COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

May 5, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 17, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

4/5ths

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Hiller Museum Vertical Challenge Helicopter Air Show – San Carlos Airport

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an agreement with the Hiller Aviation Museum (Hiller) which allows Hiller to conduct a one-day Helicopter Air Show and Aircraft Display (Air Show) at the San Carlos Airport on Saturday, June 18, 2005.

 

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 21: County employees understand, support and integrate the County vision and goals into their delivery of services.

 

Authorizing execution of the proposed agreement provides an educational opportunity for the general public and a funding opportunity for Hiller.

 

Background

Previous Board Action

Executed similar agreements with Hiller for past year’s Air Shows.

 

History

Your Board, over the past five years, has authorized Hiller to conduct the one-day helicopter Air Show at the San Carlos Airport(Airport). The Air Show, in past years, consisted of:

 
 

1.

Static display of military and civilian helicopters

 

2.

Helicopter rides

 

3.

The sale of food, beer, wine, tee shirts, memorabilia and other items from participating groups

 

4.

Parachute jump

 

5.

Remote control helicopter demonstration

 

6.

Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter demonstration

 

7.

Helicopter water drop demonstration

 

8.

Military helicopter demonstrations

 

9.

“Otto the Clown” helicopter air show demonstration

 

10.

“ShowCopters” helicopter air show demonstration

 

11.

Stearman biplane – helicopter formation

 

12.

Fly-by demonstrations by C-5A, and F-117 aircraft

 

13.

Static display of military and civilian helicopters including the Chinook CH-47, Super Stallion CH-53, Sky Crane and Apache AH-64.

 

Discussion

Section 25536 of the Government Code provides that a board of supervisors, by 4/5ths vote, may enter into agreements to allow activities on county airport property.

 

Hiller has again requested that they be allowed to conduct a one-day helicopter Air Show which is proposed as a tribute to the contributions of helicopters in our daily lives, from traffic and news reporting to military applications and lifesaving operations. The Air Show includes the items mentioned in the History section of this report, and Hiller has also requested that they be allowed to include the following:

 

1.

Hovercraft demonstration

2.

Vietnam helicopter dramatization with pyrotechnic display

3.

C-130 fly-by and simulated helicopter refueling demonstration

4.

Tethered hot air balloon rides

 

Hiller will ensure the community is aware of the Air Show through radio ads and full-page announcements in local papers and the Redwood Shores homeowners’ association newsletter. Additionally, they will invite airport businesses and local non-profit organizations to participate by setting up booths at the Air Show.

   

Hiller is required to provide sufficient volunteers to coordinate parking and the general policing of the areas to be used, and they are coordinating traffic control with the California Highway Patrol and the Cities of San Carlos and Redwood City. They will also be coordinating the Air Show with the local providers of emergency services, many of whom are participating in the event.

 

The agreement requires that the sale of alcohol during the Air Show be in compliance with the County’s sale of alcohol policies, and Hiller is also required to provide insurance coverage for the event that meets the requirements of the County Risk Manager.

 

We have notified all tiedown and hangar tenants of the proposed Air Show as well as the Fixed Based Operators and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

 

The Airport will be open for normal aircraft arrivals and departures on the day of the Air Show except during two one-hour periods. The closure periods will provide time to conduct the helicopter air-show demonstrations. Practice pattern flying will also be restricted during the day as necessary to safely accommodate event aircraft and activities.

 

We are proposing to grant a one-time waiver of the 12,500-pound weight restriction at the Airport for the specified display aircraft if your Board approves the proposed resolution. Hiller will be required to place steel plates under helicopters as necessary to distribute their weight and ensure that no damage will occur to the airport pavement surfaces.

 

A resolution and agreement have been approved as to form by County Counsel and Hiller has executed the agreement.

 

Fiscal Impact

The Museum will charge a $15 entrance fee to the general public with a $10 fee for Seniors and a $5 fee for children ages 5-7. Children under five (5) are free.

 

The Airport will receive $.75 per ticket and 2% of the Hiller’s gross proceeds for the Air Show based on the standard requirements of Hiller’s operating agreement with the County.

 

There is no impact to the General Fund.