61912015 Sl¥fll.e business 0041er **sa~** HorryCountytl)ing to close his doo- WBTW-TV: NEMS, Weather, and Sports for Florence, SC [> Scarct1**~t BTW.com**  00 Project Manager Training [:> Uliv of South Carolina A-oject Managermnl Tra111ing • Learn rrore! Skydive business owner says Horry County trying to close his doors Posted: May 15, 2014 1: 04AM EDT Updated: May 15, 2014 1: 04AM EDT By AJ **Jana~.e ,**  News13 Digita lJ ournalist CONNECT NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- Amo ngst Harry County'slease discu ssion with **se~.era l**  aeronautical companies, one skydiw business in North Myrtle Beach has filed both a local and federal lawsuit.

Harry County will haw third and final reading on sewral lease agreements for area aeronautical

busi nesses that use county owned property. One business not included onthatlistIs Skydiw Myrtle Beach .

"It just seems that they don't want this type of business out here," said Aaron Holly. Aaron Holly is the owner of Skydiw Myrtle Beach. He says his business brings tourists to Grand Strand Airport , employs more than a dozen local residents, and boosts the economy of North MyrtleB each. Holly says the issues with the county began immediately after a trespassing dispute when acounty employee let himself Into Skydive Myrtle Beach 's hangar. "Fro m there stemmed a72 hour take-it or leaw-it space use permit that was issued by the county hltn· /AAioM/J IAhtw f'.rrnl«<t,.V?'\fi?1 ::t"'Q/ c:l<ui.-ho "'i **nPCO<: -~**  **«<::OV~>-hnrrv.r.n~** onl\..tr..inn- **l~r.ln«<.._** hie:- rltvvc:

¢11 ,,1r.:t61912015 Sk}diw business ov.ner sa>S HorryCountytr}ing to close his doo-WB TW-T V: News, Weather, and Sports forF lorence, SC attorney and nel.1:lr went through the reading process through the county," said Holly. Holly says he turned down the county's lease agreement because it stated they could be remol.1:ld from the property with only24 hours notice.It also stated the lease would only be valid for3 months , andthe county askedfor24%of Skyd il.1:l Myrtle Beach 's gross earn ings. " Those are all three terms that are just unacceptable to any person , anybody that owns a small business .You can't operate like that," said Holly Holly says el.1:ln though he receil.1:ld a-Action letters in April,the county still cashes his checks . Withinthe case doc uments , Harry Coun tylistsa series ofcom plaints against SkydiwMyrtle Beach ;

i nclud ingmi suse ofthe property as well as skydiwrs landingonHi ghway 31. " Nobody has ewry landed on any road or caused any damage atall,so that would bea false claim on their part," said Holly. News 13 reached outto Harry County offici alsfora response to the current lawsuit. Ina written response they stated :"The County isin receipt ofa copy ofthe Comp laint( attac hed} whichwillbe **re~ewed** and proc es sed by the legaldepa rtment andr espond edto within the time set forthby ourcourt rules .ItisCountypolicynottopro-.ide any commentary on subst antil.1:l matters

relatingtopendinglitigation".) Teleph news@wbtw.com '

Search forithere Childr en's Program mlng FCC Public Ale EEO Report Clo ud Captioning Contact Us For problems with the FCC Public Ale. contact Ralnee Kll!. Media General Terms and Conditio ns of Use Adverti sing Terms and Cond!tl onsand Credit Policy Media Gener al Company hHn·//t.w.AAJ...ntw r.nml«ltv \/?F.t;? 1 1..":1Q/ c:lnri \P- htt<:iN>C:c:• ..........,. - c:"vc:- hnrn._ r.noo nl\..trli nn- '""r.l nc:.._ hie:. rltvv c: ?n..6/912015 Changes to Grand Strand Regional Airport getting off the ground 1The SUn New.J The sun News Local sEPTEMBER 27, 201, Changes to Grand Strand Regional Airport getting off the ground HIGHLJGHTSNorth Myrtle Beach hoping airport changes its name to reflect its community BY JASON M, RODRIGUEZ- JRODRIGUEZ@THESUNNEWS.COM ---- - **··~ -~·**  Pilot Greg Duckworth has seen subtle changes to the Grand strand Regional Airport recently- a sign Harry County has now placed its hands inthe operation. ''The county has gone through and cleaned the hangars," said Duckworth, also a North Myrtle Beach City Councilman. "It's still kind of early." Early, but the gears arein motion to help one of the state's busiest general aviation airports improve and maybe even change its name to reflect the cityitis located in. The airport was built during World War IIby the Air Force, and was first known as the "Wampee Flight Strip." It was closed after World War IIand turned over for local government use by the War Assets Administration, according to Pat Dowling, spokesman for North Myrtle Beach. Aviation company Ramp 66 ran the 427-acre airport since 1978. Earlier this year, the county signed off ona plan to buy back the last seven years of the lease on the airport and took back management. Money used to buy out the contract came from $2 million the airport received from a sale of land. The move came on the heels of Ramp 66 not being able to find a private buyer. So, the county stepped in and used existing fuel and hangar contracts to obtain lower costs with the Grand strand Airport. It also plans to see reduced liability insurance offered to governments by the state. The county expects a $270,000 boost in revenue annually asit completes the take over. Aside from the cleaning of hangar floors, the county has acquired, through lease, two newer model fuel trucks to meet the service needs and expectations of the customers, said Kirk Lovell, spokesman for the county's Department of Airports. Lovell said the county has repaired all aircraft tow motors to ensure they meet safe operating guidelines.

