When winter weather arrives in central Pennsylvania, keeping the airport operating safely takes more than plows on the pavement. Behind the scenes, Harrisburg International Airport’s Vehicle Maintenance Team works year-round to ensure every vehicle and piece of equipment is ready when it matters most.

Led by Bob Gardner, the Vehicle Maintenance Department supports not only Harrisburg International Airport, but also the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority’s general aviation airports at Capital City, Gettysburg, and Franklin County.

“Our job is to maintain the safety and reliability of all the airport authority-owned equipment,” Bob explained. “To make sure it’s safe, ready, and operational.”

Preparing for Winter Starts Months in Advance

Winter preparation doesn’t begin with the first snowfall. For the Vehicle Maintenance Team, planning and repairs often start as early as July or August, depending on the condition of heavy equipment and the needs of the upcoming season.

Across SARAA’s four airports, the team maintains approximately 117 pieces of snow removal equipment, ranging from large plow trucks and rotary snow blowers to chemical spray trucks, loaders, and specialized sidewalk equipment.

After each storm, the work continues. Equipment is washed, inspected, and evaluated through daily vehicle inspection reports. Any issues are addressed quickly so vehicles can return to service and be ready for the next weather event.

A Fleet That Keeps the Airport Moving

While winter operations are highly visible, the Vehicle Maintenance Team’s responsibilities extend far beyond snow and ice. In total, the department maintains approximately 447 pieces of equipment across all four airports — including rolling vehicles, walk-behind machines, and handheld equipment.

Despite the size of the fleet, the team remains small: two technicians and a department manager. Much of the maintenance and repair work is handled in-house, with service trucks available to support equipment at the general aviation airports when it can’t be transported to Harrisburg.

“We take great pride in being as self-sufficient as possible,” Bob said. “Our first priority is making sure everything is safe, reliable, and ready to support airport operations.”

Always On Call, Always Behind the Scenes

The Vehicle Maintenance Team plays a critical role in supporting nearly every department at the airport — from snow removal and airfield maintenance to fire, police, and grounds operations.

“We’re often overlooked because our work happens behind the scenes,” Bob noted. “But without the reliability and safety of the equipment we maintain, a lot of things would come to a screeching halt.”

When winter weather is forecast, the team is on call alongside equipment operators, ready to respond as conditions change.

“We’re on call 24/7, 365,” Bob said. “If there’s equipment moving, we’re here.”

Pride in the Work

For the Vehicle Maintenance Team, the reward comes from problem-solving and seeing the results of their work in action.

“We do what we do because we love doing it,” Bob shared. “The payoff is watching that equipment roll out the door, knowing that we fixed it and made it better.”

While their work may not always be visible, the impact is felt every day, keeping HIA and its partner airports safe, reliable, and ready for whatever the season brings.