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.