He said the North Ramp Apron reconstruction project will kick off Tuesday. Other improvements include the installation of LEED lighting on the hangars to enhance safety and security, the cleaning of interiors of fixed-base operator terminal and all buildings under county control, an upgrade of telecommunications systems to fiber optic enhancing operational capabilities in case ofan emergency, and a new aircraft ground power unit on order for **mid~October** delivery. The county has also made an effort to create a better visiting environment for pilots and their guests, including providing free bottled water, coffee and tea; placing Adirondack chairs around the ramp side for visitor and customer entertainment and replacing the putting green. hltn·l Jl'""'"' m\KII '*""""hnnli n<> <'nmln<>I.O.<l n rv-<>l /,.rtlrl <>1 AA"i?M1 html **'~**619f201b Changes to Grand Strand Reg10nal Airport getting ott the ground t The sun News The sun News Dowling said the airport isof great importance to the area and seeing improvements is gratifying. "Itis important to locals ona number of levels," he said. "Quite afew North Myrtle Beach area residents and property owners own and/or lease planes and use the airport toflyto and from business and vacation destinations. Some who own second homes here also use the airport. Itis very useful toa segment of visitors and out·of-area business people who useitto come in and out of the area." As for the potential name change of the airport, Dowling said it would boost pride. "From the point of view of community pride, it would be nice to have the airport named after the city where itis located," Dowling said. "That identification could

also only add to the attractiveness of visiting, residing inor doing business in North Myrtle Beach." Duckworth said the name change doesn't matter much to him, but it's the matter of keeping the airport afloat. "It's a very convenient airport," Duckworth said. "I'm looking forward toall the improvements the county plans for it."

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__,____ .,_-, .-.. Sponsored Links by Taboola'"**1/:a/~ 1':)**  Horry L.Ollll)' a1rportS nnomg ways to Increase revenue 11ne ::SlJ1 News LOCAL MARCH 30, 2015 Harry County airports finding ways to increase revenue HIGHLIGHTS Horry County Council members are exploring more competitive airplane fuel prices, a more aggressive approach to leasing land owned by Horry County and improving facilities at the county's four airports as talks of selling three ofits airports have subsided.httn· IA.,..arut **l"n\ll"flc.ko~hl"\nl jno**  **,..""'"'''VJ/u.,~llf'U"'ool/orli,..Jo17e;?1010** ntn'\1 1/&:IU.Lit!J.J 10 Norry

**~._,ourny** anports nmmg ways 10 Increase revenue 11ne 1:>\.111 News A view of the Myrtle Beach International Airport from the air on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. According to the latest U.S. Census ligures, the Myrtle Beach area isthe second fastest growing area in the country. Photo by Janet Blackmon Morgan I jblackmon@thesunnews.com I jblackmon@thesunnews.comBY JASON M. RODRIGUEZ- JRODRIGUEZ@THESUNNEWS.COM Harry County Council members are exploring more competitive airplane fuel prices, a more aggressive approach to leasing land owned by Harry County and improving facilities atthe county's four airports as talks of selling three ofits airports have subsided. The Harry County Department of Airports sawa $152,000 loss last year operating its three smaller airports- Grand Strand Regional in North Myrtle Beach, Conway and Loris. The department also runs the area's largest airport, Myrtle Beach International, which isthe only one that operates ata profit. "With the exception of Myrtle Beach, they're all losing money," said Council Chairman Mark Lazarus atthe council's spring budget retreat last week. "The decision has gottobe made at some point, dowe really want to keep Conway? Isit a necessary component? Ordowe want to give the opportunity there for private developers? We're building T-hangars there now, so you're going tosee some incomes come up there. "We're going to have to figure out the right model for Loris, ifwe continue, ordowe sell Loris? We may look at selling Loris and Conway and operate with allofour forces into the two other ones."

