Harvey Field Master Plan

SAFETY Recommendations on Existing Runways: There is no intention to change the category of aircraft served at Harvey Field with the runway improvements proposed, only enhance safety of operations for motorists traveling Airport Way, aircraft landing and taking off, and skydivers and helicopters mixing in the same congested  airspace.  The planned runway safety improvements and heliport relocation efforts are necessary to meet facility FAA Safety and Design standards for the existing category of aircraft served.

SAFETY Enhancements: The potential to improve safety at Harvey Field is all encompassing and will benefit both the aviation public and the general public.  Harvey field wishes to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to issues of safety.  The plans to improve safety involve repositioning the main runway and utilizing the airport property west of the runway to relocate the heliport to relieve the congested areas currently being used in unison by skydivers, helicopters, and airplanes. 

REPOSITIONING OF the Primary Runway:  Increasing the separation between Airport Way and the south end of the existing Harvey Field runways is crucial in moving forward on accommodating design changes to the existing runways that meet current FAA safety standards.  In terms of safety, planned improvements will increase the separation between aviation traffic using the runways and the high volume of motorized vehicle traffic using Airport Way.  This separation will be achieved by positioning the runway and Airport Way so an area of open space will actually exist between the two allowing a standard glide path for airplanes to reach the runway end point free of obstructions and for motorists to pass on Airport Way across the end of the runway well below the glide path of the aircraft landing or taking off.  Given the current configuration of the airport’s runways and Airport Way this is not an option.  This safety area will ensure that aircraft will be much higher when they fly over the top of Airport Way on their approach to land.  It will also increase the airports ability to contain emergency situations on airport property by clearing the obstructions and having safety buffer zones on each end of the pavement.  This is critical because two aircraft within the past 15 months needed this safety buffer zone but instead went straight off the end of the runway, though the fence and across Airport Way.  These two instances could have resulted in fatal outcomes to the occupants of the aircraft and any of the thousands of people who use Airport Way on a daily basis. Aircraft that went through the fence  For these reasons, we believe these enhancements are necessary and need to be a priority.  This will benefit the aviation public because the runway will then have useable pavement surface free from obstructions and meet FAA safety and design standards, providing room to safely maneuver, especially, when faced with an emergency situation.  For these same reasons, the benefit of improved safety to the general public traveling Airport Way is invaluable and will be accomplished through these reasonable improvements.

INCREASED Separation Between Air traffic and Densely Populated Areas to the North of the Airport:  By repositioning/shifting the primary runway to the south and west (existing grass runway) aircraft will increase their ability to fly safely to an open area in the event of an emergency.  This will be accomplished because departing aircraft will be able to gain more altitude than is currently possible from the ability to start their take-offs further to the south.  When an aircraft has more altitude it has more control in the kind of maneuvers (turns & glides) it can make.  This increase in maneuverability will allow an aircraft to turn and glide out into the valley rather than being stuck with the only options they have in front of them.  Another positive aspect of moving the runway to the west is that aircraft will be further away (west) from the city and closer to the less populated, open areas of the valley.

CONGESTION Relief of Existing Uses on the Airport:  Harvey Field plans to separate the many uses that are currently compressed into the land and airspace east of the runway.  This area is extremely congested and has reached a critical mass.  With the use of the westerly acreage owned by the airport, the skydiving operation will occupy the east side of the main runway and the helicopters will occupy the west side.  Airspace and land use will become very simple through this clear designation and positively advance the level of safety for all users of the aviation public.

WHY Make the Runway Safety Improvements?  Most importantly, the improvements will benefit both motorists traveling Airport Way and the pilot’s and passengers utilizing the airport runways.  Harvey Field is modernizing, updating and improving existing operations and facilities, some of which are over 60 years old.  This safety, future development, and modernization plan will serve the public and the air transportation system more safely and efficiently in accordance with FAA design and safety standards for years to come.  Aircraft engines and airframes, and aircraft systems and instrumentation continue to become more advanced and sophisticated with each passing day.  Airports that don’t keep pace with facility modernization while placing primary emphasis on meeting FAA safety and design standards will cease to have great value to the system. 

A modern and improved air transportation facility will promote increased opportunities in aviation education and encourage tourism and family enjoyment, a flying destination that enhances recreational opportunities, and a well-equipped airport that will attract business tenants providing local economic growth and jobs.  The continued improvement of Harvey Field in its role as an Essential Public Facility see joint letter from FAA/WSDOT Aviation dated September 8, 2003 which translates to improved value to the community and the public air transportation system.