lights

REIL - 2-20

PAPI - 2- 20

Best Approach

VOR or GPS R/W 20 (564’, 1 MILE)

Executive Director

Delaware County Regional Airport

311 W. Carl Simmons Road

Muncie, IN 47303

Office: 765.747.5690

Fax: 765.288.1067
Forecast of

Traditional

Based Aircraft

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

Runway 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 Area

STAGE 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, 2009 GA = General Aviation

Cardinal Greenway

Wheeling

Pike

Shaffer Road

A

Phase III

Property Acquisition

Phase I

Property Acquisition

450 N Road

North

Not to Scale

Taxiway D

7,

8,0008,000

14

Road 175 W

N County

Taxiway D

7,

8,0008,000

West Developm

Area

A

Taxiway D

Road 175 W

N County

Low Base High Contingency

5,000

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

2026

10,00015,00020,000

Operations 25,000 30,000

35,00040,00045,00050,000

Year

2028

-

-

102030405060

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

2026

2028

Based Aircraft

Year

Forecast of

Annual Operations

Source: Aerofinity, Inc. 2007