AVN Chatter: Issue 7

James Poinsette Engineer I Indianapolis,

Sunie Rahardja Asst Project Engineer III Indianapolis, IN

Todd Clickner Senior Inspector Works at Home

Alex Curtice Senior Engineering Designer Works at Home

Sustainability Corner

Welcome to the Sustainability Corner!

This space serves to provide greater insight into the sustainability practices, programming, and onging efforts of CHA Aviation!

FAA’s Net Zero Goal by 2050

Most recently, the aviation team partnered with CHA’s advanced energy group to develop a Lunch and Learn that introduces airport managers and staff to the concept of energy audits and management, microgrid installation, and use of on-site renewables and identifies how these initiatives contribute to the FAA’s Net Zero goal.

The year 2050 seems far away but it terms of building infrastructure, that’s right around the corner.

Airports need to make decisions and take on projects that contribute to that goal now to follow FAA guidance. Installation of a microgrid or renewable energy sources can be done in tandem with planned infrastructure projects to reduce operational impacts as a result of down time and to save money over all.

Strategic Initiative

Strategy Development

As we enter the final months of 2022, a part of my focus is to review the strategies we set for 2022 and establish strategies for 2023. Strategies for 2023 include a combination of continuing to progress the 2022 strategies and developing new strategies, all with the goal of maintaining a sustainable business line. Below is a preview of some of the 2023 strategies for Aviation:

Market Goal

Expand Aviation Business into CHA Expansion Area(s) – specifically focused on the Southeast/ Florida

Service Goal

Create new aviation specific service offerings (e.g. sustainability programming for small and non-hub airports)

Technology Goal

Identify technology-based solutions to increase productivity/quality

*Please reach out to me if you have any ideas or an interest in helping us make these goals a reality.

Business Line Director: Mike DeVoy

Project Highlight

Project Manager: Paul McDonnell Colonie, NY

Term: 2019-2022

CHA Revenue: $850,000 (Planning) $1.5M+ (Engineering)

CHA has been a consultant for the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) Aviation since they initiated term agreements over ten years ago. The state operates one small commercial airport Southern Vermont Regional (RUT) and eight general aviation (GA) airports, with CHA completing projects at all of them over the years.

Brief Description of the work provided: Planning During the current three-year term, CHA was hired to conduct Airport Master Plan Updates for three of its airports, including RUT, E.F. Knapp State (MPV), and Middlebury State (6B0), including new AGIS mapping, obstructions analysis, master plan reports, and Airport Layout Plan (ALP) drawing sets. At this time, the RUT master plan is approved, with the other two in the final stages with delivery planned in late 2022. In Vermont, airport activity levels =are low (FYI: the entire state population is only 625,000), but the issues faced by their airports are similar to GA airports in other states, and include:

• Airfield pavement maintenance and upgrades (i.e., limited grant funding)

• Satisfying changing FAA design standards

• Off-airport obstructions mitigation

• Hangar shortages and costs

• Noise disturbance and residential opposition

• Operational deficits

As such, much of the technical analysis was spent addressing these issues, as well as managing public outreach efforts and developing the ALP drawing sets. An advantage of airport planning under this on-call agreement, is the potential for spinoff projects, which were significant during this term, including:

• MPV: Environmental Assessment (EA) for off-airport tree removal

• MPV: Emergency Tree Removal Design/CI

• MPV: Master Hangar Permitting

• RUT: Master Hangar Permitting

• GA Terminal Building Layout/cost estimating (generic plan)

Key Staff: Paul McDonnell, Mark Heckroth, Calvin Kuang, Taylor Koutropoulos, Nicole Frazer

Based on master plan recommendations, we anticipate future opportunities for additional obstruction analyses, easement acquisitions, obstruction removals, and pavement management systems.

Brief Description of the work provided: Engineering

In 2019, CHA was awarded a multi-year, multi-phase design effort at Franklin County State Airport for the reconstruction, widening, and extension of Runway 18-36, to upgrade the airport from Airport Reference Code (ARC) B-I Small to B-II Large. In this case the master plan and EA had been completed by others, and CHA was selected as the engineer over five other firms. Overall, CHA’s design services included the following:

Project

Client

Location: Statewide - 9 airports

Completed Design and Construction CA:

• Obstruction removal design/RPR services for Runway 19

• Design of full depth reconstruction, relocation, and widening of Runway 1-19 including all permitting, design for new airfield lighting systems, signage, and electrical vault with associated equipment

• Design for Runway 36 PAPI relocation and new REILS

Ongoing/Future Design and Construction CA:

• Construction CA services for Runway 1-19 reconstruction which is to be re-published as Runway 18-36 in 2023

• 1,000-foot Runway 36 (to length of 4,001 feet) and 2,000-foot parallel taxiway extension, including all permitting

• Obstruction removals for Runway 36 extension to the south

• Runway/taxiway signage and lighting, Runway 36 PAPI relocation

• Segmented circle/windsock relocation

• New taxiway connectors

Key Staff: Bob Schaefer, Uday Kilambi, Sean Morris, David Norden, Melissa Zender

What made CHA win these projects?

