Despite more large and thus heavier corporate jets, Friedman Memorial Airport's aging runway held up "OK" after landings and takeoffs of aircraft bearing executives for the annual Allen & Co. retreat in Sun Valley.
"You can see some wear and tear" from the heavy usage, but "it's hard to describe," said Pete Kramer, Friedman operations manager, He said there were no runway fractures or potholes created by the traffic.
Friedman's runway probably will be either rebuilt or repaved next year, requiring the field to be closed for several weeks, probably in May.
Inspections found that moisture had begun to erode the surface in some spots. This prompted airport workers to monitor the condition of the 6,950-foot stripe during landings and takeoffs of jets last week.
"Everything went as smooth or smother than before," Kramer said of the mass congregation of jets. The Allen & Co. gathering attracts more luxury jets than any other time of the year.
Kramer also said the July heat, which can affect aircraft performance due to higher "density altitude," did not hamper operations. Many jets chose to depart earlier during cooler temperatures, he said.
Sun Valley Aviation General Manager Melidee Wright estimated some 70 aircraft were parked at its facility one night during Allen & Co.
She also said there appeared to be more larger jets this year—such as the Gulfstream 5, whose maximum takeoff weight is 85,000 pounds, and the Bombardier Global Express, which comes in just under 95,000 pounds. Rarely, however, do such aircraft take off at maximum weights, and they occasionally take on less than maximum fuel to reduce weight.
