Walsenburg AMP.pdf

FINAL REPORT

SPANISH PEAKS

AIRFIELD

WALSENBURG, CO | MAY 2025

4V1AIRPORT MASTER PLAN

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 – Airport Master Plan Overview ........................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Objectives ........................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Chapter 2 – Inventory of Airport Assets ............................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 Introduction to Airport Background and Setting ................................................................................ 2-1

2.2 Airport Grant History ..................................................................................................................................... 2-2

2.3 Airport Service Level and Role ................................................................................................................... 2-3

2.3.1 Business and Recreational Transportation .................................................................................... 2-5

2.3.2 Air Ambulance Services and Local Health Care Support.......................................................... 2-6

2.3.3 Flight Training ........................................................................................................................................... 2-6

2.3.4 Military ........................................................................................................................................................ 2-6

2.4 Existing Activity Levels ................................................................................................................................... 2-6

2.5 Airport Service Area........................................................................................................................................ 2-7

2.6 Existing Airside Facilities at Spanish Peaks Airfield ............................................................................ 2-9

2.6.1 Runway System ..................................................................................................................................... 2-10

2.6.2 Taxiway System ..................................................................................................................................... 2-11

2.6.3 Aircraft Parking Apron ........................................................................................................................ 2-11

2.6.4 Airfield Pavement Conditions .......................................................................................................... 2-11

2.6.5 Airfield Lighting and Visual Aids .................................................................................................... 2-13

2.6.6 Navigational Aids ................................................................................................................................. 2-17

2.6.7 Air Traffic Control ................................................................................................................................. 2-18

2.6.8 Weather Reporting Systems ............................................................................................................ 2-18

2.6.9 FAA Design Standards and Airport Reference Code (ARC) .................................................. 2-18

2.6.9.1 Safety Areas ..................................................................................................................... 2-21

2.6.9.2 Obstacle Free Zones and Object Free Areas .................................................................... 2-22

2.6.9.3 Displaced Thresholds ....................................................................................................... 2-22

2.6.9.4 Runway Protection Zone .................................................................................................. 2-22

2.6.9.5 Summary of FAA Design Standards at Spanish Peaks Airfield ......................................... 2-23

2.6.10 Airspace Surfaces ............................................................................................................................... 2-24

2.6.11 Surrounding Airspace....................................................................................................................... 2-27

2.6.11.1 National Airspace System .............................................................................................. 2-27 ii

2.6.11.2 Airspace Restrictions ...................................................................................................... 2-28

2.7 Existing Landside Facilities at Spanish Peaks Airfield ..................................................................... 2-28

2.7.1 Pilot Services .......................................................................................................................................... 2-29

2.7.2 Hangar Facilities ................................................................................................................................... 2-30

2.7.3 Access Routes and Signage.............................................................................................................. 2-31

2.7.4 Ground Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 2-31

2.7.5 Automobile Parking ............................................................................................................................ 2-31

2.7.6 Utilities...................................................................................................................................................... 2-31

2.7.7 Fencing ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-32

2.7.8 Fuel Facilities .......................................................................................................................................... 2-32

2.7.9 Emergency and Security Services ................................................................................................... 2-33

2.7.10 Snow Removal and Maintenance Equipment ......................................................................... 2-33

2.8 Land Use Compatibility .............................................................................................................................. 2-33

2.9 Meteorological Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 2-33

2.9.1 Local Climatic Data .............................................................................................................................. 2-34

2.9.2 Runway Wind Coverage .................................................................................................................... 2-35

2.10 Environmental Overview ......................................................................................................................... 2-37

2.10.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 2-37

2.10.2 Department of Transportation Act – Section 4(f) .................................................................. 2-38

2.10.3 Farmlands ............................................................................................................................................. 2-39

2.10.4 Floodplains ........................................................................................................................................... 2-39

2.10.5 Fish, Wildlife and Plants .................................................................................................................. 2-39

2.10.6 Historical, Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Resources .................................... 2-40

2.10.7 Wetlands ............................................................................................................................................... 2-40

2.10.8 Airport Waste Recycling and Solid Waste Management .................................................... 2-41

2.11 Summary of Airport Facilities ................................................................................................................ 2-42

Chapter 3 – Forecast of Aviation Demand......................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Local Profile ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.1 Population .................................................................................................................................................. 3-2

