F3 Airport

11/07/2023

That was one for the books! We had historic Halloween snowfall this past week at Muskegon County Airport. 11.5" of wet, heavy snowfall within six hours!

Way to go to the entire MKG crew for working in these conditions through the night to ensure the runway was kept clear!

08/17/2023

The long awaited Northern Illinois Airshow is back! See you Saturday, September 9th at Waukegan National Airport - UGN!

07/12/2023

F3 Airport is proud to be the catalyst, and a primary sponsor, for the return of an Air Show to the Muskegon County Airport (MKG) after a 17 year hiatus. The newly rebranded “Wings Over Muskegon” Air Show was a collaborative effort between F3 Airport staff and the Yankee Air Museum (YAM), based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In the early stages of F3 Airport’s management contract with MKG, Division Director Rick Taig was continually asked by their client and the community if F3 was going to bring the Air Show back. After planning air shows for over 20 years with YAM at Willow Run, Rick knew just who to call. Longtime friend and YAM CEO Kevin Walsh was happy to oblige and after a year of planning, the all new Wings Over Muskegon Air Show was held July 7-9, 2023.

The show included multiple static displayed aircraft, Rob Holland aerobatics in his MXS stunt plane; demonstration flights by a P-51 Mustang, Mig-17, “Folds of Honor” bi-plane, USAF A-10 Warthog demo by Capt. Lindsay “Mad” Johnson; rides on YAM’s Huey Helicopter, B-17, B-25, and C-47; even the Smoke and Thunder Jet Car that raced multiple planes already in flight!

“We were, of course, expecting our fair share of hiccups and learning experiences, but the show went off without a hitch and was met with only positive comments by the participants, client, and community”, Rick said. “The F3 Airport MKG staff did an excellent job and I’m proud of the commitment they showed during the long weekend. We were also able to get most of the team up in YAM’s B-25 bomber for rides along Lake Michigan and the local area. I am so happy they were able to experience that, and the smiles on their faces when they returned solidified their excitement!”

Congrats to the whole F3 Airport MKG Team for a job well done! We’d also like to thank our other air show key players Muskegon County, Norton Shores Police and Fire Departments, Executive Air Transport FBO, business sponsors, local vendors, and the myriad of volunteers from YAM and the community. We couldn’t have done it without them.

The annual Northern Illinois Air Show is set to take place at our Waukegan National Airport, IL on September 9, 2023. We encourage everyone to go support that show and have a good time.

07/12/2023

What an incredible turnout for the Wings over Muskegon Airshow this past weekend! The Muskegon County Airport welcomed 25,000 spectators after a 17-year air show hiatus. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible, and everyone who came out to support and enjoy the show!

We can’t say it enough - THANK YOU to the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, coordinators, performers and staff that helped make this event possible. Finally, a huge thanks to YOU for being one of the 25,000 who showed up in force this weekend! We won’t forget this moment, but we want you to share your favorite photo that shows how you won’t forget it either. THANK YOU Muskegon!

11/23/2022

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from our entire team at F3 Airport!

10/05/2022

F3 Airport understands that airports fulfill a critical economic role in the community. We know how to effectively navigate the complex array of regulations, agencies/stakeholders and daily issues that can be a roadblock to an airport's long-term success.

From detailed financial and operational reporting to grant compliance, we work within a public entity framework to meet goals through a single point of accountability. We also execute professional, detailed and aggressive marketing programs custom-designed for each airport to establish a brand identity and keep demand high, maximizing revenue.

As the Airport Director, you are responsible for the onsite day-to-day strategic, operational, and administrative management of the airport. This includes oversight of approximately 8 additional staff team members in maintenance and administrative roles. You will act as the airport’s representative to our client, at board meetings; when corresponding with FAA and other governmental agencies, and the community.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and experience in airport operations, finance, maintenance, administration, emergency response, business development, project oversight; have excellent verbal and written communications skills, and be available 24/7 to respond to, and possibly lead, emergency situations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide regular contact with Muskegon County Administration to provide regular reporting on airport operational performance, discuss suggestions for improvements, maintain financial integrity, and ensure F3 is meeting the needs and goals of the client
Maintain FAR Part 139 compliance including: Airport Certification Manual (ACM) maintenance, ensure training currency and requirements are met,
maintain and update the following compliance and regulatory documents and programs:

Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP)
Airport Security Plan (ASP)
FAA/ATC Letters of Agreement (LOA)
Snow and Ice Control Plan (SICP)_

Develop and enforce operational procedures required to meet federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding safety, security, operations, environmental practices, and compliance
Develop and administer the airports annual budget in conjunction with the client’s financial staff, provide recommendations required to improve airport operations and meet client goals
Oversee Capital Improvement Plan/Projects and funding sources through grant administration, proper budgeting, and sound accounting practices
Develop and evaluate leases, agreements, rates, fees, permits, and other sources of revenue; confers with lessees and airport users to resolve complaints or performance deficiencies; provide information to individuals and private business firms seeking airport leases and concessions; make recommendations for approval, denial, or lease terminations.
Develop and implement approved Airport security, certification, and safety programs in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations and guidelines
Make recommendations on construction, alterations, and maintenance activities on airport facilities and equipment and coordinate construction activities on airside and landside properties ensuring minimal operational impact on tenants and the public
React and respond to incidents, accidents, events, problems, and complaints in a professional manner
Coordinate opening and closing the airport (or portions of it) based upon airport conditions, construction, and related safety factors. Issue NOTAMs as required.
Develop and maintain relationships with airline and airport tenants to ensure Essential Air Service (EAS) requirements are being met, facilities and staffing are being professionally maintained, accounting is being facilitated efficiently, and that the best possible customer service is being provided to our users
Allocate work to direct reports, identify employees for training as per the organization’s guidelines and conduct job performance reviews to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation/Airport Management, or related degree with at least 10 years of airport experience in a senior management position
7 years of management experience in Airport Operations and/or Airport Administration
Valid driver’s license
Desired Qualifications:

Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Member (AAE) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Experience with driving on an airfield
Familiarization with aviation terminology and operating 2-way radios to communicate with FAA ATC

Founders 3 is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

10/03/2022

02/18/2022

We had a great time at the 2022 Michigan Association of Airport Executives - MAAE Conference! It's always nice to see old faces and meet some new ones!

10/21/2021

Do you have strong administrative and customer service skills?
Are you experienced in a broad scope of projects, coordination and interaction with government agencies?
Do you want to be part of a great team and fast-paced atmosphere?

If you answered yes to these questions - we have the perfect job for you...

At Founders 3, we provide world class Real Estate Management service by caring for our clients’ assets as if they were our own. Our wide range of expertise ranges from pre-development consultation to full-service property management, accounting and maintenance services. Our depth of experience and stellar track record let our clients make confident investment decisions, knowing that their property investments are in excellent hands.

Founders 3 – F3 Airport team is looking for an Administrative Director to join our team supporting the Waukegan National Airport. If you are looking for a growing company that invests in it's employees then Founders 3 is the place for you.
As the Airport Administrative Director, you will be responsible for financial management including accounts payable, account receivable, annual budget and capital budget monitoring. You will also coordinate the administrative functions of IDA/FAA Airport improvement projects including funds for federal and state grants. You will be a key contributor in our tenant relations team managing airport leases, including rent roll, lease renewals and assumptions and CPI’s increases. Each day will require you to employ strong communication skills and multi task seamlessly and efficiently to meet our clients’ expectations.

The ideal candidate will be a customer focused professional with a minimum of 5 years experience in a fast paced administrative/customer service environment and experience working and communicating with government agencies. The following strengths are required: attention to detail, problem solving, organizational skills, the ability to multi task and excellent written and verbal skills. The ability to employ strong time management skills and prioritize while maintaining confidentiality is a must.

FOUNDERS 3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

10/05/2021

Waukegan National Airport was awarded the 2021 Reliever Airport of the Year Award by the Illinois Department of Transportation. We are so proud of Director Skip Goss and the entire staff at UGN for the hard work and dedication they put into this airport. It is a testament to our commitment to our clients in providing not only world-class management of their airports, but the ingenuity and experience that come with it to continually improve their facilities.

Great job team!!!

For Immediate Release - September 27, 2021 Airport of the Year awards announced by IDOT SPRINGFIELD - Reflecti...