Our continued selections with VTrans are based on the outstanding client service we provide. These projects have included several issues, including some budget overruns and delays. However, our excellent communication, high degree of client attention, and owning of any mistakes, has well surpassed the importance of the common challenges faced by most large projects.

During this term, CHA ‘maxed-out’ our $3M consulting service cap and was provide with an amendment to complete ongoing assignments. Moving into 2023, we fully expect our on-call aviation agreement to be renewed (with a larger cap) and are positioning ourselves for upcoming runway design projects, with additional environmental and planning services.

Name: Aviation Planning & Design On-Call

Name: VTrans Bureau of Aviation

Franklin State (FSO) Middlebury State (6B0)

Client Spotlight

Client Name: Fort Wayne International Airport Location: Fort Wayne, IN (FWA)

In October, Mike DeVoy and Nathan Lienhart had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Hinderman, Executive Director, at Fort Wayne International Airport.

Q: Thanks for agreeing to meet with us today. Please tell us about yourself.

A: I’m a farm boy from southern Minnesota. It was a great place to grow up. I’m one of 3 with an older sister and brother; we loved riding motorcycles and minibikes. Watching crop dusters gave me my love of aviation. I probably bugged the heck out the local pilots by begging for rides! I got my private pilot’s license while still in high school. I went to University of North Dakota (UND) and got my degree in Aviation Administration. One summer, I flew for a guy who did air photography. I knew then that I didn’t want to be a commercial pilot. I went through the officer candidate program for the Marine Corps to earn money for school. I was able to learn and work in aircraft maintenance. I learned a lot about aviation during that time. It was a great experience, but I didn’t want to raise my family in the military. My wife and I are both from the Midwest, so we decided to move to Fargo, ND, and I got a job at the airport. I later got a job in Peoria, IL and spent 10 years as Director of Operations. My next move was to Cheyenne, WY where I worked as Executive Director. After a few years, my wife and I decided we wanted to go back to the Midwest. I got an opportunity to work as Director of Operations, and then Executive Director, at FWA. I’ve been in my current position for 10+ years. In my personal life, I’m a beekeeper. It’s an interesting hobby that keeps you learning. I’ve got 3 daughters and 6 grandkids. On Aug 23, 2022, I helped deliver my granddaughter as my daughter had an unplanned birth at home. Thank goodness, my wife was there – she’s been a delivery nurse for 35 years. And, lastly, we’re building a new house – while terminal construction is going on at FWA – so I’ve got a lot going on right now!

Q: Having been with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority for over 15 years, what are some of the major changes you have seen over those years – both locally and in the industry as a whole?

A: When I got here, Smith Field tenants and stakeholders had an unhealthy relationship with the Airport Authority. It was important to me that we turn that around quickly. We did a lot to strengthen that relationship – we resurfaced one runway and reconstructed another; built a new taxiway and a new FBO building; brought in a flight school program, etc. Now the community loves the Airport Authority! Another challenge is when Kitty Hawk Cargo liquidated within a year of my arrival – which meant lost revenue. Interestingly, we were able to replace that revenue with new non-aeronautical tenants. We’ll be at capacity within the next 30 days and the facility has been debt free for years. Our airfield is in great shape – I think we’ve touched every piece of pavement. And we don’t just look sharp, we are sharp – 7 years of zero discrepancy with the FAA inspections! The industry’s biggest challenge now is pilot shortage.

Q: What is your vision for FWA and SMD? What impact do the airports have on the region?

A: I always tell staff, “It’s not our airport, it’s a community asset.” SMD is the oldest airport in the state that’s still operating. It probably won’t grow in acreage, so our goal is to make it the best little airport in the region with the resources and infrastructure that we have. eVTOL probably won’t come to FWA first – it will go to the large metro airports/areas. FWA continues to respond to the needs of northeast Indiana the best that we can, whether it be passenger, cargo, corporate aviation, etc. FWA is one of the joint use facilities in the state of Indiana, and the community is aware of the economic impact of DoD presence.

