By Karen Middleton
Nearly nine years after it was first approved, Pryor Field Regional Airport will finally get instrument landing equipment, according to Tom Dolen, chairman of the airport authority.
“It was in the mill years ago and then when 9/11 happened, the FAA pulled funding,” said Dolen. “Now the FAA is funding an instrument landing system. Corporate planes can get in even during bad weather.”
Dolen, of Athens, said the $1.4 million comes from stimulus funds.
“The FAA is providing all the equipment and maintaining it,” he said. “This is strictly an FAA project.”
He said the original project was slated to cost $2.7 million, but when the funding was finally approved it was cut to $1.4 million because the trimmed down package does not include “rabbit” lights that pulsate on each side of the runway to guide planes in stormy conditions and it does not include high-intensity REILs (Runway End Identification Lights) used to identify the approach end of the runway.
“The part that’s not covered, we are looking at how to fund,” said Dolen. “We feel the lights are necessary when lower ceilings are required for planes. It’s easier to see.”
Dolen said the board is considering proposals that members would present to all four Pryor Field partners — Limestone County, Athens, Morgan County and Decatur — for funding the lights.
“This system is a must for this airport to better serve its communities,” said Dolen. “It will help industry to get to their destinations faster. Now, they can come in here rather than into Huntsville and then have to drive for 30 to 45 minutes to get to their locations.”
