ALASKA AIRMEN’S ASSOCIATION
DEE HANSON, a note from the Executive Director
August 1, 2008

In the middle of the fight over the land-lease rate increase, a number of members voiced their opinion about the lack of services we receive here at Lake Hood Seaplane Base. While we tackle the weeds that choke the banks and disable our water rudders, get stuck in snow that doesn't appear to get removed fast enough or get frustrated with the delay in response due to the bureaucratic pyramid we have to deal with, I keep in mind that not all is bad. 

I am a resident of Lake Hood. The Airmen have had their headquarters office here since 1998. Being that I have been in this position for 13 years, it is easy for me to sit down, look around and relay to you how our lake has improved and relate first hand what improvements have been made. The Airmen’s was directly involved with many of these improvements. 

Take a look at my list: 

• Delta Parking was upgraded with an improved ramp for ski operations, complete with electricity.
• The concept of a pedestrian path was developed and implemented for the safety of residents, tourists and pilots alike. The project is 80 percent complete.
• The Airmen’s, AOPA and the Airport implemented an Airport Watch Program. 
• A paved "run-up" area was completed for aircraft, located off RW31.
• The state acquired a weed-harvester to combat the ever growing vegetation as a result of improved water quality.
• Land was made available around Lake Hood for General Aviation development.
• With the purchase of private land on the east side of Lake Spenard, nine float slips were added. 
• Private slips have free dredging.
• Echo Parking was developed, with new wheel tie-downs now, and all have electricity and are lighted.
• Landscaping and beautification of Lake Hood to the point that you almost want to picnic at the Lion's Park now. 
• Individual slip maintenance is encouraged through "Slip of the Month" with a "free" month winner incentive.
• A Bank Stabilization Project has been initiated. 
• Video surveillance Cameras are being installed
• A General Aviation Office was opened, which means: 

- More convenient auto-pay,

- bi-annual pilot meetings and

- quarterly newsletters

- wait-list for lake slips has dropped from 18 to 7 years.  

Projects no one really cares about include: a well and well house for over-flow, spill response stations, clean-up of contaminated sites, new weir at the outlet and the ongoing oversight of master planning for future general aviation forecasts.

Believe me, I still remember the battle we lost over Charlie Parking to the new field maintenance building, however we still need to recognize the pay-offs are huge and still on our side if we work together.

For a full administrative and program report to the Board of Director's on July 18th, visit our website at www.alaskaairmen.org and click on Executive Director's Report on the right hand side.