New Hangar, Landing System Projects Begun

The Perry-Houston County Airport Authority in Macon, GA has begun moving on two major projects years in the planning: a new, larger hangar, and installation of glideslope equipment.

PXE is a public general aviation airport that caters to private planes and corporate jets, but currently not commercial air traffic, according to WMAZ-13. It currently handles about 60 flights per day... and the Airport Authority wants to see that number grow.

The airport authority has also hired a new manager, Patsy Goff. "It's just busting out all over now, and I just feel so blessed to be here and be a part of it," she said.

Goff said the new hangar will house 14 private planes owned by pilots who will pay for gas, rental fees and taxes. She voiced hopes the Airport Authority takes this opportunity to continue building in an effort to attract bigger business.

"There's potential for, hopefully, avionics, and more executive jets to come, and it has a lot of potential to add to the local community," she said.

The airport's second significant project is the installation of a glideslope. Currently, aircraft cannot land if the ceiling is below 400 feet.

"That gives us an opportunity to have pilots plan to come to Perry because they know, even if the weather down to minimum, they'll be able to land here and conclude their business," said Art McDonald, airport authority chairman.

Without the new glideslope, business could fly right by Houston County, he said.

"If they come in here and like what the airport, it's entirely possible they're going to ask more questions about the community and that'll give the entire community the opportunity to put their best foot forward," he said.

According to McDonald, the hangar will be complete in four to six weeks while the glide slope will take two years to fully implement.

He said the next priority for the airport authority is locating funds to expand the terminal or even build a new one.

FMI: www.fltplan.com/AirportInformation/KPXE.htm