In the event of a major natural disaster such as last July’s
earthquakes, Inyokern Airport will be considered an essential asset, according
to a Kern County Grand Jury report.
The report, released this week, drove home the fact after its
special districts committee visited the airport.
It noted that during the time of the earthquake, the airport and
Ridgecrest sustained minor damage when compared to Searles Valley and China
Lake, which were closer to the epicenters of the 6.4 and 7.1 quakes. The grand
jury reported at least $100 million in damages to IWV communities; China Lake’s
damages are estimated at a minimum of $4 billion, according to Navy reports.
The airport district did report major damage to the runways and
taxiways, but stated they are still usable. The district is seeking FAA funding
and a state matching grant for a $12 million total reconstruction of Runway
2/20. Runway 15/33 is under consideration to be reconstructed in the 2022
fiscal year
In the earthquakes’ aftermath, the airport acted as a
transportation hub for flights in and out of the valley.
″ At the time of the earthquake, the Indian Wells
Valley Airport District (District) was able to keep the Inyokern Airport
(Airport) open and functional, providing aircraft landing and fuel for
emergency services, the news media, as well as State and Federal officials,”
the report finds.
One of the high-profile flights to come through in July was Gov.
Gavin Newsom’s entourage of state department heads and officials to conduct
initial assessments for emergency services.
The grand jury found that the airport serves a critical role in
the recovery process for a natural disaster.
“Earthquakes can be damaging to a city or town’s
infrastructures, in particular, to their water provider because of the
underground pipelines delivering water, and to airports because of the long
runways,” the report states. “Due to the area’s remote location, and providing
access for emergency services quickly, the Airport is essential.”
The report also highlighted the airport’s operational and
financial functions. It noted the filming fees can provide a major income
source for the airport district. In the 2018-2019 fiscal year, it generated
$464,000 in filming-location fees in large part due to the airport’s use to
film the upcoming “Top Gun 2” movie.
A normal “good year” of filming normally generates as much as
$85,000.
Because of the unobstructed panoramic view offered of the Sierra
Nevada and Mojave desert landscapes, the airport is suited for a variety of
filming needs.
“Paved runways and taxiways can be used for ground vehicle and
aircraft scenes, including high-speed operations. Outdoor sets of virtually any
size can be constructed to meet filming needs,” the report states. “The
benefits from the film industry are far more reaching than simply the rental of
the Airport, it is a boost in the local economy. ”
While it’s obvious that some films are shot at Inyokern Airport,
the airport district never officially comments on which ones due to
non-disclosure agreements signed between it and production companies.
The airport district reported an overall revenue haul of $1.98
million in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, garnered from the filming location fees,
as well as jet fuel sales, facility leasing and landing fees. The grand jury
report notes that 40 hangars are being rented, with a waiting list of 12
others; the rental price is $225 a month and must be used for functional
airplanes only.
The report also notes the airport continues to serve its general
aviation theme, providing a “playground to intrepid aviators,” assisting in
military and high-tech testing operations (military helicopters are a
semi-routine sight throughout the year) and “supports some of the most
significant milestones in manned and unmanned flights.”
The report doesn’t note the loss of commercial air service,
which it lost in 2014 after SkyWest pulled out. The airport briefly regained
the service through a contract with Boutique Air in late summer 2017 but was
quickly canceled for a number of reasons a few months later.
The grand jury also remarked on the infrequency of the
district’s board meetings. The regular board meetings, scheduled the second
Thursday of each month, were canceled eight times in 2019.
The grand jury’s recommendation was to either adhere to those
meetings or change it.
“The cancellation of regular District Board meetings has not
allowed the public direct access to the District, thus, lacking public
transparency,” the report states. “A change in the District’s bylaws to allow
for meeting schedules other than monthly, e.g., bi-monthly, quarterly, may
allow board members and the public a better opportunity to attend meetings. ”
February 1, 2020
Ridgecrest Daily Independent
By Jack Barnwell
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