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Clovis Airport moves to fix FAA safety write-ups; transformer ordered, generator and fuel pump repaired
Summary
Clovis airport staff told the Veil Aviation Board they have ordered a replacement transformer after a suspected lightning strike damaged a PAPI light, completed generator and fuel‑pump repairs, cleared several FAA/fire‑marshal findings and are working on an outstanding wildlife‑management item.
Clovis airport officials told the Veil Aviation Board that they have ordered a $9,000 replacement transformer after a suspected lightning strike damaged a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) light, and that several FAA and fire‑marshal safety issues have been corrected.
Airport staff said the certifier required PAPI lights to be switched off until they could be serviced and realigned; a review by a contractor found one unit showed fire‑type damage consistent with a lightning strike, and the replacement transformer has an estimated six‑week lead time. "It looked like there'd been a fire and he thinks it was a lightning strike," said Chris (airport staff).
Why it matters: PAPI lights are navigational aids used on approaches; the board was told the airport will not return the PAPI set to service until repairs and realignment are complete. Staff also reported completion of other safety items the FAA or fire marshal had noted, including installing a safety placard at the self‑service fuel pump and documenting quarterly inspections of the fuels facility.
Airport operations updates given to the board included confirmation that the self‑service fuel pump was taken out of service intermittently in April because of an electrical coil failure; Norris Electric replaced the coil and the pump is now working. Staff said the airport had been cited for missing a fuels‑facility inspection schedule and for not documenting refresher training for FAA technicians who visit the field; both items are being addressed.
Staff reported the airport's emergency generator — out of service since August 2022 — has been overhauled by Norris Electric and is now functional. The generator is natural gas powered and will run an automatic monthly transfer test at 8 a.m.; staff said the exercise will automatically attempt to transfer the load for 15 minutes and that someone will be present during tests.
The airport's Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle has been relocated to the FBO hangar to prevent damage in its prior, tight storage location, and missing items for the vehicle are expected to be in hand by the end of the month so the truck can be placed into service by July, staff said.
One FAA finding the airport has not yet closed is a review of its wildlife management plan. Staff said they are reaching out to local biologists to review the plan and expect to request a short extension from the FAA inspector to complete that work.
Board action: The board approved the minutes of the April 29, 2025 meeting by motion and second; the minutes approval was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. At the end of the meeting the board moved, seconded and approved adjournment by voice vote.
The board did not adopt new policies during this session; most items were status updates and plans for repairs and training.