Q: We have the pleasure of being your on-call airport consultant. From your perspective, what are the most important things you and your staff need from your airport consultant?

A: Most airports look at consultants as an extension of staff. At the end of the day, it all starts with trust. And trust comes from performance and open and continuous dialog. You need to surround yourself with good people that you can trust to get it done right the first time. We’ve gone through a couple of reselections, and CHA has always come out on top.

Q: You are active in the aviation industry organizations, both on the state and national level. Why is this important to you?

A: Being active and giving back is important. I stay active in the industry because I believe it is important to be within the industry in which you work. Airports don’t compete with other airports. The best ideas come from collaboration. I encourage everyone to join and be active in the industry organizations. Where else can you get the professional development and connections that you need for your career?

Q: A big reason we are doing this is to give insight to our staff into the aviation industry, particularly our young professionals. What advice do you have to people coming into our industry?

A: I went down a couple of different roads in aviation until I found my niche. As you talk to airport guys, most moved away, and were able to eventually get themselves back home. So be open to moving for your career. Be the person that volunteers for everything and learn, because as you’re trying to figure out what you want to do, you’ll also be figuring out what you don’t want to do. The sky’s the limit!

Executive Director: Scott Hinderman

“CHA has always come out on top.” - Scott Hinderman

Employee Interview

Kristin has been with CHA since 2005 and is an integral part of the design team in Rochester, NY. Manager Todd Ewell says, “Kristin has always stood up to a challenge no matter what the client or project required. She is definitely one of the most dependable engineers I have worked with at CHA.” Keep up the great work, Kristin!

Q: What is the one thing you cannot resist?

A: A lonely Twix bar on the counter!

Q: Where is your favorite place to be?

A: Home with my husband, son, and dog. Sappy, but true!

Q: Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

A: Hawaii – Steve and I went there in Dec 2001 so he could run a marathon. We saw multiple rainbows a day, coasted down a dormant volcano (Haleakala) on a bike, reflected at Pearl Harbor and went to a real luau. No place like it.

Q: What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

A: Realtor – I loooooove looking at houses! (My husband was so sick of house tours by the time we bought ours). What better way to see them than to help people buy and sell!

Q: Any favorite line from a movie?

A: Not necessarily favorite but memorable…. “TK-421 why aren’t you at your post?”

“No, she’s a full-on Monet...From far away it’s OK, but up close it’s a big old mess.”

Q: Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

A: I played soccer from age 8 to 41-ish (blew out each knee and broke a fibula). I have a golf hole-in-one. I started off as an Architecture major. And I ran the Marine Corp Marathon.

Q: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

A: Play piano. And cook.

Kristin Dawe

Q: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

A: Pay off debt. (I know, too responsible!)

Q: When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

A: Think of the list of things I could do if I had more time… seriously I do this quite often.

Q: What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? A: Golf

Q: What is the first concert you attended?

A: NKOTB (for those who don’t know who this is, I am not explaining). We took our son, Owen, to his first concert in June - Paul McCartney. He will never have to abbreviate who his first concert was for fear of embarrassment. Sir Paul gave Owen a thumbs up as his bus left the SYR Dome. Memorable...

Q: What chore do you absolutely hate doing? A: Cleaning the bathroom

Q: How do you balance your career and family?

A: Some days I leave early, some days I work late, some days in the summer Owen comes to work with me, some days I take UTO. And when I go home, I turn off my work brain.

Q: Favorite vacation destination?

A: Hilton Head, SC. We hope to retire there one day.

My happy place!

Senior Engineer V | Rochester, NY

Owen & Smokey

Project Awards/Selections

JULY-OCTOBER QBS SELECTIONS:

Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH)

• Architectural, Engineering and Relates Services for Smaller Projects [Reselection]

Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC)

• On-Call Independent Fee and Construction Cost Estimating

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

• Apron Pavement Rehabilitation at Internationals Arrivals Building

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

• Professional Services at Large Continuing Service Contract [New Client]

New Castle Municipal Airport (UWL)

• Professional Engineering Services [New Client]

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• On-Call Airport Facility Improvement Projects [Sub to SAM]

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)

• Terminal Improvements (NYS Grant)

Albany International Airport (ALB)

• Terminal Improvements (NYS Grant)

JULY-OCTOBER PROJECT AWARDS:

JULY-OCTOBER PROJECT AWARDS:

FedEx

• INDH South Campus Development (CO #14)

• INDH Customs Area Relocation

Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport (MFD)

• Apron A and Taxilanes Reconstruction CES

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)

