Skyhaven Airport unveils longer runway

With the air smelling like rain, and the sky blanketed in stubborn clouds refusing to disperse, a new runway was unveiled that would allow pilots an easier time landing in conditions much like those overhead.

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Skyhaven Airport on Saturday to celebrate a new runway that was finished in November. The runway was lengthened from 4,000 feet to 4,200 feet and added Omni directional approach lighting system to assist pilots in locating the runway.

Bill Hopper said the new runway allows planes a safety buffer in the case of bad weather or lack of visibility.

“It increases the approach capabilities of the runway,” he said. “In less visibility we’re still able to operate.”

Peter Brucker, the chair of Skyhaven Airport advisory council, said this is a critical step for the infrastructure in the area.

“It is a very integral part of NPIAS (National Plan of Integral Airport Systems),” he said. “It is now more likely for businesses to base their planes at Skyhaven.” Read more.