3.2.2 Employment and Largest Industries ................................................................................................ 3-3

3.2.3 Income ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-5

3.3 Aircraft Operation Categories..................................................................................................................... 3-5

3.4 National and Regional Trends in Aviation ............................................................................................. 3-5

3.5 Factors Affecting Aviation Demand at Spanish Peaks Airfield .................................................... 3-10 iii

3.6 Available Activity Forecasts ...................................................................................................................... 3-11

3.7 Existing Aviation Activity ........................................................................................................................... 3-11

3.8 Forecasts of Aviation Activity ................................................................................................................... 3-12

3.8.1 Based Aircraft Forecast ...................................................................................................................... 3-12

3.8.2 Aircraft Operations Forecast ............................................................................................................ 3-14

3.9 Seasonal Use Determination .................................................................................................................... 3-16

3.10 Hourly Demand and Peaking Tendencies ........................................................................................ 3-17

3.11 Peak Hour General Aviation Pilot and Passenger Flow ............................................................... 3-19

3.12 Design Aircraft ............................................................................................................................................ 3-20

3.13 Annual Service Volume ............................................................................................................................ 3-21

3.14 Forecast Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 3-21

Chapter 4 – Facility Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Design Standards ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.3 Airfield Capacity ............................................................................................................................................... 4-4

4.4 Airfield Facility Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 4-4

4.4.1 Runway Orientation................................................................................................................................ 4-4

4.4.2 Runway Length......................................................................................................................................... 4-5

4.4.3 Runway Width .......................................................................................................................................... 4-8

4.4.4 Runway Pavement Strength and Condition .................................................................................. 4-9

4.4.5 Taxiway and Taxilane Requirements ................................................................................................ 4-9

4.4.6 Aircraft Apron ........................................................................................................................................ 4-10

4.4.7 Instrument Approaches and Navigational Aids ........................................................................ 4-12

4.4.8 Airfield Lighting, Signage, Markings, and Visual Aids to Navigation ............................... 4-12

4.4.9 Weather Aids ......................................................................................................................................... 4-13

4.5 Landside Facility Requirements............................................................................................................... 4-13

4.5.1 FBO and Pilot Services ........................................................................................................................ 4-13

4.5.2 Hangar Facilities ................................................................................................................................... 4-13

4.5.3 Aviation Fuel Facilities ........................................................................................................................ 4-14

4.5.4 Airport Access and Vehicle Parking............................................................................................... 4-14

4.5.5 Fencing ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-15

4.5.6 Snow Removal Equipment and Facilities..................................................................................... 4-15

4.6 New Infrastructure Needs ......................................................................................................................... 4-15 iv

4.7 Land Use Compatibility and Control ..................................................................................................... 4-15

4.7.1 Airport Property .................................................................................................................................... 4-16

4.7.2 Airport Zoning ....................................................................................................................................... 4-16

4.8 Summary of Facility Requirements ........................................................................................................ 4-17

Chapter 5 – Recommended Development ........................................................................................................ 5-1

5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Development Concepts ................................................................................................................................ 5-1

5.3 Airside Development ..................................................................................................................................... 5-2

5.3.1 Runway System ........................................................................................................................................ 5-2

5.3.2 Taxiway System ........................................................................................................................................ 5-3

5.3.3 Aircraft Parking Apron ........................................................................................................................... 5-4

5.4 Landside Development ................................................................................................................................. 5-4

5.4.1 FBO and Pilot Services ........................................................................................................................... 5-4

5.4.2 Hangar Development ............................................................................................................................ 5-6

5.4.3 Aviation Fuel Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 5-6

5.4.4 Aviation Support and Maintenance Equipment and Buildings ............................................. 5-7

5.5 Summary of Recommended Development ........................................................................................... 5-8

5.6 Environmental Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5-8

5.6.1 Environmental Impacts of Recommended Development ..................................................... 5-10

5.6.2 Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts .......................................................................... 5-14

Chapter 6 – Airport Layout Plan ............................................................................................................................6-1

Chapter 7 – Airport Development and Financial Plan ................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Implementation Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.3 Capital Development ..................................................................................................................................... 7-3

7.3.1 Federal Aviation Administration ........................................................................................................ 7-4

7.3.2 Local Funding ........................................................................................................................................... 7-5

