1. Who owns Flying Cloud Airport?
The Metropolitan Airports Commission(MAC), a public corporation. MAC funding comes from concessions revenues, lease agreements, airline fees, passenger facility charges, federal grants and bond sales.
2. Who pays for the Flying Cloud Airport expansion?
MAC
3. Who are the final decision-makers at Flying Cloud?
MAC and Federal Aviation Administration(FAA)
4. Who can stop the expansion?
MAC, FAA
5. Why do you think Mayor Phil Young says that the expansion is a "done deal" -- and do you agree with him?
6. What size jet will be allowed into Flying Cloud Airport after the expansion?
MAC's Ordinance 97 states that an aircraft with a maximum certified gross takeoff weight of less than 60,000 pounds, dual wheel would be allowed.
7. How much noise is represented by 65DNL?
65DNL is a 24 hour average sound level of 65 decibels. The average includes an additional 10 decibels to sound levels during nighttime because of the increased interfering effects of noise during night when ambient noise levels are lower. It is typically the measurement used to define noise impact associated with, among other things, aircraft operations forecasting.
This level of noise is quite loud for a residential area and I do feel that it would be good to see a lower level.
8. What is the difference between DNL and Noise Spikes? Which method is more accurate in representing the actual effect on the human ear?
DNL is an average sound level so it less representative of noise events. Noise spikes will be louder than the average levels.
9. How many 5,000 foot runways should the Twin Cities have?
As many as are necessary to meet the transportation needs of the people using the system.
10. How close does an airport have to be before you would consider it "convenient"?
This depends on many factors and is different for everyone.
11. Do you support subsidizing boat owners in order to make their boating experience more affordable?
The public provides boat launch ramps, docks and other facilities to make boating more affordable and also to provide access to public waterways.
12. Do you support subsidizing car owners in order to make their driving experience more affordable?
The public pays for and provides all of the roads and infrastructure that car owners use to make their driving experience more affordable and possible.
13. Do you support subsidizing aircraft owners in order to make their flying experience more affordable?
Unlike other public organizations, the Metropolitan Airports Commission receives no operations funding from state or federal income, sales or property taxes.
14. How much does General Aviation contribute to the Airport and Aviation Trust Fund?
General Aviation contributes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through taxes on aviation fuel. $0.193/gal avgas, and $0.218/gal. jet fuel.
15. What does the "Airport and Aviation Trust Fund" pay for?
The Airport and Airway Trust Fund provides funding for the federal commitment to the nation’s aviation system. This would include runways, taxiway’s, control towers navigational equipment, etc. for airports.
16. What portion of the "Airport and Aviation Trust Fund" is consumed by General Aviation?
I do not know how arrive at this percentage.
17. Approximately how much money does the FAA take from the General Fund annually to pay for General Aviation?
Approximately 23% of the FAA's funding comes from the General Fund but I don’t know how much of their budget is allocated to General Aviation.
18. What will the final figure for the Flying Cloud Airport expansion be?
MAC's Capital Improvement Plan for 2008 shows $800,000 for extension of the north parallel runway. MAC’s CIP for 2009 shows $12.75 million for the extension of the south parallel runway; and $600,000 for the south building area grading.
19. Current operations at Flying Cloud are a little over 100,000 per year. What does MAC estimate the operations will be in 2010? Hint -- look in the FEIS.
MAC's forecasts from 1997 for the expansion estimated approximately 303,000 annual operations for 2010. This forecast was based on the economics of that time and the expansion being completed and operational in 2000 so I think that number is most likely higher than the actual figures.
20. How often do you fly out of Flying Cloud?
Infrequently
Your Neighborhood Zero Expansion Team
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