Airport Manager Darold Schultz talked with locals at the open house hosted by the City of Deer Park. 

Improvements to the Deer Park Airport have been in planning for several years. The city has reached the point now of seeking comments as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funding requirements. Comments will be accepted until the end of October 26th.

Growing demand for the Deer Park Airport has continued as Felts Fields and Spokane International Airports are running out of space to accommodate smaller aircraft. The Deer Park Airport has become the next best option for many local pilots looking for hangar space.

The Deer Park Airport operates on a balanced budget without any additional funds from the city. A portion of the incoming funds results from fuel sold to departing aircraft. However, many aircraft leave Deer Park with a partial fuel load, just to stop in Spokane to purchase the remaining amount they needed.

The Deer Park Airport’s runway and taxiways currently support aircraft classified up to B-II, which limits wingspan, tail height, and approach speeds. The runway and taxiways also have weight limits that prevent B-II aircraft from taking off with full fuel loads. 

Changes to the airport layout does not mean larger aircraft will be based at Deer Park, though it is a possibility. Larger aircraft often use more efficient engines that direct less sound toward the ground. It does mean that the airport can better serve the aviation needs of the area, which will result in more jobs within the city limits. 

The FAA and the Deer Park Airport’s budget would provide the funding for the improvements. According to the current proposal, once completed, the airport would support C-III aircraft.