Runways, hangers improved at airport
Airplanes at Minford Airport

Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, Saturday, March 25, 1989, page 11A.
     Many improvements, including runways, hangars and navigation equipment, have been made at at the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport curing the 10 years. 

     The airport is owned by the Scioto County Board of Commissioners.  It is operated by the Scioto County Airport Authority, whose members are appointed by the commissioners.

     In 1979, the commissioners received a $109,288 grant from the U.S. Department of Transpiration for various improvement, including overlay and marking of taxiways: modification air-to-ground communications and for construction of a drainage system for the taxiway. 

     In 1980, eight T-hangars were constructed at a cost of $77,000. Electrical work on the hangers was completed the following year.

     In late 1980, a non directional radio beacon, a device which permits radio direction finders on airplanes to lock in on the airport, was donated by Cyclops Corp.  Although it had been in use for some years, private ownership had prevented it from being listed on international charts. 

     During 1982, parking apron lights were installed, a 4,000 gallon fuel tank installed and obstruction lights on hill west of the airport were repaired.

     The system, consisting of two synchronized flashing lights located near the Runway 36 threshold, improved the safety of the runway by providing pilots a rapid and positive identification of the runway end on their approaches to the airport.

     During that same year, a snowplow was purchased and a new $60,000 private hangar was constructed. 

     The roof of the administration building was repaired in 1987 and runways and taxiways painted 
     In 1988, the road leading into the airport was resurfaced and named the O. Carson Barklow Road in honor the former Scioto County engineer.

     A new, 10,000 gallon jet fuel tank was installed at a cost of $17,366.

     Mike Chasteen of Chasteen Aviation, operator of the airport has a maintenance shop with a mechanic on duty.  He also operates a flight school.

     Plans this year call for the construction of a 100 x 60-foot maintenance hangar, which is expected to cost $120,000. 

     In 1983, the Federal Aviation Administration approved a finding of an environmental assessment for installation of runway end identifier lights for Runway 36. 

The system, consisting of two synchronized flashing lights located near the Runway 36 threshold, improved the safety of the runway by providing pilots a rapid and positive identification of the runway end on their approaches to the airport.                   

     The runway will be sealed at a cost of some $63,000. 

     There currently are 35 private airplanes based at the airport.   Two rental planes are available. 

     There is a 35-member Civilian Air Patrol unit and a cadet program with about 20 enrolled.  The CAP performs mostly search and rescue operations for downed aircraft and provides other emergency services. 

     The Plane view Restaurant, located in the main building, is owned and operated by Mike Sparks.  Sparks formerly man aged the restaurant before becoming owner in August 1988.

     The restaurant features a full line menu and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

     Current members of the board of the Scioto County Airport Authority are Donald Hulbert, president: Cliff Rock, vice president:  Paul Claxon, secretary treasurer: Dr. Mitchell Newman, Tom Blackburn, Claude Springer.  Duanne Buss and Gene Wilson.