7.4 Pavement Maintenance Plan....................................................................................................................... 7-7

7.5 Financial Plan .................................................................................................................................................... 7-7

7.5.1 Projected Revenues and Expenditures ............................................................................................ 7-8

7.5.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 7-9

7.6 Community Support ....................................................................................................................................... 7-9

7.7 Continuous Planning Process .................................................................................................................... 7-10

Chapter One Airport Master Plan Overview

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 1-1

Chapter 1 –Airport Master Plan Overview

1.1 Introduction

Spanish Peaks Airfield (three letter identifier 4V1) is a general aviation airport located in southeastern Colorado, approximately five miles north of Walsenburg, Colorado in Huerfano

County. The airport encompasses approximately 195 acres and is owned and operated by Huerfano

County.

The current Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for Spanish Peaks Airfield was completed in 2011. Huerfano

County is conducting this Airport Master Plan (AMP) study to comprehensively analyze the short, medium, and long-term development plans for the airport in order to meet current and future aviation demands. This study will be used by the county, state, and federal officials to plan, prioritize and fund the maintenance and development of the airport.

Airport Master Plans are prepared by the operators of individual airports and are usually completed with the assistance of consultants. Spanish Peaks Airfield is completing this master plan with the assistance of Armstrong Consultants, Inc.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose and goal of an airport master plan is to provide the framework needed to guide future airport development that will cost-effectively satisfy local and regional aviation demand, while producing an efficient and economically feasible facility that meets the current Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) design standards. As part of the planning process, consideration will be given to the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts associated with alternative development concepts as well as the possible means of avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating potential impacts to sensitive resources.

The master plan report describes and depicts the long-term development concepts of the airport.

The document also presents the concepts graphically in the ALP drawing set and includes the supporting data and logic on which the concepts are based.

1.3 Objectives

The primary objective of the master plan is to provide guidance to decision makers, airport users and the general public in implementing airport development actions, while remaining in line with both the airports and community’s concerns and objectives.

The master plan’s recommended development is presented for three planning periods— short-term (5 years), medium-term (10 years), and long-term (20 years). The recommended development program is to satisfy aviation demand and be compatible with the environment, community development, and other transportation modes. The following objectives serve as a guide in the preparation of this study.

Specific objectives of the Spanish Peaks Airfield Master Plan include, but are not limited to:

• Clearly identify the present and future roles of the airport;

Airport Master Plan Overview Chapter One

1-2 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

• Depict design standards for the determined Airport Reference Code (ARC);

• Provide the basis for future federal, state, local government and private investment in the airport;

• Develop realistic, phased development and maintenance plans for the airport;

• Provide an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) in accordance with the current FAA ALP checklist and

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);

• Identify any future land acquisition requirements;

• Prepare an Environmental Overview for proposed development indicating the nature of alternatives that must be reviewed;

• Develop an achievable financial plan for the airport to support the implementation schedule and operation and maintenance costs; and

• Present for public consideration, a plan which addresses the needs and satisfies local, state and federal regulations.

The airport master planning process involves collecting data, forecasting demand, determining facility requirements, studying various alternatives and developing plans and schedules. The flow chart in Figure 1-1 depicts the steps in the master planning process. This process will take into consideration the needs and concerns of the airport sponsor, airport tenants and users, as well as the general public.

When completed, this airport master planning study will be incorporated into a larger airport planning effort that takes place at a national, state, and local level. On the Federal level, the National

Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) is a ten-year airport system plan that FAA continually updates and publishes biannually. This publication lists developments at public use airports that are considered to be of national interest and identifies development needs based on input from airport master plans. To be eligible for Federal financial assistance for airport planning and development, an airport must be included in the NPIAS.

Statewide airport system planning identifies the needs of existing airports and identifies location and characteristics of new airports needed to meet statewide air transportation goals. This planning is performed by state transportation or aviation planning agencies. In Colorado, the state airport planning is performed by the Colorado Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics

(CDOT). Using Federal and local input, state system plans are coordinated with other transportation planning and comprehensive land use planning.

Chapter One Airport Master Plan Overview

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 1-3

Source: Armstrong Consultants, Inc.

