Corrosion of an aircraft storage facility has prompted urgent work to be undertaken at the Mount Gambier Airport.
In his report at Grant District Council’s April meeting, Airport manager Ian Fritsch said replacement was the only option.
“The southern entrance of the Bellman Hangar is constantly exposed to the prevailing weather patterns which has resulted in corrosion of the tracks,” he said.
“Due to the small margin of adjustability built into the design track, replacement is the only option.”
Replacing the door tracks, along with upgrading the roof along and flashings was programmed to be carried out in 2020-21, as part of the Airport Masterplan.
Mr Fritsch said the project was postponed due to the impact of COVID on income generated from the airport.
“Due to a severely reduced income from the mass cancellation of flights and no passenger traffic,” he said.
Mr Fritsch said the corrosion had resulted in difficulty in opening the large main doors on the south end, when tenants were removing their aircraft.
“The corrosion has caused sagging and irregular levels,” he said.
“The aircraft in the Bellman Hangar are paying tenants and contribute to the airport income and need to be able to remove their aircraft in an easy and safe manner.”
Built in 1942, the Bellman Hangar is the remaining WWII hanger and the largest at the airport.
Mr Fritsch said quotes have been obtained.
“The work will be able to be completed prior to June 30 with costs of around $35,000 advised.
“This is in line with previous quotes for the work to be undertaken in 2020-21,” he said.
“Now the airport PAX numbers have returned to the pre COVID-19 levels it is considered financially prudent and appropriate to schedule the stage one of the Bellman Hangar in this financial year.”
Mr Fritsch said it was hoped that this could have been delayed until 2023-24, along with the stage two works incorporating the roof upgrade scheduled to occur in 2024-25.
“This is no longer the case with the failure of the door tracks imminent,” he said.
According to Mr Fritsch, the airport currently has cash reserves which will adequately cover the amount requested.
