Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board

Rowan County airport part of federal grant to study future of electric
aircraft charging at Appalachian airports

Morehead – Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport is one of
36 general aviation airports to be included in a federal grant study on the
future of electric aircraft.
Kentucky is a partner to a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC) awarded to Ohio University.
The states of Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina, North Carolina State
University, local airport officials and researchers are all grant partners. The
team will work to evaluate technology needs at 36 general aviation airports,
half of which are in Kentucky. The grant also aims to expand the already
vital economic and public service role of aviation in the region.
The Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport, located
off North KY 80l in Farmers, is owned by the Morehead-Rowan County
Airport Board. It was completed in 2007. The asphalt runway is 6600 feet
long on a 325-acre site.
“Kentucky is already the electric vehicle battery production capital of the
world, and by participating in this project we’re working to become a leader
in the aircraft industry of the future,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “By bringing
new jobs, technologies and industries to Kentucky we’re making sure our
children never have to leave home to chase their dreams.” The
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant is a
product of the historic federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strengthen
economic opportunities through multi-state collaborative projects.
Researchers at the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and
Public Service (GVS) and the Institute of Transportation Research and
Education (ITRE) of North Carolina State University will spearhead the
yearlong project to identify the utilities and charging infrastructure required
to serve electric aircraft at 36 general aviation airports located in
Appalachian counties in Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina. This
information will provide models for financing and implementing necessary
infrastructure improvements at general aviation airports in the participating
states, and across Appalachia. Of Kentucky’s 58 public use airports, 18
general aviation airports will be included in the project. A list of all
participating airports is provided below. In Ohio, 14 general aviation airports
will be a part of the project and four will be included in North Carolina. As
the project’s director, Brent Lane of Ohio University observed,

“Appalachia’s more than 230 public general aviation airports must be
prepared to support the operational needs of electric aviation, or the region
will lose the benefits it offers.” Aviation is already important in Appalachia,
but aviation is changing as a new generation of sustainable electric aircraft
is emerging. These innovative aircraft, ranging from drones to passenger
airplanes, offer promising applications including delivering emergency
medical supplies and cargo, public safety services, and business and
regional transportation. Most of this activity will occur at the numerous
smaller general aviation airports which, though not offering commercial
flights, play important roles in their local economies.

– The Rowan County News, August 22,
2024

August 30, 2024. Dr. Charles Derrickson accepts a resolution honoring his 25 years of service to the Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board. Local officials, family, board members and staff included (l-r) (seated) Jack Holley, Jr. – Fixed Base Operator, Dr. Shannon Murphy – Member-at-Large, David Perkins –Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Derrickson, Dr. Bruce Mattingly – Chair, Porter Dailey – Member-at-Large, Bob Helton – Vice Chair, Dr. Tom Fossett – Member-at-Large, Tim James – Past Chair. Standing (l-r) Craig Melzer, Charlene Derrickson Melzer, Aubrey Derrickson, Dr. Bob Albert, Ada Ruth Derrickson Albert, Dr. Ralph Derrickson, Cecil Watkins – Rowan County Attorney, Harry Clark – Rowan County Judge Executive, Carmen Swim – Rowan County Property Valuation Administrator, Darrell Glover – Rowan County Magistrate District 2, Jason Slone – President/CEO at Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.

Resolution

From the March 2024 Rowan County Review

Judge-Executive Harry Clark and other officials greeted Rowan County Senior High School ninth-grade students visiting the Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport on Monday.  Judge Clark, who served 22 years in the Air Force and has also worked in the aviation industry, shared his experience and discussed the impact of aviation in our region, as well as the importance of education to prepare for these in-demand careers.

As a part of their visit, students toured the airport, learned about what the Rowan County EAA Chapter does for our community, received information about the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at MCTC, and participated in interactive activities about electricity, airplane safety, and plane design, made possible in part due to a grant MCTC received from the National Science Foundation. This fall, MCTC will be expanding their AMT program curriculum and will begin offering workshops for middle school students thanks to a recent $500,000 grant award from the FAA. We look forward to the positive long-term impact this will have on our community.

Attention parents and guardians! Does your child dream of soaring the skies? EAA Chapter 1525 is thrilled to offer FREE airplane rides for children aged 8-17 at Morehead Airport this Saturday, September 30!

Kick-off: 9am
Flights until: 1pm

HIGHLIGHTS
Witness spectacular airplanes up close!
Experience the magic of flight.
Spark your child’s interest in aviation.

IMPORTANT
A parent or guardian MUST accompany the child.

Aimed at introducing the wonders of aviation to the younger generation, this event is not just a ride; it’s a gift of flight!
Mark your calendars and let’s inspire the next generation of aviators!

Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A Thomas Regional Airport is once again the recipient of a state grant for a
significant airport improvement project. On August 21, Governor Andy Beshear announced a $648,184 grant to
the community to complete the funding for the construction of a 302 foot x 186 foot (56,172 SF) concrete apron
for the future construction of up to six (6) large corporate box hangars. The state funding is in addition to federal
grants of $1,272,936 and local funding of $650,637, or a total project cost of $2,571,757 inclusive of engineering,
design an construction. The corporate apron project is the largest capital project undertaken by the Airport
Board since the initial construction of the airport and its opening in 2007.

The Airport’s initial Business Plan received in 2007 focused the Airport Board on multiple growth strategies. The
Airports Long Range Land Plan adopted also in 2007 designated the future site for the construction of the
corporate hangar apron. More recently, in November 2021 the Airport Board received an updated Strategic Plan.
The Board had earlier commissioned Garver Engineering, the Airport’s engineer of record, to undertake and
update the Board’s strategic plan. Corporate hangar partnerships once again were a recommended strategy. “The
1.3 acre corporate apron/pad will allow our airport and community to be responsive to the corporate needs of our
current and future economic partners,” according to Dr. Bruce Mattingly, Chair of the Morehead-Rowan County
Airport Board.