Buta report from Pat Apone, director ofthe Department of Airports, changed the tone ofthe conversation asshe outlined the department's recent strides toget the smaller airports making a profit. Councilman Al Allen, who isalsoa pilot, said he has seen the changes at Conway airport, including an adjustment to make fuel prices more competitive with Columbus County (N.C.) Municipal Airport, which is known forits low airplane fuel prices.h!t...•lh•n•"" **m"'"".,.,""~:,..,** "'""'""""c **n,.....,J/.,,);,.)<>17~?1** 010 ht....l ""**fl.t:LJLU"I~** Horry t..ourny atrports nnomg ways to tncrease revenue 11ne **~News** "They have done an excellent jobatthe Conway airport and I've seen alotof changes compared toour past leadership in the airports," Allen said. "They are starting to attract some of that traffic away from the [Columbus County] airport and they are folks who are flying, looking for the cheaper fuel when they come there that see there isso much more to offer when they come to Conway airport than in Whiteville (N.C.) They don't have a maintenance facility, they don't have any hangars available and we have allof that." In North Myrtle Beach, the airport was built during World War IIby the Air Force, and was first known asthe "Wampee Flight Strip." Itwas closed after World War IIand turned over for local government use by the War Assets Administration, according tothe city of North Myrtle Beach. Aviation company Ramp 66 had run the 427-acre airport since 1978. In 2013, the county signed offona plan to buy back the last seven years ofthe lease on the airport and took back management. Money used to buy out the contract came from $2 million the airport received from asale ofland. The move came after Ramp 66 was not able to finda private buyer. So, the county stepped in and used existing fuel and hangar contracts to obtain lower costs with the Grand Strand Airport. Italso plans tosee reduced liability insurance offered to governments by the state. Shortly after acquiring the Grand Strand Airport, it began the North Ramp Apron reconstruction project and installed

LEED lighting on the hangars to enhance safety and security. Councilman Harold Worley said the county knew what would face when it took over control of Grand Strand. "We chose to move forward with those renovations to bring those levels of services up and not necessarily to make money, butto give the highest level of services totryto bring in more business and economic development partners," Worley said.

Apone saida recent uptick in military fueling sales has traditionally helped two ofits airports. "Both of these airports, [Myrtle Beach International] and Grand Strand, both have a history of making money offof military sales," she said. **hll"·lh•ft•~" "'"ctt.,..,.,.,..~v.,t;.,.,**  """''""'"'Q n,.,u,.t; ..t.. 17<:?1010 hi,.,.. I 'm**fiLt/LUl~** Horry L.oumy airports nno1ng weys 10 tncrease revenue 11ne ::xtn News The county's airport department hasa tract ofland near Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach and an 80-acre piece of land in front ofthe former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Lazarus said he'd be interested in hearing what the airport could do with it. "Come back tous with a plan," Lazarus said."! think we'll be very receptive toit. You've gotalotof properties to deal with. You're also taking the initiative of looking at leasing versus selling property in North Myrtle Beach, which would

give usa continual revenue stream to help support the North Myrtle Beach airport, which I think isa good thing. We're getting alotof interest in that."

"This administration is taking much better initiative, to me, than our prior administration has andI appreciate that," he