Figure 1-1 Airport Master Plan Flow Chart

Chapter Two Inventory of Airport Assets

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-1

Chapter 2 – Inventory of Airport Assets

2.1 Introduction to Airport Background and Setting

Airport Background

Spanish Peaks Airfield is a general aviation airport located in southern Colorado, approximately five miles north of Walsenburg, Colorado. The airport is approximately 158 miles south of the state capitol, Denver, Colorado. The airport is owned and operated by Huerfano County. Section 2.2, Airport Grant History, provides details on historical improvement projects at the airport.

Airport Setting

An airport’s location is defined by its Airport Reference Point (ARP), which is the geometric center of the runway system based upon the length of the existing runway. ARPs are calculated based on existing and future runway lengths and locations. The existing ARP at Spanish Peaks Airfield is located at N 37°41’47.775” latitude, W 104°47’5.29” longitude. Spanish Peaks Airfield encompasses approximately 195 acres of land at an elevation of 6,055.7 feet. The location of the airport is depicted in Figure 2-1.

Source: Google Maps, 2023 Figure 2-1 Location Map

Inventory of Airport Assets Chapter Two

2-2 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

2.2 Airport Grant History

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant program that provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). For small primary, reliever and general aviation airports, AIP grants cover 90 percent of eligible costs, with a five percent match by the state on federal projects and the remaining five percent covered by the sponsor. Eligible projects include improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental analysis. Airports can use AIP funds on most airfield capital improvements or repairs and in some specific situations, for terminals, hangars and equipment.

Professional services necessary for eligible projects such as planning, surveying, and design are also eligible; however, aviation demand at the airport must justify the projects. The projects must also meet federal environmental and procurement requirements. Table 2-1 contains a summary of federal grants issued to Spanish Peaks Airfield under the current Federal Airport Grant Program, known as the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Table 2-1 FAA Grant History

Year Project Description Entitlement State

Apportionment Other Total

2005 Rehabilitate Runway $150,000 $0 $150,000

2007 Construct Taxiway $150,000 $0 $150,000

2007 Install Weather Reporting Equipment $136,325 $0 $136,325

2008 Update Airport Master Plan $110,081 $0 $110,081

2009 Remove Obstructions $138,790 $0 $138,790

2010 Remove Obstruction $27,450 $0 $27,450

2015 Construct Taxiway $936,195 $0 $936,195

2016 Expand Apron $152,938 $0 $152,938

2016 Install Airport Beacon $47,062 $0 $47,062

2017 Rehabilitate Runway $158,889 $0 $158,889

2017 Rehabilitate Taxiway $40,750 $0 $40,750

2020 CARES Act Funds $0 $0 $20,000 $20,000

2021 CRRSA Act Funds $0 $0 $13,000 $13,000

2021 General ARPA $0 $0 $32,000 $32,000

Total $2,048,480 $0 $65,000 $2,113,480

Source: Federal Aviation Administration, Denver Airport District Office, 2023

Table 2-2 contains a list of projects that were funded with Colorado Department of Transportation-

Division of Aeronautics (CDOT) State grant funds for the airport. CDOT operates the Colorado

Discretionary Aviation Grant Program. These grants are funded through an aviation fuel tax, which is collected by the state.

Chapter Two Inventory of Airport Assets

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-3

Table 2-2 CDOT Grant History

Year Project Description Total

2010 Part 77 Obstruction Removal & Fuel Facility Relocation $3,948

2011 Wildlife Fence $279,000

2012 SRE Purchase – Skid Steer with Attachments $72,000

2012 Land Acquisition $310,000

2012 Runway 09/27 Rehabilitation $1,873,736

2013 Broom Purchase for Existing Plow $13,500

2013 Jet A Fuel Tank Installation $108,000

2013 Pavement Maintenance on Apron – Crack Fill and Fog Seal $22,500

2014 Relocate Overhead Power and County Road 101 $52,856

2014 AWOS Maintenance Contract $3,500

2014 West Connector Taxiways, Ramp Expansion, and Airport Beacon $63,121

2014 Tractor with Mower, Front and Rear Blade, Bucket and Blower $79,200

2014 Overmatch West Connector Taxiways, Ramp Expansion, and Airport Beacon $201,323

2017 Pavement Maintenance $12,578

2021 2007 JLG Lift / 2001 Ingersoll Rand Asphalt Roller $10,650

2021 1989 International 4000 Gallon Deicing Truck $9,000

Total $3,114,939

Source: Colorado Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, 2023

Airport sponsors agree to certain obligations, or grant assurances, when they accept federal grant funds or federal property transfers for airport purposes. These obligations serve to protect the public’s interest in civil aviation and ensure compliance with federal statutes and requirements, including FAA safety standards. As a recipient of AIP funds, Spanish Peaks Airfield and Huerfano

County have accepted the contractual obligation to comply with federal grant assurances.

