Airport staff say tower operating on single frequency while regulator and radios are replaced
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Summary
Airport staff told the board the tower is operating on a single frequency after storm/lightning damage; a critical regulator is being manufactured with an estimated one‑month lead time, and crews will replace antennas and older radios to restore range.
Airport staff reported that lightning damaged tower equipment and certain airfield radios, and that temporary measures have the control tower operating on a single frequency while repairs proceed.
The airport manager said several parts were damaged in the lightning event and that contractors have begun repairs; Michiana (contractor) had installed replacement lights but a regulator — a component that enables manual control of airfield lights and radio interfaces — remains on order and will take about a month to manufacture, staff said. While awaiting parts the tower is operating with a band‑aid backup radio on a single frequency, which staff described as sufficient and safe until final repairs and testing.
Separately, staff recommended replacing aging radios and correcting incorrectly installed antennas on maintenance vehicles and tractors. The board approved a purchase and installation from EOS Wireless to replace radios in several vehicles and a Kubota ATV to restore communications range and reliability.
Staff said insurance approvals are in place for the lightning‑related equipment replacements and that installations will proceed once equipment arrives and testing is complete.