said. Apone took over the department in September 2013 after the contract of Mike LaPiere, former director, was not renewed. Lazarus said he was pleased with the direction the airport was going. "! think the consensus isnotto seek private industry to come in and operate, but maybe look atthe private industry to build their own hangars and maybe lease some space," Lazarus said. "!think they're inthe right direction." f l# 1111 ,.. MORE LOCAL-.c:-,_ ,"·:-.·--', -c;-**,~- --~**  ''---.--,.-_ ·-.o",\F C7·- -**~-** ----- ,,___**~--** VOUMAVLIKE Sponsored Links by Taboo!a**h!tn·IAon•~"** ,.,.,,,!lcl-v..,,.h-,,,1;....., ,.......,**/....,..,~ n,.,.~ll~..t;,.],171;?1010**  h!,.,.,J**·~**/U.LU.VH:> **~.:or** ana >:>trano f'llrpon ramp renao aneaa 01 scneoU!e 11ne ::::.un News LOCAL NOVEMBER 15,2013 Grand Strand Airport ramp rehab ahead of schedule HIGHLIGHTSThe $2.9 million ramp rehabilitation project at Grand Strand Airport is ahead of schedule, and officials are reporting the noise from the first phase of construction hasn't drawn complaints from nearby neighbors. BY JASON M. RODRIGUEZ- JRODRIGUEZ@THESUNNEWS.COM The $2.9 million ramp rehabilitation project at Grand Strand Airport is ahead of schedule, and officials are reporting the noise from the first phase of construction hasn't drawn complaints from nearby neighbors. The airport is replacing the existing asphalt apron north ofthe Grand Strand terminal with a concrete surface. The first phase ofthe project began Oct. 1, and Georgia-based Summers Concrete Contracting has been working onit since. Tom Hinkel, director of plans and compliance with the county's Department of Airports, said plans have been running smoothly. "We're five to10 days ahead of schedule," he said. "The weather's held and we're very fortunate and very lucky asfarasthe weather's concerned." Hinkel said the first phase tasks of milling, excavation, compaction and grading is complete. He said atthe current rate, Summers Concrete should have the first phase, which isthe bulk ofthe work, done before Christmas. The county has taken over responsibility for the airport this year. Aviation company Ramp 66 ran the 427-acre airport since 1978. Earlier this year, the county signed offonaplan to buy back the last seven years ofthe lease on the airport and took back management. Money used to buy out the contract came from $2 million the airport received from asale of land. The move came on the heels of Ramp 66 not being able to finda private buyer. So, the county stepped in and used existing fuel and hangar contracts to obtain lower costs with the Grand Strand Airport. Italso plans tosee reduced liability insurance offered to governments by the state. The county expects a $270,000 boost in revenue annually asit completes the take over. The county has been making a number of improvements atthe airport, including the cleaning of hangar floors, acquiring two newer model fuel trucks to meet the service needs and expectations ofthe customers, andithas repaired all aircraft tow motors to ensure they meet safe operating guidelines. The project is being funded bya $2.6 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, $56,000 in state grants and $23 5,000 of local money from the county's Department of Airports. Pat Apone, interim department of airports director for Bony County, said the airport has met with city officials to make sure lines of communication are open

as construction is ongoing. hHn•lh•••n" ,.,.,.,,\l.,h<=<'hnnHn<> **,.......,.,,.,.,..,~R""oii<H'Ii,.I<>1AAAAO?~** ht.,..,! '"IULU.IJ"l'O '-'>rano**~1rana** 1\!rpon ramp renao aneaa or scneaUJe 11ne**~un** News "You're going toseealot more of that aswego through these projects to make sure everybody's aware of what's happening," she said. Pat Dowling, spokesman for North Myrtle Beach, said the city appreciates the transparency, and construction workers have been cognizant of neighbors around the airport. "Communication has been good and we certainly appreciate it," Dowling said. ''They are doing all they can to minimize the project's impact on surrounding areas. We're glad that the department now has direct involvement inthe operation ofthe airport, and we continue tobe thankful for the plans they have for future improvements tothe airport." f lJJ illr+ MORE LOCAL ·"-·"·**····~"'""** " ··"" ··c.-o. YOUMAYLIKE Spon$ored Links by Taboola Get 50% Off Glasses Online, Starting at $24**Gla~~sesUSA**What Does Your Last Name Say About You Ancestry15 Really Broke Athletes VlraiTidaThe New West Family Mansion MYou Have To See To Believe

Mamas Latlnas COMMENTS hthdh""n" ,....,,f!oho,.,hnnt;,..,.**"""''""""~n,......,ll<.vli,..IQ1AA~** ht""l OM811012015

Horry C001ty General Aviation M ili mLrn Standards Questions- Gra-d Strand Daily Monday

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I N) Horry County General Aviation Minimum Standards Questions January 2, 2015 9:32 AMViews: 1099 By Paul Gable An ordinance amending minimum standards at Horry County's general aviation airports has been flying below the radar. The ordinance
is scheduled for second reading and public review at the January 6, 2015 regular meeting 11tp://grandstrarddaily

. canlhorry-county-general-aviation-minimLrn-slardards-questi003/

1/58/10/2015

Horry County Department
of Airports Conundrum

- Grand strand Daily whatever

it wants to do with respect to the treatment afforded to businesses conducting general aviation aeronautical activities at the county's airports. Accepting FAA grant money (of which Harry County receives millions every year) and free land conveyance of former Air Force property brings with it certain requirements of and assurances from the county, most importantly that the airport and its facilities must be available for public use in a nondiscriminatory manner. The following extracts are from FAA Advisory Circular 150/5190-7 whose subject is "Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities." Applicable federal laws are: 49 U.S.C.