FAA Order 5190.6B, Airport Compliance Manual, currently has 39 grant assurances that are accepted by an airport sponsor whenever federal grant funds are used to fund a project. Among other requirements, the grant assurances require the airport sponsor to keep the airport open to the public for at least the useful life of the improvement or while it complies with safety requirements.

In most cases, the useful life is considered to be 20 years from the date of acceptance of the grant.

Grant assurance agreements associated with land acquisition run in perpetuity.

2.3 Airport Service Level and Role

Airport Service Level

Since 1970, the FAA has classified a subset of the 5,400 public-use airports in the United States as being vital to serving the public needs for air transportation, either directly or indirectly, and therefore may be made eligible for federal funding to maintain their facilities. These airports are categorized within the NPIAS based on the type of aircraft that uses the airport and the type of passenger and cargo operations available. As established by Congress, the level of federal funding is tied to these categories.

2-4 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

The categories of airports listed in the NPIAS are:

Commercial Service – These are public airports that accommodate scheduled air carrier or air taxi service provided by US and international certificated air carriers. Commercial service airports are either:

Primary – A public-use airport that enplanes more than 10,000 passengers annually, or

Non-primary – A public-use airport that enplanes between 2,500 and 10,000 passengers annually.

Reliever – This is an airport designated by the FAA as having the function of relieving congestion at a commercial service airport by providing more general aviation access. These airports comprise a special category of general aviation (GA) airports and are generally located within a relatively short distance of primary airports. Privately owned airports may also be identified as reliever airports.

General Aviation – These airports are used almost exclusively by private and business aircraft and private charter services are available. Scheduled air carrier passenger service in larger aircraft does not operate at these airports. Within the general aviation category, there are four subcategories:

• National – Serves national and global markets. Very high levels of activity with many jets and multiengine propeller aircraft. These airports average about 200 total based aircraft, including at least 30 jets.

• Regional – Serves regional and national markets. High levels of activity with some jets and multiengine propeller aircraft. These airports average about 90 total based aircraft, including at least three jets.

• Local – Serves local and regional markets. Moderate levels of activity, with some multiengine propeller aircraft. These airports average about 33 based propeller-driven aircraft and no jets.

• Basic – Often serving critical aeronautical functions within local and regional markets.

Moderate to low levels of activity, averaging about 10 propeller-driven aircraft and no jets.

There are many GA airports that are not included in the NPIAS. For an airport to be included in the

NPIAS, it must have at least 10 based aircraft, be located at least 30 miles away from the nearest

NPIAS airport, be a facility identified and used by certain federal agencies (U.S. Forest Service, U.S.

Customs and Border Protection, etc.) or serve an operation specified by statute, such as the Essential

Air Service (EAS) program.

Spanish Peaks Airfield is categorized in the NPIAS as General Aviation – Local airport. According to

FAA records, the airport has 20 based aircraft as of 2022. Aircraft utilizing the airport are predominately single-engine piston, multi-engine piston, and turboprop aircraft. The airport is located approximately 34 miles northwest of Perry Stokes Airport (TAD) in Trinidad, Colorado; 54 miles northeast from San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) in Alamosa, Colorado, and 38 miles southwest of Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB) in Pueblo, Colorado; Perry Stokes Airport and San Luis

Valley Regional Airport is included in the NPIAS as General Aviation – Local with Pueblo Memorial

Airport as General Aviation - Regional. Figure 2-2 depicts Spanish Peaks Airfield’s location in relation to other NPIAS airports in the State of Colorado.

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-5

At the state level, CDOT has recognized the importance of planning as a proactive approach to ensuring aviation continues its role in the statewide transportation system. They created a similar plan to the FAA’s NPIAS called the Colorado Aviation System Plan (CASP). The purpose of the CASP is to provide a framework for the integrated planning, operation, and development of Colorado’s aviation assets. CDOT Aeronautics is currently updating the CASP. Spanish Peaks Airfield is listed as a GA-Local Airport in the 2020 CASP. GA-Local airports are described in the CASP as having on-site weather reporting and occasionally supporting IFR flight operations. GA-Local airports are the most common classification of airport and link smaller population centers to the national airport system.

