The Oklahoma State Capital

The Guthrie Municipal Airport became the center of attention tonight as city councilors analyzed issues of importance to the airport in three of the 12 agenda items on the list of considerations.

For several years now, Mayor Nephew has dedicated herself to working for a yearly air show. This show is usually held on a Saturday early in May. Last year it was called off because of circumstances surrounding the tornadoes of May 3rd.

This year, slightly less dramatic obstacles loom ahead. Construction at the airport has completely closed down the runways. While no one asked why an airshow was scheduled at an airport with a closed runway, various options in regard to the problem were explored by Guthrie airport manager Glenn Crabtree, Bill Stern and hired city consultant Kevin Raeder, who took turns advising the council.

One suggested option was to turn the taxiway into a landing area during the airshow. This would potentially cost the city $1500.00. This option was preferable to the $30,000 in construction fees it would cost to open up the runway and build a dirt shoulder to it. Presently the runways are being worked on by a construction company to improve drainage, markings, and cracks and holes in the concrete.

The other option faced by the city was to simply keep the runways closed and force the exhibiting aircraft to participate in fly-bys only. However, this would not allow the public to view the aircraft closely while on the ground.

City councilors expressed concern that the city could face liability if an accident were caused by airplanes trying to land on a taxiway which does not meet Federal regulations for a runway. The councilors were also very unwilling to spend $30,000 to open the runway for the airshow.

A citizen in the audience stated that he felt the city should pay to have the taxiway readied in case of an emergency while the aircraft were participating in fly-byes. He indicated that the aricraft might be able to land on the taxiway if necessary.

The council concluded discussion of the matter when council person Davis moved to keep the airport runways closed during the airshow. Council person Hampton agreed and seconded the motion. Although Mayor Nephew hesitated to vote, the vote was unanimous and the airport will remain closed.