Mattingly added “While the Federal and State grants are obviously critical to our being able to undertake projects
of this nature, the past and on-going support of the county and city is equally important. The annual support the
Airport Board receives from our sponsors enables us to meet mandated grant matching requirements of the
Federal Aviation Administration in addition to allowing us to maintain our facilities and meet operational
demands. Our Board knows we can count on this support. Additionally, because of the long-term economic
impact that this project will have in the community we also received grant assistance from the Morehead-Rowan
County Tourism Commission and the Morehead-Rowan County Industrial Development Authority. The contributions from
Tourism and IDA insured the FAA and the Kentucky Department of Aviation of our
community’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s economic future.

Shamrock Concrete, Louisville, KY was low bidder and began construction of the new apron August 14. The
estimated completion date is November 14. Garver Aviation designed the project.

Held the first Saturday of every month, unless another event is scheduled that day.

Cost: $5 per-person.

Please call (606) 780-0085 with any questions.

Held the first Saturday of every month, unless another event is scheduled that day.

Cost: $5 per-person.

Please call (606) 780-0085 with any questions.

$1,000 was presented to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1525 for their Flight Training Scholarship Program Giving Wings To Our Next Generation. Pictured (left to right) with the donation are American Legion member Scott Barker; EAA1525 Chapter President Lee Lipps; Rowan County High School Aviation Teacher Dr. Shannon Murphy; Rowan County Senior High School Principal Jordan Mann; and American Legion Member Larry Law

Funding for this donation comes from the estate of member Steve Fouch who recently passed away and asked the Legion to devote a portion of his estate to a worthy community cause.  Major Fouch was an Air Force Veteran, and it was thought that a program supporting aviation training for youth would be most appropriate to honor his legacy. This check is the first that will be donated from Major Fouch’s estate to the EAA Flight Scholarship fund over the next 10 years.

The aviation career field is exploding with demand for young pilots, mechanics, and other related aviation professionals.  Our local high schools in Rowan and Morgan have stepped up to the challenge by incorporating special aviation classes in their curriculum to help motivated students take first steps toward gaining their wings. Hands-on flight training, however, is a separate endeavor which is expensive and intense.  Qualifying for a Private Pilot License is a foundational step for most aviation careers and must be funded over and above other related studies.

EAA Chapter 1525, headquartered at the Morehead Kentucky Airport, has worked for the last two years to garner flight training scholarship funding for high school students expressing a serious interest in aviation careers.  Two students (one from Rowan County and one from Morgan County) have so far benefited from these scholarships. Some funding for aviation training is provided by EAA International, but such resources are limited and local EAA chapters are encouraged to seek local support to supplement the funding.

Flight training is a character-building endeavor. It requires mind/body discipline, academic ability, and personal perseverance. It is a worthy investment for the development of young people in our community.  American Legion Post 126 believes Major Fouch would be pleased with this opportunity to help a young aviator earn his or her wings.                                                                                                 ………………………………………………….              James Stevens, EAA Chapter 1525 Vice President 12.16.2022

Airport Improvement Projects

Morehead Rowan County Airport Board

Morehead, KY (KSYM)

The Morehead Rowan County Airport Board continues to work with federal, state, and local governments to maintain and upgrade the airport to the highest standard. Garver, a multidiscipline engineering, planning and environmental services firm with a nationwide footprint, is now in its seventh year as the Board’s aviation engineering partner for all airport projects.  The Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport (KSYM), now almost 15 years old, serves many types of general aviation such as, medivac, business, military, training and recreational.

We have been fortunate to have the federal, state and local (county and city) governments financial support to properly maintain a state-of-the-art complex.  Recent capital projects have netted an investment of nearly 5 million dollars to enhance the safety and the long-term infrastructure of the airport.

Major projects recently undertaken include a complete fuel system restoration, a renovation of the 5,500 foot runway and the replacement of the runway and taxiway lighting system.  Federal (FAA) funds and state funds through the Kentucky Department of Aviation (KDA) are our primary funding partners.  The City and County provide funding to meet matching of Federal Airport Improvement Grants – usually five (5) per cent and meet other operational needs.

The fuel system renovation involved replacing worn components, and updating others such as a cellular credit card “Pay at the pump” system for both JET and general aviation (100 low lead) aircraft.  The project included the interior cleaning of the tanks, repainting of the exterior and new placards.

The runway renovation repaired a section that was damaged by drainage issues and concluded with a full width and length repaving and striping.  This is not like paving a road, as the asphalt has to be a special mix that will hold up to the rigorous use from different types of aircraft. The striping was completed with a reflective paint that helps pilots during night landings.

The airfield lighting project corrected chronic issues with the initial installation.  Garver and the FAA’s research showed that a complete makeover of the lighting system utilizing new LED technology would net the best long-term safety.

The Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board is a 10-member volunteer board appointed by the Rowan County Fiscal Court and the City of Morehead.  The Board and Garver work with the FAA and KDA to make these projects possible.  All capital projects meet FAA standards, are competitively bid and completed in a manner that is least disruptive to our airport patrons.

We are looking ahead to the future and working to support a greater level of business aviation to KSYM.  A new apron area on the north end of the airport estimated to cost $1.6 million is being planned to serve additional corporate aircraft as the community continues its aggressive economic expansion.  As needs are identified, more capital projects will be undertaken as we intend to be the #1 general aviation airport in the east.

Aaron Roberts, Member

Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board

October 25, 2022