Flight instruction school may soon land at Nut Tree

Flight instruction school may soon land at Nut Tree
By Danny Bernardini/ DBernardini@TheReporter.com
Posted: 08/09/2009

After months of unsuccessful searching, the Nut Tree Airport may have finally found a flight instruction school.

Staff will recommend signing a contract with Stratus Aviation -- Wings Flight School at Tuesday's meeting of the Solano County Board of Supervisors.

The possible contract comes just more than two months after Solano County hired Mountain West Aviation as the airport's fixed base operator. Mountain West had originally found an instruction provider, but that company backed out because of financial reasons.

There had been a vacancy of both services since Blue Ridge Aeronautics was booted in August of 2007 after Solano County officials said the company defaulted on $53,000 in rent. Blue Ridge also ran a flight instruction school.

Andy Swanson, Nut Tree Airport manager, said a flight school is not only important to teach folks to fly, but handles the recertification of pilots. He said there was a void left by the vacancy.

"The things we are doing in these times, it's just, wow," he said. "It's a great thing to see a flight school see the need for it. Getting a flight school in here is important to a vibrant airport."

The proposal before the board will include a five-year limited aeronautical activity agreement effective August 11. The fee would be $500 per month or two percent of monthly gross income, whichever is greater.

Also included is a five-year rental agreement for a 744-square-foot office within the administration building at the airport. That will cost Wings $744 per month plus a pro-rated share of utilities at $305 per month.

The board will also decide whether to include a five-year lease option on both agreements.

According to staff reports, Wings will offer flight training, aerial tours and the sale of pilot training materials for students or aircraft rental customers. Wings will not run a general retail store.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Supervisors Chamber, 675 Texas St., Fairfield.