Airport group looks at lease

The Jamestown Sun

The Jamestown Regional Airport Authority considered a lease and operations agreement with First Class Aviation and the possibilities of action against Summit Aviation during a special meeting Monday.

Discussion regarding the lease and operating agreement with First Class Aviation revolved around what functions they would be required to provide.

"They have a grace period to add functions to be a full fixed-base operator," said Dennis Nelson, board member. "They are not required to offer flight instruction or aircraft rental at this time."

"One of the things we were concerned with in the past was the lack of flight instruction and rental," said Johnny Klingenberg, chairman of the board. "This doesn't furnish those services."

The owners of First Class Aviation said those services are offered by others at the airport.

"Two fuel services or two flight schools wouldn't survive," said Jon Cave, co-owner of First Class Aviation with Al Lamp and Kevin Hermanson. "We would rather cooperate with the others than compete with them."

The board and First Class Aviation agreed that the first priority was reliable fuel services.

"A viable fuel operation was the No. 1 goal," Nelson said. "The rest is window dressing."

The lease and operating agreement passed 4-1 with Klingenberg, Nelson, Kelani Parisien and Art Todd voting yes and Jim Boyd dissenting.

Nelson asked to place an item on the agenda regarding any possible actions against Summit Aviation, the previous fixed-base operator.

Summit Aviation has sold its office and fueling operation at the airport to First Class Aviation but still owns a hangar there.

Nelson questioned whether the airport could take any legal action against Summit if it does not follow through with reported plans to sell the hangar.

"The whole agreement with Summit is down the tube," Klingenberg said. "The only thing remaining is the lease of the land the hangar is on."

Tom Merrick, legal counsel to the Airport Authority, said there were no legal options available as long as the lease payments were kept current.