Note: PDF version includes photos courtesy of Bill Deaver.
As 2010 winds down and we welcome 2011 it is time to reflect on what was accomplished and what is on our horizon.
With a heavy heart we all will miss Mojave icon, TWA Captain Mike Potter, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day.
While the balance of the nation and world wrestled with recovery from difficult economic times, along with many businesses at Mojave, many advances were achieved this year which may have only happened in Mojave! Our objective has been to remain locally and nationally relevant to the needs of the nation by supporting the following:
• Masten Space Systems won $1.15 million dollars for their vertical launch rocket development. As if that were not enough, they went on to win a share of the NASA CRuSR program and further developed a re-startable motor.
•Mojave saw the first flight of its 8th space development system. Yes 8th! Seven prior have already flown under rocket power. 2011 may see our 9th and 10th fly under rocket power as well.
• Ground breaking and construction began on a new 68,000 sq ft TSC hangar on SpaceShip Landing Way!
• Major upgrades to our Joint Response capability were realized with the construction of an Emergency Operations Center and a new first of its kind composite structure response vehicle, obtained under a successful FAA 50/50 grant.
• Construction was completed on a major asphalt reconstruction and re-hap project in the General Aviation Hangar west end. This included, in new drainage, electrical underground and water service.
• Our bone yard received its first fence to fence clean up in 40 years!
• The airport District signed a long term contract with Union Pacific for the purpose of unloading specialty cargo from various points around the world in support of the local wind industry.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!!
This action along brought over 40 local jobs to Mojave.
o Crane operators
o Truck drivers
o Heavy equipment operators
o Rail repair crews
o Escort Drivers
o Logistics technicians
o Schedule technicians
o Support personnel
• Numerous successful specialty flight testing events at FTA, NTPS, ASB and BAE.
• XCOR announced development of their new space vehicle development.
• Airport Blvd improvements began.
• Rehab and Paint of 16 facilities on Sabovich Blvd.
• Rehab and fire safe improvements of Building 58.
• Legacy Park received a new stage cover.
• Our maintenance yard received much needed new heavy equipment and a new block wall.
• The airport District signed a new Concentrated Solar PV contract to power Building 58 for the next 20+ years at a fixed rate of power at 7 cents/KW.
• The airport District engaged Hollywood on many new film gigs which delivered many part time jobs to Mojave.
• The airport District accepted delivery of our 8th hybrid vehicle which rounds out our 10 year goal of replacing a fleet of inefficient vehicles with hybrids.
• ITT installed a ADSB to our control tower as a test facility for the FAA’s new aircraft tracking system.
• The airport District upgraded our tower with a new RADAR display/eye extender.
For a year when the nation was searching for good news we seemed to be basking in one breathtaking event after another. From rocket ships to rail lines to building reconstruction we have seen up close and personal all that is good in America. People all around us are finding new ways to remain relevant to the needs of our nation and community. Everyone involved with our facelift and focus on process improvement should take great pride in positioning the District for the challenges of tomorrow. Just when we get our fill of poor economic news on TV, we are welcoming new and innovative thinking to foster and grow business locally to support our national energy, transportation and aerospace interests.
In 2010 our focus was simple, “begin the slow process of improving our physical facilities and hold on.” In 2011 our focus will be to continue to grow our way out and support all 67 airport tenants in realizing their business objectives!
Hold on, it should prove to be a wild ride.
