It's been years since anything new has happened to the terminal at the CHICO MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, but there is talk about change.
That said, it could still be years before those changes actually happen.
Right now, passengers going through security wind their way into a small area inside the terminal where carry-on luggage and bodies are inspected.
There are plans afoot to put a modular building to the terminal's north for the same purpose.
Passengers would travel down the hallway, pass by the bathrooms and into the new structure for security inspections. They would end up in a new, more comfortable waiting room.
One set of plans was already abandoned because construction estimates came in too high, according to Chico City Manager DAVE BURKLAND, who doubles as the airport manager.
Burkland said with city finances being what they are, no one's hurrying on the project, although both the city and the TSA want it to happen.
That said, the city also hopes the TSA will help with funding. Already a portion of passenger ticket sales being set aside by the Federal Aviation Administration for terminal improvement will be dedicated to this.
Burkland said the city would own the new building, but the TSA would lease it.
The project would also free up the current security area inside the terminal, and the Airport Commission and others are figuring out what should happen there.
Burkland noted this terminal expansion also works into the city's plans to attract a second airline. In past discussions with other airlines, the size of the passenger waiting area has been commented upon.
Currently, Chico is served only by Skywest, which provides United Express passenger commuting service to San Francisco.
Regular airport users might like to know that the city is considering charging for terminal parking in the future, but nothing's pinned down yet.
As long as we're talking airports, there's a one-day fly-in scheduled Aug. 20 at the OROVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
Local and guest aircraft will be on display, as well as aircraft from the local Experimental Aircraft Association.
There's a competitive perspective in that judging will occur in classes with three or more similar aircraft. Classes will be announced on the fly-In website, www.airportdayflyin.com.
The fly-in runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There's no admission cost for the public.
The airport is at 225 Chuck Yeager Way, off Hwy. 162, west of Oroville. Information is available at 693-8451.
And if you're wondering why test pilot CHUCK YEAGER'S name became associated with the Oroville airport, I understand his late wife, GLENNIS DICKHOUSE YEAGER, grew up in Oroville and was a member of Oroville High School's class of 1943. Yeager apparently met her at a U.S.O. dance there.
According to the Oroville Veterans Memorial Park's website, Yeager trained at the Oroville Army Airdrome, now the airport. In 1947, while at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, Yeager broke the sound barrier.
Business Editor Laura Urseny can be reached at 896-7756 or [email protected]