§ 47101, et seq., and the Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Assurances. 1. The owner or operator of any airport (airport sponsor) that has been developed or improved with Federal grant assistance or conveyances of Federal property assistance
is required to operate the airport for the use and benefit of the public and to make it available for all types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical activity. 2. Federal law requires that recipients of Federal grants (administered by the FAA) sign a grant agreement or covenant in a conveyance of property that sets out the obligations that an airport sponsor assumes in exchange for Federal assistance. 3 .... these Federal obligations involve several distinct requirements. Most important
is that the airport and its facilities must be available for public use as an airport. The terms imposed on those who use the airport and its services must be reasonable and applied without unjust discrimination,

... 4. Skydiving

is an aeronautical activity. Any restriction, limitation, or ban on skydiving on the airport must be based on the grant assurance that provides that the airport sponsor may prohibit or limit aeronautical use for the safe operation of the airport (subject to FAA approval). Reasonable treatment without unjust discrimination does not appear to always be the attitude of Harry County's Department of Airports. Harry County currently finds itself in litigation with Skydive Myrtle Beach for, among other allegations, discriminatory treatment. A February 19, 2014letter (referred to in a previous article) from the Harry County Attorney's Office to Skydive Myrtle Beach offered

a "Short Term Space Use Permit" for the "CRE hangar" at Grand Strand Airport. Among the various requirements outlined in the letter was a fee for use of the space of"$1,200 per month or 24% of gross revenues, whichever

is greater." HCDA's lease with Huffman Helicopters, approved by county council approximately one year ago, requires 5% of gross revenues. How is requesting 24% of one business' gross revenues vs. 5% of another business' gross revenues
at all reasonable and applied without unjust discrimination? (It must be noted that Sky dive Myrtle Beach is only required to pay $1200 per month while litigation with HCDA is ongoing, but the intent ofHCDA's offer, before litigation commenced,

is extremely questionable.) Before Horry County Council gives further approval to HCDA's amendment
to its minimum standards for general aviation airports,
it should take a closer look at whether HCDA is functioning
in accordance FAA requirements and, if not, why not http://grandstranddaily.comlhorry-caJilty-department-airports-conundri.HTl/

216811<Y2015

Hocry COlflty General Aviation M iri m Lm Standards Questions- Grand Strand Daily Monday

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Go **~** • Optmon • Politics Horry County General Aviation Minimum Standards Questions January
2 , 2015 9:32 AMViews

: 1099 By Paul Gable An ordinance amending minimum standards at Horry County's general aviation airports has been flying below the radar. The ordinance
is scheduled for second reading and public review at the January

6 , 2015 regular meeting rttp Ji grandstranddaily

. ccmlrorry-COl.nty-gener

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- quest

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1 1 5811012015

HOfry Comty General Aviation Minimtxn Standards Questions- Grand Strand Daily ofHorry County Counc
il . It is interesting that this amended version to the county's minimum standards for general aviation airports comes

j u st six months after any type of s tandards were first approved by council. Dur
i ng the April4, 2014 meeting of the Horry County Administration Committee, when the minimum standards were first discussed

, Horry County attorney Arrigo Carotti told the committee, 'There were some recent issues which have already occurred at Grand Strand Airport, wh i ch have now invo

l ved them in litigation

. They needed some bas i s o r standards set in place as q ui ckly as possible at those GA airports, especia ll y at Grand Strand Airport." Carotti 's statement makes it clear that minimum standards for general aviation airports in Horry County were established
in response to litigation. Accord

i ng to information received by GSD, Sky dive Myrtle Beach filed an FAA Part
1 6 complaint against Horry County Department of A i rports with the Federal Aviation Administration
on February 24, 2014 based on a February 19, 20141etter
to Skydive Myrt

l e Beach from Horry County Deputy Attorney H. Randolph Haldi. Part of the letter
r efers to 15 alleged rule violations by Skydive Myrtle Beach to rules that were only first discussed at the Horry County Administration Committee on April4, 2014. According
to county records, an ordinance establish

i ng the minimum standard rules pass e d third reading of council at its May 20, 2014 regular meeting

. Even applying

a pending ordinance doctrine,
it is impossible for Skydive Myrtle Beach to have violated these m inimum standard rules prior to April 2014. Ordinance 36 - 14, whic h established the minimum standards at Horry County general aviation airports and is now being amended, was rushed through according to Carotti's own words. Before this amendment

is also rushed through three readings of council, it would seem prudent for council to take a step back, study the p otential liability of the county to l itigation now in process with re l atio n to these minimum standards and determine if these minimum stan d ards apply equally to a ll general aviation businesses with leases at Horry County general aviatio n airports. Related ll orf\ Coun

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