The airport primarily serves business, recreational, and medical users locally and in south central/eastern Colorado. Users include the following aircraft types and operations:

2.3.1 Business and Recreational Transportation

This category includes business as well as tourism related activities. The types of aircraft utilized for personal and business transportation include a mix of single-engine, multi-engine, turboprop, and turbo jet aircraft. These users prefer the utility and flexibility offered by general aviation aircraft.

This is the most common type of user at the airport.

Figure 2-2 NPIAS Airports in Colorado

Spanish Peaks

Airfield

Source: Federal Aviation Administration, 2023

2-6 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

2.3.2 Air Ambulance Services and Local Health Care Support

Air ambulance aircraft operate at the airport to provide emergency medical transportation for life threatening situations and assists in patient transfers by air from local hospitals to higher level care facilities that are typically located in Denver (approximately 158 miles by road). The air ambulance services provide quick and efficient transportation in emergency situations when time is of the essence. Air ambulance operations are typically conducted by single and multi-engine turbo prop and jet aircraft, or rotorcraft. Spanish Peaks has two emergency medical helicopters that utilize their facility as an emergency transport hub and fuel transport.

2.3.3 Flight Training

Spanish Peaks Airfield is regularly utilized for flight training by CAE, formerly Doss Aviation, out of

Pueblo, Colorado. The flight school is responsible for training the U.S. Air Force aviation candidates, a program referred to as Initial Flight Training (IFT). Flight training operations are typically conducted by single-engine propeller driven aircraft.

2.3.4 Military

Military operations are those conducted by U.S. or foreign military aircraft and personnel for the purposes of national security and defense. Almost all military operations are training or proficiency activities. A wide range of aircraft may be used for these operations, including multi-engine piston or turboprop, turbojet, jet, or rotary. There is a substantial military presence and training activities in the region near Huerfano County. Various U.S. Air Force bases are located within both Colorado

Springs and Pueblo, which are student training activity in the vicinity of Colorado Springs and

Pueblo, Colorado which are 87 miles and 49 miles from Spanish Peaks Airfield, respectively.

2.4 Existing Activity Levels

There are various federal, state, and local sources available for determining existing activity levels at an airport. These include, but are not limited to, FAA Form 5010-1, Airport Master Record, FAA

Terminal Area Forecast (TAF), on-site inventory and airport management records.

The FAA Form 5010-1 is the official record maintained by the FAA to document airport physical conditions and other pertinent information. The information is typically collected from the airport sponsor and includes an annual estimate of aircraft activity as well as the number of based aircraft.

The accuracy of the information contained in the Form 5010-1 varies directly with the date of its last revision and the reliability of the source of the information. The current FAA 5010-1 Form for

Spanish Peaks Airfield indicates 20 based aircraft and 5,000 annual operations. The National Based

Aircraft Inventory lists 20 validated based aircraft for Spanish Peaks Airfield.

The FAA TAF is a historical record of aircraft activity and contains forecast projections of based aircraft and annual operations based on information from the Form 5010-1. The TAF is maintained and utilized by the FAA for planning and budgeting purposes. The 20202-2042 TAF data reports

20 based aircraft at the airport and 5,000 annual operations in 2020, with a forecasted 20 based aircraft and 5,000 annual operations by 2042 at the airport. The updated aviation forecast approved by the FAA as part of this master plan study will update the forecast operations and based aircraft numbers in FAA Form 5010-1 and the FAA TAF.

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-7

2.5 Airport Service Area

An airport service area is defined by the communities and surrounding areas that are served by the airport facility. Generally, the airport service area includes the area within a thirty-minute drive or twenty-mile radius of the airport. However, the actual service area is dependent upon several factors including surrounding terrain, proximity to its users, quality of ground access and the proximity of the facility to other airports that offer the same or similar services. Generally, aircraft operators will usually operate at the closest airport to their residence, place of business or destination that provides adequate facilities and services to accommodate their aircraft.

