Genesee County Airport

Area wildlife photographers were shocked and saddened Friday to find a dead snowy owl Friday afternoon atop a utility pole near the Genesee County Airport.

The DEC confirmed today that it was notified of a dead snowy owl that had been banded at that location.

National Grid, after being contacted by the DEC on Friday, assisted in recovering the animal from atop the utility pole (see video below).

Local photographer Jim Burns (who freelances for The Batavian) is a wildlife photographer and a frequent visitor to the airport, which attracts both numerous snowy owls and photographers. He said such deaths as this animal's are not uncommon. The owls fall victim to electrocution (the possible cause in this case), being hit by cars and poisoning. 

Poisoning is perhaps the most preventable cause of death of snowy owls. The owls feast on rodents and if the rodents were poisoned before becoming an owl's meal, the owl is poisoned as well.

"That's the main message to get out there," Burns said. "People should put out traps instead of poison."

Though still rare, the birds have been showing up in WNY in recent years, probably, because their northern hunting grounds are becoming crowded. It's generally the younger birds who migrate south. Burns estimated the deceased owl was no more than 2 years old.

The birds are banded by Operation SNOWstorm, which tracks snowy owls to assist in their preservation.  

The Department of Environmental Conservation asks that if you find a dead banded bird, report it on the website www.reportband.gov.

Photo by Margy Meath.Video by Oded Kalir.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced new federal funding from the Department of Transportation for the Genesee County Airport. The $2,926,222 grant will assist the airport in rehabilitating a runway and install runway distance-to-go signs.

“It is of paramount importance that we invest federal funds in local infrastructure projects like this one,” Congressman Collins said. “This grant provides the Genesee County Airport with new resources to ensure the safety of travelers and provide new efficiencies which will ultimately increase air traffic. I am proud to be able to help secure this funding.”

“This announcement is terrific news for Genesee County,” said Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, Public Service Committee chairwoman. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve infrastructure and support job creation in our community."

"Genesee County has pursued an aggressive and proactive redevelopment and improvement of our general aviation/reliever airport here in Batavia,” said Jay Gsell, County Manager. “Genesee County is excited and encouraged that the FAA, our long-term partners in airport maintenance, upkeep, and improvement, have again shown their faith in Genesee County and our airport partners to provide one of the best and safest flying venues in NYS.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.

The runway at the Genesee County Airport will be able to accommodate larger planes once the center portion is replaced.

The runway hasn’t been resurfaced since 1978, according to Tim Hens, the highway superintendent.

“It’s basically original to when they built the airport,” Hens said. “It’s actually a limiting factor on the size of the airplanes that we can bring into the airport right now.”

After the reconstruction, Hens said a medium-sized business jet will be able to land on the runway.

The 3,000-foot stretch that will be reconstructed is in between the extension that occurred in 2005 and the restoration in 2007. The pavement depth varies from five to nine inches, Hens said.

The reconstruction will be covered under 95 percent federal and state aid.

“This is very similar to other airport projects we’ve done,” Hens said.

Northeast Paving, in Lancaster, was the lowest bidder for the project, at just over $3.1 million.

C&S engineers provided a construction inspection contract, at a little over than $305,000.

Both bids are contingent on receiving the grant, which will likely be given in August, Hens said.

“They usually expect us to turn it around in five days,” Hens said.

Hens said the construction will be phased so there will always be a portion of the runway open.

“We’ve limited the actual shutdown,” Hens said. “There will a one-week period of time where we have to shut down the entire runway, but that will be during the night only.”

There will still be 2,000 feet of the runway available for use when the construction is going on, Hens said.

“If they do it right, we’re hoping we can get another 40 years out of the pavement,” Hens said. “So we won’t have to do it again, at least not in my lifespan.”

Whiskey 7, the World War II-era plane based in Livingston County, was practicing touch-and-gos at the Genesee County Airport this afternoon.

Previously: Photos: D-Day plane stops for fuel at Genesee County Airport

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $184,871 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Genesee County Airport, located in Batavia. The grant will assist the Genesee County Airport in funding the full reconstruction and rehabilitation of 3,400 feet of existing runway.

“Utilizing grant funding to support our local governments is a smart investment and a responsible use of federal tax dollars,” said Congressman Collins. “Investing in infrastructure projects like the Genesee County Airport’s runway rehabilitation will significantly improve the quality, efficiency and safety of its daily operations. These efforts will allow the Genesee County Airport to continue to grow and positively impact our local economy for years to come.”

“This important federal funding will help ensure the future of the Genesee County Airport,” said Ray Cianfrini, chairman of the Genesee County Legislature. “The grant will fund the full depth reconstruction of 3,400 feet of the existing runway 10/28 pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve local transportation infrastructure and support job growth throughout Genesee County.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.

Batavia Rotary Club’s 14th annual Father’s Day Fly-In Pancake breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to noon this Sunday, June 19, at the Genesee County Airport, 4701 Saile Drive, Batavia. The menu consists of pancakes, scrambled eggs, omelets, sausage, coffee, tea, milk and juice.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 4-12; children under 4 are free.

