Air Extravaganza to Return Again in 2004!

We are proud to announce the return of The Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza in 2004 for the second year in a row! The Yankee Air Museum, from Willow Run Airport, Michigan, will be returning to the Island to host a dazzling display of static and aerobatic demonstrations. A group of talented and highly experienced airshow professionals, led by Mr. Kevin Walsh, is organizing and conducting the show, which will benefit the Yankee Air Museum.

The event is moving to June 19 & 20 (Father's Day weekend), which should please those of you who missed last year's July 4th weekend airshow because you were out of town.

We will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of NASGI in 2004. So hosting the historic airshow next year is particularly appropriate. On September 29,1929, the United States Naval Reserve Aviation Base on Grosse Ile (NASGI) was dedicated and remained active for 40 years until the autumn of 1969, when operations were suspended.

Take a look back at the 2003 Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza, including pictures, via this link, The 2003 Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza. Here are a few comments received from veterans, spectators, and sponsors about the show last year: "What a great show, celebration, and reunion!", "Excellent!", "Grosse Ile Airport is the perfect place to hold an airshow like this, with all the Navy history."

Join in all the fun this year. We’ll see you at the airshow June 19 & 20, 2004. More information about performances, tickets, times, etc. will be published soon.

The Grosse Ile Tennis Center Is Up and Play Has Resumed!

The Grosse Ile Tennis Center, formerly the Grosse Ile Racquet Club, is now underway and ready for play! With new light covers just recently installed on the last two courts this past week, all six courts are ready for use. The new heating system keeps the courts at a comfortable temperature, while the lights keep the courts well lit. Vending machines offering sports drinks and healthy snacks are available in the foyer. More furniture, coat racks, and rugs should be arriving soon.

New memberships are being accepted and the response from the community has been tremendous. You are welcome to come and find out more about junior clinics, adult league play and clinics, or just to take a look at the clean, newly-renovated tennis center.

Recently on December 6, the Tennis Center hosted a rating day for juniors interested in playing in USA Team Tennis. The turnout was remarkable, and there is still space left for players interested. USA Team Tennis is a travel team for kids of all ages that promote the sport of tennis, and most importantly, having fun! The Grosse Ile Tennis Center will host a Red Team (12yrs and under), a White Stars Team (10-14yrs), and a Blue Stars (13-18yrs) and a Blue Stripes Team (13-18yrs). Practices have already begun, but it is never too late to sign up. Stop by or call the Tennis Center for more information.

Again, thank you all for your patience and commitment to making the Grosse Ile Tennis Center a premier indoor tennis facility.

The Township will formally open the Tennis Center on the day of the first regularly-scheduled Board of Trustees meeting of 2004, on January 12. We look forward to seeing you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

If you have any questions or would like an application please feel free to contact John Shade, the Center’s Director of Tennis at 362-PLAY or Township Treasurer Kurt M. Kobiljak at 676-4422 ext 223, or refer to the Tennis Center section on the Airport’s web site at http://www.grosseileairport.com/tennis.htm, which includes the application, frequently asked questions, and more photos.

Grosse Ile Tennis Center Staff:  Scooter Demare, Kim Gottlin, Jan Gottlin, Stephanie Van Tyul, Audrey Shade, Rocky Giorgi, Kurt Kobiljak, Kelly, Norma, and Lauren, and John Shade, the Center’s Director of Tennis.

The Morning Walk Program at the Tennis Center

The program began November 3 and will end April 2. You can sign up and pay for your pass at the Recreation Department during normal business hours or at the Tennis Center. The walking hours are Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 8:30 AM. The cost is $45 for the season (residents) and $50 for non-residents. Weekly passes are $5. For more details, call the Recreation Department at 734-675-2364.

Sledding Hill - Winter 2003-2004

Grosse Ile Township

The hill under construction near the soccer fields at the Airport will NOT be open for use this winter. The hill is being constructed with soil being excavated as part of a massive sewer project, at little or no cost. The sewer project will continue for the next several years but is not likely to generate enough material to finish the hill until next summer, when grass can be planted to stabilize and make it safe for use by sledders.

          No fly zone?

By Ted Finney

Grosse Ile Airport, on Sunday mornings—remember how we all gathered and just flew to some airport for breakfast? Well, we still have Sunday mornings, and we still have airplanes, so what gives?

Why not revive that tradition? Let’s just start showing up around 8:00 to 8:30 AM or so and go do it again. Breakfast is served!!

Call a buddy, call a friend, and meet at the airport and take off!

Airport manager’s note: These fly-outs are not officially sponsored or sanctioned by the airport, but we encourage them nevertheless! My thanks to Ted for submitting this—I feel the need for speed, along with a ham and cheese omelet...

Ground Communication Outlet Instructions

The Michigan Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics, in cooperation with Grosse Ile Airport has installed GCO. GCO is a pilot radio connection to a telephone line. Directions are as follows.