The Spanish Peaks Airfield service area generally includes Huerfano County, located in southern

Colorado. The City of Walsenburg is the most populated municipality in the county, situated at the intersection of Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 160.

The factors impacting the service area for Spanish Peaks Airfield include:

• Rehabilitated runway and taxiway in 2017;

• Fuel availability, both Jet-A and 100LL;

• Tiedown parking available;

• Available instrument approach procedures;

• Flight training available with CAE Doss Aviation;

• Local attractions including: Lathrop State Park and the Spanish Peaks, a national landmark.

Figure 2-3 depicts the Spanish Peaks Airfield service area and other airports in the region.

Considering the factors discussed above, airports in the vicinity were reviewed. Table 2-3 provides information on the five closest airports to the airport that provide fuel and other similar services, which are key factors in attracting airport users.

2-8 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

Pueblo Memorial

Airport

Raton Municipal

Perry Stokes

Fremont County

San Luis Valley

Regional

Source: www.google.com/maps, 2023

Note: Airport locations have been approximated

Figure 2-3 Airport Service Area Map

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-9

Table 2-3 Airports Near Spanish Peaks Airfield

Airport Name Distance

(NM)

NPIAS

Status

Runway

Dimensions

Pavement

Type

Instrument

Approaches

Fuel

Available

Spanish Peaks Airfield

Walsenburg, Colorado N/A GA 4,715’ x 75’ Asphalt GPS

100LL

Jet-A

Perry Stokes Airport

Trinidad, Colorado 34 GA 5,500’ x 100’ Asphalt GPS

100LL

Jet-A

Pueblo Memorial Airport

Pueblo, Colorado 38 CS 10,498’ x 150’ Asphalt GPS /ILS / VOR

100LL

Jet-A

Fremont County Airport

Penrose, Colorado 46 GA 5,399’ x 75’ Asphalt GPS

100LL

Jet-A

San Luis Valley Regional

Airport

Alamosa, Colorado

54 CS 8,521’ x 100’ Asphalt GPS /ILS / VOR

100LL

Jet-A

Raton Municipal Airport

Raton, New Mexico 59 GA 7,615’ x 75’ Asphalt GPS

100LL

Jet-A

Source: AirNav, 2023

2.6 Existing Airside Facilities at Spanish Peaks Airfield

Airside facilities include the runway, taxiway system, aircraft parking area and any visual or electronic approach navigational aids. Spanish Peaks Airfield is a dual-runway airport that is designated to serve all types of general aviation aircraft. Existing airside facilities are further described within this section and are depicted in Figure 2-4.

2-10 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

2.6.1 Runway System

Runways are a defined rectangular surface on an airport, prepared or suitable for the landing or takeoff of aircraft. The runway configuration relates to the number and orientation of runways. The number of runways provided at an airport depends largely on the volume of air traffic and prevailing wind conditions. As aircraft takeoff and land into the wind, the orientation of the runways depends primarily on the direction of the prevailing wind patterns in the area. The size and shape of the area available for development, local land-use requirements, surrounding terrain and airspace restrictions in the vicinity of the airport also will influence runway orientation.

The runway configuration at Spanish Peaks Airfield consists of one paved asphalt runway, Runway

9/27. Runway 9/27 is 4,715 feet long by 75 feet wide and has a published pavement strength of

17,000 pounds single wheel gear (SWG); with a PCN of 5/F/C/Y/T. The published PCI is 84 which is considered satisfactory and visual inspection of the runway pavement indicates that it is in good condition. The runway was rehabilitated in 2017. Both ends of Runway 9/27 are marked with non-precision runway markings and the markings are in fair condition. Runway 9/27 is equipped with medium intensity runway edge lights (MIRLs). Additionally, precision approach path indicators

(PAPIs) are located at either end of Runway 9/27.

Figure 2-4 Existing Airside Facilities Source: Armstrong Consultants Inc., 2023

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-11

A secondary, turf/dirt crosswind runway exists at the airport. Runway 2/20 measures 2,238 feet long by 40 feet wide. Runway 2/20 has no markings or navigational aids.

2.6.2 Taxiway System

Taxiways provide aircraft access between an aircraft parking apron and corresponding runways.

