UCRA board signs an agreement to purchase 60.5 acres

While Upper Cumberland Regional Airport continues to grow and develop, some of their oldest hangars have begun needing repairs.

During the UCRA board meeting, on Nov. 25, approval was given to place bids on the project to repair the aircraft hangars.

Twelve hangars on row A and B have needed repairs for years, now. Due to the issue of funding repairs on the hangars, it has been put off until now.

“The metal is torn up, and some places the foundation is crumbling,” Dean Selby, airport executive director, said. “We are getting to the point where we have to repair them, or we’re going to lose them.”

To repair all the hangars would cost around $60,000. Director Selby said the hangars and their rental rates do not cover the cost of repairs, as the rates are designed to only cover maintenance cost and a few other important matters. They do not generate money on their own.

Board member Nate Maxwell, who is also a pilot, said, “I feel like a lot of me being a pilot also in Hangar B, if our rents are going up, we’re going to be like ‘Why are we getting hit with this all of the sudden?’”

While the bids for the repairs go out, the board agreed they should not just “band-aid” the hangars but assure the hangars are in a good place for years to come.

During the meeting as well, there was a return on a wildlife assessment report. While nothing actionable could be taken from the report at this time, there was useful insight into problems the airport could face. The assessment recommended removing two wetlands and finding a way to “harass” the surrounding wildlife, such as hiring a wildlife coordinator. Geese and vultures are two examples of wildlife that can cause issues at the airport.

Director Selby was happy to report the airport’s Trunk or Treat with Planes went fantastic for the airport. The airport had over 5,000 attendees, at times even filling up the overflow parking lot.

“I think it’s a good community event,” he said,  “The outreach is, it reaches a different demographic than what we’re used to, and I think that’s what we were hoping for with that.”

In other business, two threshold lights that have been out for years have been replaced, but now some ramp-side area lights have been struck out, likely by lightning. Director Selby already ordered replacements, and he believes they will be replaced before the next board meeting.

The airport also has a signed agreement to purchase new land for the airport. 60.5 acres to the north were purchased, and the airport is now just waiting on the land survey before they move to close. The airport will also have to make a formal presentation to Tennessee Aeronautics Commission to acquire funding for the purchase. They will meet with TAC, on Dec. 19, for this purpose.

The airport’s fuel sales were up from last October, particularly with Jet-A.

The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board’s next scheduled meeting will be 5 p.m., Jan. 13, 2026.