BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Source: Boca Raton Airport) — The Boca Raton Airport Authority has completed a major safety enhancement with the completion of the new Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) installation and airfield electrical upgrades at the Boca Raton Airport.
While the EMAS arrestor bed installation for the departure end of Runway 5 was finished in July 2016, the construction of the arrestor bed at the departure end of Runway 23 was completed this fall. EMAS is a bed of cellular material customized for the Boca Raton Airport and designed to crush under the weight of an aircraft, allowing the aircraft to stop and passengers and crew to exit safely.
The project also included the installation of LED runway end identifier lights and relocation of threshold light assemblies, as well as the installation of a touchscreen Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS) in the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) cab and the airfield electrical vault.
These additional lighting systems complement the EMAS arrestor beds that were installed at each end of the runway providing increased safety for pilots, passengers, and motorists on nearby roadways.
“The EMAS system is an investment in the future of our Airport and the safety of everyone who uses it,” said Boca Raton Airport Executive Director Clara Bennett. “This advancement further solidifies the role of the Airport as a premier general aviation facility serving South Florida communities.”
Boca Airport Contracts Harris Corporation for Noise Abatement Related Services
Following an RFP issued by the Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) on September 15, 2017, Harris Corporation has been selected to provide an upgraded Noise Monitoring and Flight Tracking System, as well as Noise Monitor Service and Maintenance.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, Harris has offices throughout North America, Central & Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The company was founded over 120 years ago, and has remained a leader in innovative technology ever since.
“We are fully confident that Harris is the right company to upgrade our current tracking system,” said Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) Executive Director Clara Bennett. “With the cooperation of the pilots who use the Airport, these improvements will better enable us to minimize the impact of aircraft noise on our neighboring communities.”
To learn more about the upgraded Noise Monitoring and Flight Tracking System or other current projects at the Airport, visit BocaAirport.com or call (561) 391-2202.
Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Rehabilitation: Phase II to Begin in 2018
Last year the Airport Authority completed several substantial renovations to the Air Traffic Control Tower aimed at extending the useful life of the facility and creating an enhanced work environment for the controllers. These included: updates to critical systems, such as the roof, HVAC, bathroom plumbing, cab plumbing and certain fire line valves.
The second phase of the Tower’s rehabilitation is set to begin in 2018. Phase II will include replacing the windows, replacing millwork and fixtures in the cab, and repairs to the millwork and fixtures in the training/break room.
Eighty percent of funding for Phase II will be provided by a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The remaining 20% will be paid by the Boca Raton Airport Authority’s (BRAA’s) 2018 Capital Improvement budget, which is comprised of revenue generated through land leases and fuel flow fees.
Phase II is projected to cost $280,000, with $224,000 coming from the FDOT grant and the remaining $56,000 coming from the Capital Improvement budget.
“Since the Tower began operations in 2000, it has played a vital part in the Airport’s role as a premier general aviation facility,” said BRAA Executive Director Clara Bennett. “Phase II will ensure that it remains a cornerstone of our operations.”
This final phase of improvement is expected to be completed in the Fall 2018.
About the Boca Raton Airport and the Airport Authority:
The Boca Raton Airport is a general aviation transport facility, publicly owned by the State of Florida. The Airport serves the corporate, recreational and flight training needs of the community, averaging over 60,000 operations annually. The Airport is governed by the Boca Raton Airport Authority; a seven-member board.
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