"We normally serve about 1,500 people but expect over 2,000 people because it coincides with the grand opening of the new Genesee County Airport terminal," said breakfast Chairman Paul Marchese.

Presale tickets are available from any Rotarian, Marchese Computer, or can be purchased at door for the same price.

All of the proceeds are used by Batavia Rotary to support many local agencies as well as help fund our college scholarships given to three outstanding high school graduates from Batavia, Notre Dame and Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

Treat your dad, grandpa and yourself to a great breakfast at the Genesee County Airport this Father’s Day.

Pictured from left, Rotarian Susie Ott, Paul Marchese, chairman of the breakfast event, and Batavia Rotary Co-President Paul Saskowski.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that Genesee County Airport will receive $498,750 for construction of a new storage hanger as part of the Aviation Capital Grant Program. $10 million was awarded to 20 applicants across the state through a competitive application process.

“I am pleased to announce that Genesee County Airport will receive nearly $500,000 for upgrades to its infrastructure,” Hawley said. “The airport is an economic and commercial hub for Western New York and very important to the residents of Genesee County.

"I will support any measure that increases airport safety and allows patrons more efficient and comfortable travel. We still have many upstate infrastructure projects that deserve attention and I will be fighting to make sure we receive our fair share.”

Additional grants will be distributed through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition after the application and selection process has been completed.

Press release:

The Batavia Rotary Club has announced that its 2016 Fly-In Breakfast will be held Sunday, June 19 (Father’s Day) at the Genesee County Airport, 4701 Saile Drive, Batavia, from 7 a.m. to noon.

Rotarians will cook breakfast for more than 1,500 guests, as well as dozens of pilots who will fly their aircraft to the Batavia airport that morning.

Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 to 12; and free for children under the age of 4. 

Residents throughout Western New York are invited to enjoy breakfast, meet the pilots, and view their aircraft.  The Fly-In Breakfast menu will feature sausage, eggs, pancakes, and beverages. Over the years, the volunteer Rotarian-cooks have become known for their “any-way-you-want-them” omelets, which will once again be available. Tickets for the event may be obtained from any member of the Batavia Rotary Club or at the door.

Saile Drive is located just north of the City of Batavia and the Batavia exit of the New York State Thruway, off Route 98.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Batavia Rotary Club’s programs for youth and community programs. Last year, the Club donated more than $100,000 to charitable causes.  

Fly-In Breakfast Co-Chair Edmund Leising said that the airport’s expanded facilities may attract more guests this year.

“We’ll have a record number of volunteers hosting and cooking the morning of the 19^th,” he said. “Guests will have the chance to talk with pilots, view their aircraft, and see all the changes made at the county airport.”

A WBTA reporter confirmed with Genesee County Airport authorities that a plane made an emergency landing, not at the airport, but on Saile Drive itself, within the last 10 20 minutes. No word on any injuries or other details yet. Town of Batavia Fire Department responded to the scene.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Troopers are waiting to confer with FAA officials before releasing information about the incident.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: East Saile Drive will be closed between Bank and State streets until an FAA rep can come and investigate the scene, which would take a couple of hours.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Trooper Daniel Hollands, of NYSP Troop A, Batavia, said law enforcement responded to Saile Drive after receiving a call from the Emergency Dispatch Center at 1:15 p.m. that a plane landed on the roadway on Saile Drive. They arrived to find the pilot and sole occupant uninjured. No word on who contacted the dispatchers. It will be up to the FAA to release the ID of the pilot and other pertinent information, Hollands said.

Up until recently it has not felt at all like winter. It has just seemed like an extended fall season. But as you know, shortly after Christmas the cold and snow returned.

Well it is now officially winter, by the calendar, by the feel of the ice and snow and by the return of the snowy owls to the Genesee County Airport. The owls have not been seen here this season until the last couple days. Their arrival is two months later than last year's visit. One can assume that they also did not feel winter was upon us until recently either.

Pictured below, a female snowy owl. 

Students in the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp completed their course work today and received their certicates of graduation at the Genesee County Airport.

The program gives students an opportunity at a variety of hands-on learning opportunities in the aviation field. Field trips included visits to FL Soaring Club in Dansville, the Niagara Aerospace Museum along the classes at Boshart Enterprises & Aircraft Services.

Photos by Jill Breslawski include some of the activities from throughout the camp.

Most of the foundation for the Genesee County Airport's new eco-friendly terminal building and hangar has been completed.

According to Tim Hens, county highway superintendent, the terminal is being built to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design standards. LEED is a green building certification program that certifies building projects and rates each project based on various environmental standards. The airport terminal project received a silver rating.

"The building is environmentally sensitive so it will be a very energy-efficient building," Hens said. "It will be Genesee County's first green building."

In addition to the foundation, contractors have begun working on plumbing and electrical and building the base of the elevator shaft. While many companies are working on the construction, the general contractor is Building Innovations Group.

