H. C. R. 11--"Requesting the West Virginia Congressional delegation to support the return of a full service flight service station at the Mercer County Airport."
Whereas, The Mercer County Airport serves residents of Southern West Virginia and is an integral part of the area's economic activity; and
Whereas, The Mercer County Airport enjoyed the services of a full service flight service station until it was closed by the FAA on April 2, l995. Through automation, the airport was to receive equal or better service; and
Whereas, The closing of the flight service station did not result in equal or better service, but reduced services, including:
l. The absence of weather observations, which lead to
higher approach minimums and higher missed approach
holding patterns.
2. Traffic advisories are not available.
3. Requirements are not met for alternate airport; and
Whereas, The test installation of equipment to provide flight service has been inadequate for providing pilots with instantaneous weather along with visual observations of weather phenomena; and
Whereas, The automated flight service equipment is scheduled to be removed from the airport by the end of March, l997, leaving the airport without needed flight service, which seriously affects flight safety and over-all airport operations; and
Whereas, The development of the economy in the southern part of this State has historically faced significant obstacles, and the success of new economic development initiatives will be greatly supported by the presence of an efficient and safely operated airport; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the West Virginia congressional delegation is requested to make known to the FAA their support of the effort to return a full service flight service to the Mercer County Airport; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forthwith transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation and the Administration of the FAA.