• Airfield Lighting Improvements CA/CI

Schenectady County Airport (SCH)

• Taxiway A (South) and Taxiway B Rehabilitation Design

Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)

• Runway 18-36 Airfield Improvements Project

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP)

• Relocate OTB DVOR

Warsaw Municipal Airport (ASW)

• Improve Runway 9-27 RSA, Phase 1

Barley Regional Airport (PAH)

• Package 6 Parking Lots CA/CO

Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR)

• Wildlife Security Fence Improvements

Northeast Kingdom International (EFK)

• GA Terminal Building Design

Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA)

• New Corporate Hangar

• Relocate Taxiway C2 and Rehabilitation Taxiway C, Ph 2

Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL)

• ALP Update EWA

Downtown Island Airport (DKX)

• Taxiway A FDR - CA/CI

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)

• Taxiway C-1 Rehabilitation Design

Sandusky Regional Airport (S24)

• Apron Reconstruction Bid and Construction

Anderson Municipal Airport (AID)

• Terminal Apron and Taxiway G Rehabilitation

Smith Field Airport (SMD)

• Construct Taxiway Alpha Connector CA

Albany International Airport (ALB)

• Wetland Delineation and Permitting

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

• Auto Parking Guide System

• ADA Accessibility Route Evaluations

Job Opportunities

If you or anyone you know is interested in these positions, please refer to our website listing to apply.

Structural Engineer Lead| Job ID 5486

Location: Colonie, NY; Indianapolis, IN; Atlanta, GA; Rochester, NY; or Knoxville, TN

The Structural Engineer Lead will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating detailed phases of projects independently with other engineering disciplines and project management staff. This individual will continuously monitor the progress and performance of the engineering design development against the project work plan, mentor junior staff, and provide technical review when required. The ideal candidate for this role will be a detail-oriented problem solver with a strong technical understanding of aviation design, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.

Engineer I| Job ID 5559

Location: Evansville, IN

The Engineer I will work closely with our senior engineers supporting the design development, implementation, and analysis on a variety of projects to meet our individual client needs. This role provides both time in the office and the opportunity to work in the field on occasion. The right candidate will be a self-starter with strong communication and problem-solving skills who is interested in learning and growing in a collaborative team environment.

Aviation Planning Project Manager| Job ID 5577

Location: Indianapolis, IN; Colonie, NY; Atlanta, GA

The Aviation Planning Project Manager manages airfield and airline terminal improvement plans, presents projects to technical and nontechnical teams, creates work plans for large and small-scale projects, and provides mentoring to entry and junior level staff. The role provides the opportunity to travel occasionally for projects and to see your work come to fruition.

Engineer I| Job ID 5607

Location: Knoxville, TN

The Engineer I will work closely with our senior engineers supporting the design development, implementation, and analysis on a variety of projects to meet our individual client needs. This role provides both time in the office and the opportunity to work in the field on occasion. The right candidate will be a self-starter with strong communication and problem-solving skills who is interested in learning and growing in a collaborative team environment.

Project Engineer II| Job ID 5631

Location: Evansville, IN

At CHA, the Project Engineer II plays a key role in the design, development, and technical analysis of various projects for our clients in the Aviation Industry. This individual will monitor progress and performance to ensure projects are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet client, contractual and company requirements. If you’re a strong communicator who has a keen eye for detail and enjoys working in a fast-paced collaborative team environment, join our Aviation Design team today!

Project Engineer

Structural Engineer Lead

Engineer I

Engineer I

Aviation Planning Project Manager

Job Opportunities (cont.)

If you or anyone you know is interested in these positions, please refer to our website listing to apply.

Construction Inspector| Job ID 5644

Location: Evansville, IN

The Construction Inspector plays a key role at our airport construction sites. This individual will prepare reports, review and verify contractor documentation, coordinate construction activities with the client, and assist the Project Manager with client related construction issues when necessary. The right candidate will be an independent self-starter with good communication skills and general knowledge of construction inspection.

Electrical Engineer Lead| Job ID 5664

Location: Colonie, NY; Indianapolis, IN; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY

The Electrical Engineer Lead will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating detailed phases of projects independently with other engineering disciplines and project management staff. This individual will continuously monitor the progress and performance of the engineering design development against the project work plan, mentor junior staff, and provide technical review when required. The ideal candidate for this role will be a detail-oriented problem solver with a strong technical understanding of aviation electrical systems, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.

