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New research groups plan tests at airport; staffing will confirm charges and coordinate NOTAMs
Summary
Staff said a new MIT research group plans to visit the airport to run tests; the group will visit first to assess site needs and staff will determine any charges and coordinate NOTAMs and scheduling.
Gardner City — Airport staff reported that a new research group from MIT has expressed interest in running outdoor tests at the Gardner City Airport and that staff will host an initial site visit to assess logistics and costs.
Staff said they held a Zoom call with representatives from a new MIT group and that the group will come first to visit the airport and understand local operations, security procedures and NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) requirements before scheduling a test date. Staff said historic practice has been for visiting researchers to pay a monthly trailer rent plus a per-visit fee, but the specific charge for this group was not known and staff told the commission they would determine and communicate fees after the site visit.
Earlier research visits were described as involving laser and drone tests and occasional helicopter operations; staff said the airport has accommodated such projects and will continue to do so when scheduling and safety protocols allow. Commissioners asked staff to provide fee guidance and confirm NOTAM procedures before the next arrival by a research group.
