Wed, Sep 28, 2011
Had Re-Opened Temporarily During Fire Season
The La Grande Airtanker Base (LGATB) at the Union County, OR,
airport has once again been officially closed to all airtanker
operations. Permanent repairs began on September 24 to the apron
leading to the concrete retardant loading pads.
File Photo
It was determined in April 2011 that the asphalt apron had
deteriorated to the point that it was no longer serviceable or safe
to operate aircraft. At that time, the forest service said the
airport’s runway was usable, but the adjacent apron where
retardant or water is loaded onto firefighting planes needed to be
rebuilt.
Inspections of the ramp area showed the asphalt pavement continuing
to deteriorate. Inspectors found eight-inch cracks, sagging areas,
and loose asphalt throughout the apron. The newer portion of the
apron was also showing an increase in the number of cracks. A
report indicated there was a high probability of subsurface
failure, which could result in a serious accident or injury during
air tanker base operations.
Temporary repairs to the apron extended the ability to operate
the airtanker base during the 2011 fire season. Union County, OR,
completed the temporary asphalt pavement repairs to the LGATB apron
in late July 2011. The county’s Consulting Engineer for
aviation operations validated that the repairs were adequate to
allow operations for the remainder of the season. The Engineer also
recommended daily inspections in order to ensure the apron’s
continued serviceability.
The base is now closed to all operations until the permanent
repairs are completed. The project is expected to cost $1.7 million
and is scheduled for completion on June 1, 2012.
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