Local Pilots Provided Aid During Clarksburg Brush Fire
 The Airport Commission is considering investing in aviation radios for better aerial/ground communication after the use of planes during the brush fire in Clarksburg State Forest. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Airport Manager Willard Greenwald said because of the helpfulness of local pilots during the recent brush fire, the city may purchase aviation handheld radios.
Greenwald told the airport commissioners recently that many pilots were able to fly police, firefighters and Mayor Richard Alcombright over last month's brush fire to give them a vantage point.
"The city police and fire directors were given a lot of rides to view and orchestrated fighting the fire," Greenwald said. "They were amazed and really impressed by the vantage point those flights provided."
He said aviation radios would cut down on disturbances and background noise and allow the planes to better communicate to ground crews.
Greenwald said there are many pilots who be more than willing to donate their time and fuel to aid the city whether it be an emergency or just observation.
"The airport got great press and those guys are really excited about utilizing the airport in the future," he said. "Pilots will volunteer their time and their gas to do whatever is necessary for the city."
Greenwald said the airport's aviation fuel price of $3.98 is the lowest in New England and has attracted more business at the airport. He said it has already sold 2,000 gallons of gas.
"We are pounding through the 4,000 gallons like crazy so we really are bringing folks in and getting a lot of good responses," he said.
Commissioner Trevor Gilman said the fuel has a set markup along with the credit card fees incurred, so when the purchase price changes the sale price changes.
"We are usually pretty low compared to any of our competition in the area, but we don't try to be competitive," Gilman said.
Editor's note: minor changes made to clarify how the fuel is priced at 1:24 p.m., May 28, 2015.
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