Keeler construction workers were dressing the stone up from the edge of the black top to the edge of the building pad this afternoon. In the next few days, the fence near the road will be taken down and they will work on getting everything topsoiled.

The next big step is constructing the steel structure of the terminal building, which is set to begin on July 20. The structure of the hangar will start going up in August.

The project received approximately $1.5 million in state and federal grants. The rest of the building costs are being funded by the county. 

The target date for completion of the terminal and associated hangar is January or February.

Rebecca Grela shared this picture she took Saturday of the snowy owl at the Genesee County Airport.

Pete Lockner has decided retirement is for the birds. He'd rather get back to doing what he loves: teaching people to fly.

Next week, the County Legislature will be asked to sign off on a new one-year lease for Lockner to open -- we should say, reopen -- P&L Air, a flight school, at the Genesee County Airport.

Lockner and a partner (hence P&L) first opened a flight school in Batavia in 1986. Lockner bought out his partner when he took an early retirement from Kodak and grew the school into an operation with 10 aircraft for students to rent and learn in.

"I taught people how to have fun for 17 years and it was great," Lockner said.

After 17 years of fun, Lockner sold the business, but that operator eventually closed up shop and moved to Florida.

A second flight school opened, but was forced out of business 18 months ago in a tax dispute with the State of New York.

While taking in the dry heat of Albuquerque, N.M., Lockner heard of the vacancy at his old airport and saw it as an opportunity to get back to doing what he truly enjoys.

P&L will be a small enterprise to start, with only one single-engine plane, but Lockner is ambitious. He hopes to have a second plane in a year or so and add on from there.

"In a couple of years, I'm hopeful the business grow like it did before," Lockner said.

Lockner's interest in aviation goes back to his college days, but didn't start flying until his wife bought him a gift certificate for ground school for Christmas when he was 40.

Bit by the bug, Lockner is licensed to fly everything from a single-engine plane up to a commercial airliner. 

P&L will provide pilot training for beginners and beyond.

The basic single-engine pilot license without an instrument rating is pretty much all anybody needs to fly to any destination in the world, Lockner said.

He used to fly all over the country on such a license. 

"The private pilot license is most useful because as long you don't worry about bad weather, you can fly anywhere you want," Lockner said.

County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said Lockner returning is welcome news.

The one-year lease will expire about the time the airport will get a new terminal, and P&L, if successful, could be a nice anchor tenant.

"It's nice to have him back because he knows the airport and he knows the market, so I think he will be successful," Hens said. "He's a good pilot."

Here's one of the snowy owls out at the airport in a photo by Dylan Brew, of Schoen Productions.

A pair of snowy owls have returned to the Genesee County Airport. Jim Burns sent in these photos. Burns said he and other members of the Batavia Photo Club have been out photographing the pair, whom they dubbed George (above) and Martha.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced $630,000 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Genesee County Airport. The grant will fund the construction for approximately 700 linear feet of taxi lane necessary to provide access to the new T-hangar areas at the airport.

“Supporting local governments with the cost of maintaining, repairing and building critical infrastructure is an appropriate use of federal tax dollars,” Congressman Collins said. “Local taxpayers send a lot of their hard-earned money to Washington and it is only proper that we get a share of it back to assist with projects that are important to our local communities.”

“The grant not only supports local construction jobs, but it allows for the construction of the aprons that are needed to erect additional facilities necessary to address Genesee County's long-standing waiting list for hangars,” said Timothy J. Hens, Superintendent for the Genesee County Highway Department. “More hangars means more activity at the airport, which is good for the county, and good for the businesses based at and around the airport.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.

An honest bit of history was parked at the Genesee County Airport for a time this afternoon. Whiskey 7, a Douglas C-47 that actually dropped paratroopers on the beaches at Normandy, June 6, 1944, stopped for refueling on its way back to Geneseo. 

The aircraft "has been all over" said Naomi Wadsworth, the pilot. It's currently owned by the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo. After the war, it was sold to Capital Airlines, then Frontier Airlines, and then it was flown commercially in Alaska then South America before returning to the U.S. to be displayed in museums. The folks in Geneseo acquired it in 2006. 

Wadsworth said they've actually located one of the paratroopers who jumped from the plane on D-Day.

The plane is returning to Normandy on Thursday for the 70th Anniversary of the famous battle. The crew has raised enough money for fuel to make the trip there but still needs to raise money for the return flight. Six bucks buys a gallon of gas. To find out about making a donation, visit www.rtn2014.org.

Jason Berne, manager of Parmenter Tire near the airport, sent in this picture of a snowy owl that he said a researcher brought into the shop for he and his staff to see.

"They are beautiful," Berne said.

TV news crews have been out to the airport today. Jay Terkel, in comments on our story from yesterday, said there are so many cars driving slowly around the airport "it's like Lion Country Safari" out there.

Photo by Jay Terkel.

Photo by Dylan Brew.