In July, Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Virginia’s largest regional airport, began construction to extend its longest runway by an extra 500 feet. The five-phase project is expected to be completed by Nov. 30 at a total cost of $4.4 million.
The airport received an FAA grant for $3,974,723 (90% of the cost) and $353,309 from a Virginia Department of Aviation grant (8% of the cost) to lengthen the existing runway to 6,200 feet. Local government is paying 2% of the cost, airport officials report.
Nick Patterson, design engineer with RS & H Engineers of Alexandria, Va., will provide construction management services, while Sargent Corporation of Stillwater, Maine is constructing the new runway.
“Manassas Regional Airport’s runway expansion is a much-anticipated project, so we appreciate the grant support from the FAA and the Virginia Department of Aviation,” said Juan Rivera, airport director of Manassas Regional Airport for the City of Manassas. “This expansion will allow aircraft owners and pilots the opportunity to fly non-stop to the west coast without re-fueling halfway.”
The extension will permit aircraft owners more runway to stop in inclement weather, allow aircraft to take more fuel for coast-to-coast flights and reduce noise levels to the north of the airport, he explained.
Retired Air Force pilot Connie Engel has been flying out of Manassas Regional Airport since 2003 for a private organization, using an executive Gulfstream G-IV SP. “I think it’s a good step in the right direction to make this a very viable executive and general aviation airport,” said Engel. “We’ll be able to fully fuel at HEF for a trip to London or Los Angeles without making an intermediate stop for additional fuel. The extension will also be the push for FBOs to modernize and make HEF even more attractive to additional charter airplanes coming in.”
“Manassas Regional Airport will now be able to accommodate additional aircraft which will drive new business to both aviation service providers or FBOs, as well as other aviation facilities,” said Alan Cook, chief executive officer of Metropolitan Aviation in Manassas, Virginia. “The runway extension will also enhance safety margins during takeoffs and landings, making the flight experience more comfortable.”
For more information: ManassasRegionalAirport.com or 703-361-1882.