1. When ready to receive IFR clearance or to activate/close a flight plan, select frequency 121.725 MHz.

2. Click mic slowly 4x to contact Detroit Approach or click mic slowly 6x to contact Lansing Flight Service. (Clicks are to be slow -- 1 second on and 1 second off.)

3. Listen for the message "ONZ connected" or something similar.

4. Detroit Approach or Lansing Flight Service will answer and ask for your request.

5. Give the controller/briefer your request using procedures outlined in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

6. If you are #2 in line for IFR clearance, do not repeat steps 1 through 4, because the telephone line is already open. When there is a break in the conversation, provide your call sign and request to the controller/briefer.

7. If there is a pause of more than 20 seconds, the phone will automatically hang up. To prevent that, you can click the mic to keep the line open. (Don't hold the mic open.)

If you have any questions, problems, or comments, please contact the Airport office at 734-675-0155.

Island Fest - June 4,5,6, 2004

Island Fest is coming back for the third year in a row at the Airport! The Festival always offers something for everyone in the family. Last year's event included crafts, food, musical acts, a big carnival, a donkey race, aircraft rides, and (for the first time) fireworks. We expect this year's events to be just as much fun!  Watch the Grosse Ile Township web site at www.grosseile.com or call the Recreation Department at 734-675-2364 for more details.

     Michigan Jets 2004

With enthusiasm, Michigan Jets announces its 6th Annual Event to be held the weekend of July 23,24,25, 2004!

Michigan Jets is an annual charitable radio-controlled model jet aircraft meet held at the Grosse Ile Municipal Airport (formerly Grosse Ile Naval Air Station), featuring 4400 x 75 feet of paved concrete, full-scale runway and model flying airspace.

As in the past, proceeds will be shared with the NAS Memorial Fund and a second charity such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Photos from last year’s Michigan Jets 2003 5th Annual Charity Jet Fly at Grosse Ile Airport can be found at www.michiganjets.com and at the airport web page, Michigan Jets' 2003 5th Annual Charity Jet Fly.

   Holiday Greetings!   

Hangar Tenants

A reminder to all T-hangar Tenants: If you have lights that have burned out, please let us know so our maintenance crew can replace them. If your light directly over your aircraft is burned out, you will need to move your aircraft so the crew can get access to the bulb. Please contact the office to set up a time that you can come down and move your aircraft, but please keep in mind that our maintenance staff generally works M-F 8 AM - 4:30 PM.

Do not use any type of open flame heaters in hangars. They are not authorized for use. Please do not make any modification to Airport-owned hangars without permission from us first. This is especially true of the electrical systems. Added outlets, rerouted wires, tapped lines, and other dangerous changes are against safety requirements. A fire or electrical safety hazard could result. For example, if a fire is ignited by an open flame heater, your insurance might not cover you. A rowful of aircraft would be extremely expensive to replace.

To prevent circuit breakers from switching off, use only as much power as you need. Shut off all electrical devices and unplug all extension cords when not in use or when unattended.

Other hangar safety requirements are listed in your hangar lease. We ask that you review them and comply accordingly.

Cold Weather Notes:

Watch for icicles falling off along roof tops and entrance doors. Don’t stand under the edges of roofs any longer than necessary or under hangar doors.

Before opening T-hangar doors, shovel or sweep snow away from the bottom of the doors to prevent the door bottom seals from tearing.

Use only non-corrosive ice-melting materials on the ground (i.e., no salt, please!). Also, please do NOT put any materials (corrosive OR non-corrosive) in or around the door tracks for Hangar 1. Such materials make the door rollers jump the track.

Use EXTREME CAUTION when operating vehicles on the ramp while maintenance personnel are removing snow. Stay in the middle of the taxilanes between hangars and drive slowly at all times so you can watch for snow trucks. Be especially careful when going around corners and watch for snow trucks or other vehicles. There are blind spots around the airport.

Please observe the "no parking" signs at all times, around the airport. Do not park vehicles anywhere around T-hangar units while snow removal is in progress or when snow is expected.

When other snow removal operations are complete, the maintenance folks will help you with snow removal from under your hangar doors. If you see a snow truck or front-end loader nearby just flag him over to assist. This is a free service, no tips please (—from John—a big smile and a thank you will help!)

   Aviation Safety Seminar — TSA and TFRs

What: Representatives of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will discuss their role in airport security. A FSS (Flight Service Station) representative will speak on TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) issues that affect all pilots.

Where: Grosse Ile Airport, Grosse Ile Township Hall, 2nd floor, 9601 Groh Rd.

When: Thursday, January 8, 2004, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Who Should Attend: All pilots, both VFR and IFR, and student pilots are encouraged to attend. This seminar meets the requirements for the WINGS program.

