Two miles of highway will take you exactly two miles. However, two miles of runway, can take you anywhere in the world.
Everyday aircraft ranging in size from a small single engine Cessna, to the Antonov 124—the world’s largest plane, takeoff, and land at Harrisburg International Airport. The men and women of the airfield grounds maintenance team are tasked to maintain one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in central PA.
With nearly 2 miles of runway and over 200 acres of land to upkeep, ground maintenance stays busy. When you step into the world of airport ground maintenance, there’s no such thing as a typical day. From the crisp chill of winter to the balmy days of summer, each season presents its own set of tasks for the dedicated team at our airport. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mike McCann, the head of ground maintenance, to gain insight into the intricate dance of keeping our airport infrastructure in top condition.
One of the first things Mike McCann emphasized was the critical role weather plays in shaping their daily agenda. “Everything’s weather-dependent,” he explained. From mowing grass to attending to pavement issues, their tasks are dictated by the elements. With over 200 acres of airfield to maintain, the team relies on a variety of equipment, from zero-turn mowers to tractors, to keep the grounds in pristine condition year-round. Weather permitting, the team has 80 acres of grass to mow, roughly taking 80 hours to complete.
But it’s not just about grass height and runway markings; adherence to aviation regulations is crucial. “Our Part 139 certificate governs everything we do on the airfield,” Mike elaborated. From pavement conditions to lighting, every aspect must be in compliance to ensure the safety of aircraft operations.
Speaking of lighting, runway maintenance is a major focus for the team. With a runway stretching nearly two miles and stretching over 10,000 feet, ensuring clear markings and functional lighting is no small feat. “We recently completed a massive painting project,” Mike shared. It took the team 30 nights to paint every marking on the runway, from centerlines to threshold markings.
When asked about the value of their equipment, Mike chuckled, admitting it’s a question best left to their colleague Bob Gardner. “But I can tell you, we have around 30-40 different pieces of equipment that our team operates, from snow blowers to chemical trucks,” he added.
Transitioning to Mike’s professional journey, he shared a surprising background in residential construction before joining the airport team. “I started as a part-time snow removal employee in 2009 and worked my way up,” Mike recounted. “It took me seven years to reach this position, but every step was worth it.” Mike’s Journey is inspiring and proves hard work and perseverance goes a long way.
As head of ground maintenance, Mike oversees long-term planning and supports their team in day-to-day operations. “I believe in leading by example,” they noted. “I’m not above getting my hands dirty alongside my team.”
In terms of contributions to the airport’s mission, Mike emphasized the crucial role his department plays in ensuring safe and efficient operations. “Without properly maintained pavement and lighting, flights simply can’t operate,” they explained. “We’re the backbone of the airport, ensuring everything runs smoothly.” Every department works together to pursue the airport’s mission: MORE FLIGHTS MORE PLACES MORE OFTEN.
Looking to the future, Mike highlighted upcoming projects, including the replacement of outdated remote-control components in runway lighting. “It’s all about continuous improvement,” he stated.
As our conversation drew to a close, Mike reflected on the dedication of their team. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he said. From painting runways to tackling daily maintenance, the team’s commitment to excellence shines through. They also have fun; over the winter months the team made a comical holiday calendar.
The team consists of one of the most hard-working group of people one can meet. With Rebecca and Neil as foreman. Ken and Chase as the two electricians. Ken has been at HIA for 20 plus years. Chase recently started in October, since then he has been a great addition to the team and has been learning things quickly. Over in the grounds department there is Jason, Ivan, Ron, Franco, Michael, Jim, and Ryan, the lead painter.
With leaders like Mike at the helm, our airport’s ground maintenance team continues to soar to new heights, ensuring safe and seamless operations for passengers and aircraft alike.
Stay tuned for more insights into the inner workings of our airport in future blog posts!
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