Electrical Engineer IV| Job ID 5665

Location: Colonie, NY

At CHA, our Electrical Engineer IV provides advanced judgment and analysis techniques for the design development, implementation, and technical analysis of various systems to implement new products, or changes to an existing scheme, to suit individual client needs. This key role is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating detailed phases of a project independently with other engineering disciplines and project management staff. The Electrical Engineer IV mentors junior staff members and provides technical review of their work as needed.

Engineer I| Job ID 5699

Location: Knoxville, TN

The Engineer I will work closely with our senior engineers supporting the design development, implementation, and analysis on a variety of projects to meet our individual client needs. This role provides both time in the office and the opportunity to work in the field on occasion. The right candidate will be a self-starter with strong communication and problem-solving skills who is interested in learning and growing in a collaborative team environment.

Electrical Engineer Lead

Engineer I

Construction Inspector Electrical Engineer IV

Excellence Awards

Recipients of CHA’s Excellence Award have contributed in extraordinary ways; demonstrating exceptional commitment and going far above and beyond the normal duties of their job.

Congratulations to the following employees for their recent CHA Excellence Awards!

Keep up the great work - and from myself, and many others within the Team, a heart-felt ‘Thank you’ for all that you do!“

“On behalf of the Aviation Team, I would like to thank you for your outstanding work on the Westchester County Airport Apron improvement program. Your work through the last phases has been an important part of our success.”

“Chris is an exceptional Project Coordinator. He balances a wide variety of projects across multiple PMs in two different business lines. He’s always on top of financials, is diligent about working with PM’s to update Resource Plans and is always willing to jump into a project to help perform project forensics. He also goes above and beyond the role by directly working with the FAA’s grant system (Delphi) to make sure our clients get their grants (not an easy task). Chris is a tremendous asset to Aviation! Thanks for all you do, brother!! It is recognized by many.“

CHA’s Recognition by Design is a program designed to create a culture of recognition through providing both formal and informal avenues to celebrate contributions, hard work and successes; while also encouraging continued dialogue about the importance of recognition throughout the company. The program includes opportunities for recognition between peers; leaders and managers to individual contributors or teams, and Project Managers to project teams.

Please visit the Recognition at CHA page here to learn more about the awards and offerings for your employees.

CHRIS HEIMES nominated by Steve Lawrence

ROBERT POWERS nominated by Jeremy Martelle

DAN FORD nominated by Nathan Lienhart

“Dan, can’t thank you enough for all that you do to develop and mentor our team! Your willingness to go where needed, and when needed, is truly appreciated! Your hard work and dedication to the Aviation Team is a prime example of the culture and professionalism that we all strive to achieve!

-

“My best friend, Frank!”

-

Chuck DeGilormo (Syracuse, NY)

Clint & Abby Weimer, and big sister Lila, welcomed Reed Hunter Weimer (8 lbs 15 oz) on 10/11/22. Congrats Weimer Family!

Clint Weimer | (Evansville, IN)

“The family ran the Indy Ultimate this year. It was about 6 miles where you get to experience downtown Indy - run the bases at Victory Field, kick a field goal at Lucas Oil, shoot free throws at the Fieldhouse, etc.”

Steve Lawrence | (Indianapolis, IN)

“My first semi-pro super fight in jiu jitsu. I didn’t win, but the kids I teach took home the team trophy!”

Stefan Kloss | (Cleveland, OH)

“Gabby and I got engaged this summer!”

Calvin Kuang | (Colonie, NY)

Columbus staff participated in the CMH 5K Run & Walk benefiting Honor Flight Columbus which is dedicated to honoring America’s veterans with a trip to Washington DC! | (Columbus, OH)

Bill Barley and Mark Heckroth ran the CAK 5K on the Runway. Mark won 1st place in the Mens 45-49 age group, but he wouldn’t let Bill take a picture of him with his trophy!

Mark Heckroth | (Cleveland, OH)

Nathan Lienhart and Ranjit Bhandari golfed in the GRR Annual Outing in September. The event raised money for the Kent ISD STEM program - and for Wings of Mercy which connects people in need with volunteer pilots who can fly them safely to their destination.

(Indianapolis, IN)

AVIATION VISION STATEMENT

We will responsibly improve the lives of our clients and co-workers by:

• Operating a sustainable business line that provides our aviation clients exceptional service and industry thought leadership.

• Being the most admired business line at CHA through outstanding performance, career advancement, and staff retention.

Definitions:

• Providing career opportunities through sustainable growth (5-10% NSR growth/year)

• Retaining our valued aviation employees (top industry quartile)

• Delivering quality service and solutions (95% client retention; add min. 2 potential CLAD clients/year)

• Performing as a highly effective and efficient business line (MU > 2.20)