[KBAF] Barnes Airport News

Be aware that the F-15 emergency arresting gear that is located 1500 feet down from each end of the runway, may be in the up position and unmonitored during non-tower hours.  If there is a power failure to the unit, they fail in the "up" position. When extended, the cable , which extends the width of the runway, is between 3-4 inches high.  Larger corporate aircraft will be ok, but smaller general aviation aircraft may  damage their gear if they come in contact with the cable.

General aviation pilots flying light twins and smaller single engine aircraft are urged to use Rwy 15/33 to the max extent possible during non-tower hours.  If you want to utilize the long runway, make a visual inspection of the cable prior to takeoff, and land long of the gear when landing. The arresting gear location is marked by a large yellow circle on each side of the runway.

We are working to find a solution and will report our progress to everyone here.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  

We have streamlined our FAR Part 139 driver’s training requirements to make it easier for our tenants, contractors and professional personnel who require access through security gates to movement and non-movement areas on the airfield. The training and exam are all located on this web site under the Admin tab.  You can now view the video and powerpoint slide show then take the exam from the comfort of your home or your work station.  The test results are e-mailed automatically to us where we will enter all results into a singular database. The driver training exam is made up of 20 multiple choice questions and requires an 85% or better to pass. This does not prevent businesses from conducting their own internal training.  The test however, must be taken online to officially complete the process.

 Under C.F.R 139.303, all personnel granted access to movement and non-movement areas of the air operation area and perform duties inside secured areas of the Westfield-Barnes Airport must accomplish initial driver and airport familiarity training; followed by recurrent training every 12 consecutive calendar months. This would be our FBO’s, businesses and contractors.

 For our individual tenants, we are now requiring that you take the refresher training and exam every time your badge comes up for renewal (every 3 years).   If you have a spouse or relative that holds a badge, they must take the exam also.  We realize this is a change, but we are trying to balance the need for increased security and airport awareness vice keeping the facility accessible for your enjoyment.  The test is not difficult and should serve as a good refresher to all personnel.

 If you have any questions, please contact our administration office, the Operations Facility Manager (Mr. Stacey Skeet) or the Airport Manager (Mr. Brian Barnes).

 Thank you !!

 Brian P. Barnes

Airport Manager

During practice or real world scrambles, all acitivity on the runways and taxiways will be monitored and at some point you may have to hold and wait until the scramble is over. Approximately 5 minute wait in most cases. Our biggest concern is at nights while the tower isn't operational. Pilots are urged to use IFR procedures to the max extent possible while arriving here at BAF to get the latest up to date info from Bradley approach control in the rare instance a scramble occurs. For VFR aircraft, realize that the F-15's will be taking off RWY 20 most of the time, but may utilize Rwy 02. All aircraft that can utilize Rwy 15/33 safely are encouraged to do so between the hours of 10:00PM and 0700 A.M.

If you have any questions regarding the alert mission or procedures here at Barnes, please call the managers office at (413) 572-6294.

Welcome to our web site.  It was designed through a partnership with Coughlin Printing Group of Carthage NY and JCH Photos based right here in Westfield MA.  Check them out some time!

As you view the web site, it will become obvious that we have a lot going on here at the airport.  We are proud to host the Mass Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing and the Army National Guard 226th Division Army Aviation Support Battalion.  We are home base for General Dynamics Aviation Services,  AirFlyte’s Maintenance Facility and FBO, Five Star Jet Center’s FBO, Aero Design’s restoration business, the Runway Restaurant and numerous other aviation related businesses that service the New England Region. Every two years we host one of the largest Airshows in New England attracting over a quarter million aviation enthusiasts.  We partner with Wright Flight Inc. and local schools to give students the opportunity to learn about aviation careers through an extensive academic program and orientation flight. We offer two outstanding flight schools and partner with dozens of local businesses to hold events here on the airport each year. We have space for new corporations / businesses with some of the best lease pricing available in the country. That, plus our perfect location and our outstanding facilities, makes Westfield-Barnes Airport one of the best aviation business values available today.

We are also extremely proud of our safety record here at the airport, and this is due in large part to our experienced tower controllers.  Our contract tower has an outstanding team of men and women who are proven professionals with years of experience working in our region.  Combine this with our 24/7 crash fire team from the Air National Guard driving some of todays most technically advanced fire fighting and rescue equipment,  and you can get a sense of our commitment to insuring that you have the safest operating environment possible.

So come on out and see for yourself. We’d love to have you stop in and pay us a visit.  Whether it’s to spend some family time on our observation deck having a picnic while you watch F-15’s, corporate jets and private airplanes land and take-off, or to hold a catered business lunch in our new state of the art conference facility that overlooks the airfield, or to just enjoy lunch at our airport restaurant, I think you’ll agree that we have a lot to offer everyone.  From families to business professionals, we think you’ll all enjoy the unique environment, professionalism and hospitality we offer here at Westfield Barnes Airport.  See you soon!!

Brian Barnes, Airport Manager