Airport Master Plan 2012 - City of Waterville

Due to poor maintenance or obsolescence, the VASIs on Runway 5-23 should be replaced with current
FAA standard PAPIs. Based on survey comments and stakeholder interviews, the airport should consider
upgrading the existing MALSF approach light system to a MALSR for two major reasons - the MALSR
provides additional safety thresholds for pilots and it will improve approach minimums (e.g. ½ mile
visibility) thereby enhancing aircraft operational safety. It also offers a similar instrument approach
procedure consistent with nearby airports, making WVL an alternative airport for pilots choosing the
central Maine region for their destination. It should be noted however that the FAA recently indicated
such an upgrade is unlikely in the near term.
The following table summarizes NAVAID requirements during the planning period for the Waterville
Airport. They are based on guidance contained in 150/5300-13, Airport Design, and FAA Order
7031.2C, Airway Planning Standards Number One-Terminal Air Navigation Facilities and Air Traffic
Control Services.
Table 3.10
NAVAID Requirements
NAVAID’s
Analysis Comment
VASI 1
Replace RW 23 2-box system with PAPI system. Installed prior to 1990
Replace RW 5 4-box system with PAPI system. Installed prior to 1990.
REILs Replace RW 23 system. Installed prior to 1990.
MALSF
Monitor condition and maintain. Consider upgrade to MALSR
Localizer
Monitor condition and maintain
Glide Slope Monitor condition and maintain
Wind cone &
segmented circle
Replace non-functional wind cone lighting components.
Segmented circle markers need repainting to improve conspicuity 2 .
1 The VASI units are being phased out by the FAA to be replaced with Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI) units. The VASIs are
now obsolete and should be replaced with the newer PAPI systems at the earliest opportunity. The PAPIs have a greater visible range
for pilot use than the VASIs and comply with current Federal standards.
2 The installation of a supplemental wind cone may be desirable in the future to provide pilots with a continuing visual indication of wind
conditions at the Runway 5 end in accordance with FAA advisory circular 150/5340-30C.
Airport Fencing
Metal chain link fencing surrounds the airfield and is generally in good condition. However, the fence
does not meet FAA standards as airport security fencing. The existing fence is less than eight feet in
height in many areas and is not topped with barbed wire in some areas. The fence has become severely
overgrown with vegetation along much of its length. Extensive clearing of the fence will be needed along
both sides of the fence to improve its visibility from outside the airport. Some localized repairs will be
needed to repair holes and broken wire and stanchions. Signage along the fence line is also recommended
to warn potential intruders of the adverse consequences associated with trespassing. Improvements to the
fencing would also provide an added advantage of reducing wildlife incursions, thereby reducing the risk
of aircraft-wildlife incidents.
Approximately 20,000 linear feet of airport fence improvements should be programmed during the
planning period. The needed improvements consist of clearing existing and future fence lines, replacing
existing fence segments that are currently undersized, relocation of existing fence to maximize airport
land use, making fence repairs, and upgrading selected existing access control gates. The airport should
focus initially on clearing fence lines and making needed fence repairs. Future upgrades of the fence and
gates should be prioritized and completed in phased projects pursuant to airport development priority and
funding availability.
The City of Waterville Maine
Facility Requirements – Page 3-11
Airport Solutions Group, LLC & The Louis Berger Group, Inc. December 2011