They are intended to expedite aircraft departures from the runway and thereby increase operational safety and efficiency. The taxiway system at Spanish Peaks Airfield consists of a partial parallel taxiway, Taxiway A. The taxiway is supported by two entrance/exit connectors allowing ingress/egress to the apron and Runway 9/27. Taxiway A has a reported PCI of 91 and is in excellent condition. The taxiway/taxilane system will be discussed in greater detail in Chapter Four, Facility

Requirements.

2.6.3 Aircraft Parking Apron

The aircraft apron provides an area for aircraft to park. The apron is connected to the runway via taxiways and taxilanes. There is one general aviation aircraft parking apron, with 4 tie-downs for itinerant traffic. An additional apron intended to serve aircraft utilizing the self-serve fuel station.

There are 11 additional tie-downs located along the west most taxilane at the airport, bringing the total number of tie-downs to 15. Table 2-4 provides further details on the aprons at Spanish Peaks

Airfield.

Table 2-4 Spanish Peaks Airfield Apron Information

Area Size Pavement Type Pavement

Condition Number of Tie-Downs

7,741 S.Y. Asphalt Good 4

1,862 S.Y. Asphalt Good NA (Fuel Apron)

2.6.4 Airfield Pavement Conditions

The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is a numerical index between 0 and 100 and is used to indicate the condition of the pavement. The PCI, as outlined by the Colorado Department of Transportation, is based on a visual survey of the pavement and a numerical value between 0 and 100 defining the pavement condition. Numerical values are grouped into three condition levels - Preventative

Maintenance, Major Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

Table 2-5 depicts the results of the 2020 PCI inspection report for Spanish Peaks Airfield. The specific ratings and recommended corrective actions are listed for each pavement area. Condition levels are shown in the legend of Figure 2-5.

2-12 Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield

Table 2-5 Pavement Condition Indexes

Location Branch Name Pavement Condition Index Recommended Action

Aircraft Parking Apron A01WS 73 Preventative Maintenance

Aircraft Parking Apron A02WS-01 67 Major Rehabilitation

Aircraft Parking Apron A02WS-02 71 Preventative Maintenance

Aircraft Parking Apron A02WS-03 65 Major Rehabilitation

Aircraft Parking Apron A02WS-04 92 Preventative Maintenance

Runway 9/27 R09WS 84 Preventative Maintenance

Taxiway A TAWS 91 Preventative Maintenance

Taxiway B TBWS 79 Preventative Maintenance

Source: Colorado Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, 2020; Retrieved 2023

*Portions of pavements listed may have undergone maintenance or rehabilitation since evaluation in 2020 which may alter current

PCI ratings.

A01WS

A02WS-01

A02WS-02

A02WS-03

A02WS-04

R09WS

TAWS

TBWS

Figure 2-5 Pavement Condition Index Map

Source: Colorado Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, 2020; Retrieved 2023

Airport Master Plan – Spanish Peaks Airfield 2-13

2.6.5 Airfield Lighting and Visual Aids

Airport lighting enhances safety during periods of inclement weather and nighttime operations by providing visual guidance to pilots in the air and on the ground. Examples of various airfield lighting and visual aids can be found in Figure 2-6. Several common airfield lighting features of general aviation airports include:

• Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) located on the left side of the runway, consists of two or four lights installed in a single row. A PAPI provides visual approach path guidance by emitting a series of white and red lights.

These lights can be seen for up to five miles during the day and up to twenty miles at night and provides guidance to the runway touchdown zone.

• Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASIs) is another type of visual approach path guidance that consist of two sets of lights and typically provides less precise visual guidance than a PAPI. One set is located at the start of the runway, while the other is twenty feet down the runway. Each set of lights are designed to appear either white or red, depending on the angle at which the lights are viewed. When an aircraft is on the glide slope, the first set of lights appears white, while the second set appears red. If an aircraft drops below the glide slope both sets appear red and if an aircraft is above the glide slope both sets will indicate white.

• Approach Lighting Systems (ALS) are installed at the approach end of a runway and consists of a series of lights that provide the pilot with transition from the aircraft instruments to the visual runway environment. For traditional ground-based NAVAID approaches (e.g., Very High Frequency Omni-

Directional Range (VOR), ILS, NDB) and ALS is required for visibility minimums of less than 3/4-mile. Types of ALS include: Approach Lighting System with

Sequenced Flashing Lights (ALSF), Simplified Short-Approach Light System with

2-14 Airport Master Plan –…