Sponsored by: Detroit FSDO (Flight Standards District Office), Detroit Aviation Safety Counselors (http://www.geocities.com/ascdetroit/), Grosse Ile Municipal Airport, and Chapter 457 of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

A mailing list to facilitate communication between the Aviation Safety Counselors appointed by the Detroit FSDO, can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASC-Program/

Airport Web Site

Check the Airport web site for up-to-date information.

Recent additions include Tennis and Walk Program information and an application, as well as pictures of the newly renovated Tennis Center.

Airport Commission agendas and meeting minutes are available also, as are fuel prices, tenant info, forms, and rules and operating standards. They are updated regularly, so visit www.grosseileairport.com and be informed.

Set up Easy Rent Payments

Hangar tenants and commercial operators are eligible to have rent payments debited from any bank account. We can set you up with automatic debit. It’s easy and safe. Just ask the Airport office for an Authorization for Automatic Debit form. We’ll have you set up in no time. Then you won’t have to remember to pay your rent—and no more late fees!

Fuel Farm Update

We are still actively working with Applied Technology to improve users’ refueling experiences. Computer hardware and software updates have been installed, with more coming. Repairs and new part installations are on-going, to renew the fuel station. Thank you for your patience and patronage, while we make these changes. To report any difficulties, please contact the Airport office.

Report Suspicious Activity around Airports and on the Water

Help ensure the security of GA aircraft and airport operations across the country. Call toll-free 1-866-GA SECURE (866-427-3287) to report suspicious activity at any airport. The Airport Watch Program has been established with AOPA. To learn what to watch for, see www.aopa.org/asn/watch.html. Report suspicious activity on the water to River Watch, a Homeland Security Watch Program, at 1-800-537-3200. You may also contact the Airport office during business hours at 734-675-0155 or call the G.I. Police Department at 734-676-7100.

Tenants: Notification of Changes

Is your information up-to-date with the Airport? Let us know of any changes of aircraft, email, addresses, or telephone. Got a cellphone number to give us?

Commercial Office and Industrial Park Space Available for Lease

Know of someone looking for raw land or industrial space to begin or expand a business? The Airport has some space available for lease at very reasonable rates. Email us or give us a call at 734-675-0155 for information or a visit.

Located just 5 miles from major expressways, our Commerce Park is great for light industrial, technical research and development facilities.

Office space is also available in hangar two. Call Laurie Mosley, Horizon Properties, at 734-283-4355.

"Working with you to provide the energy that propels aviation"

Arrow Energy, a Nationwide Independent Supplier of Aviation Fuels, and Phillips 66 are sponsors of The ONZ ‘Tetrahedron’ newsletter.

Arrow Energy’s distribution network has grown to over 150 terminals nationwide. Their customers include FBOs, corporate flight departments, specialty airlines, cargo operators, ag-operators, and hospital med-flights.

Grosse Ile Airport thanks them for their support.

For more information, visit www.arrowenergy.com, call 1-800-968-2853, or email info@arrowenergy.com.

Celebrating the Holidays at the Airport in Township Hall.

Airport Commission  

Chairman	Robert Harris
Vice Chair	Joe Lemanski
Trustee	Les Neal
Commissioners:	Tom Dunne
	Jim Lowlor
	Jim Weaks
	Tom Burkhart

Airport Staff

Administration

 John Lawson – Airport Manager, A.A.E.

Caryn Johnson – Office Coordinator

 Joe Wierzbicki – Airport Intern  

Business Jets Refuel. Low Fuel Prices at the Airport.

Maintenance

Lyle Eastom—Supervisor/Leading Chief

Rodney Eastom

Gerald “Jerry”  Dionne

Jim Farrell

Airport Administration Office

Office – 734-675-0155

Fax – 734-675-0932

Web—www.grosseileairport.com

   Snow falls at the Airport Administration Offices/ Township Hall.

2004 Calendar of Events  

Jan. 6 - Brownfield Mtg 7 PM; Special Airport Commission Mtg 7:30 PM

Jan. 8 - EAA 457 Mtg 7 PM

Jan. 14 - Airport Commission Mtg 7:30 PM

Feb. 11 - Airport Commission Mtg 7:30 PM

Feb. 12 - EAA 457 Mtg 7 PM

June 4, 5, 6 - Island Fest (including Air Display)

June 19 and 20 - Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza (2004 Airshow)

July 23, 24, 25 - Michigan Jets (Model jets)

Meetings are held in the Grosse Ile Township Board Room, 9601 Groh Rd., 2nd floor, Grosse Ile, Michigan 48138.

For previous online newsletters, please click here or visit the other Grosse Ile Airport links below.

Newsletter Distribution

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter, contact the Airport office. And, thank you for reading this issue of the Grosse Ile Airport newsletter!