The Bemidji City Council recently gave the green light for the establishment of a self-help aircraft fueling station at the Bemidji Regional Airport. This initiative allows aircraft operators to refuel their own aircraft, rather than relying on a fueling contractor. The project is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) overseeing the funds.
According to Karen Weller, the Executive Director of the Bemidji Regional Airport, the need for a self-fueling station has been apparent for many years. This new system will provide pilots with more flexibility in terms of fueling their aircraft, as the station will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is especially beneficial for pilots arriving at unconventional hours when the fixed base operator may be closed.
The estimated cost for the project is 0,000, with the FAA contributing 2,000. Additional funding of ,750 each comes from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the BJI Airport Authority. Pending favorable bids, construction is expected to commence in late summer or early fall of this year.
