Installation of instrument landing system marks aviation history

The City of Troy celebrated an event more than a decade in the making at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Troy Municipal Airport at N. Kenneth Campbell Field Runway 07 extension on May 29, 2014. The runway features an Instrument Landing System (ILS) with an End-Fire Glide Slope, which makes it possible to land aircraft in unfavorable weather conditions. This system also allows larger aircraft to land, and is one of an estimated 60 in the world, half of which are in the United States.

The project was led by engineers from Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), making this the first end-fire glide slope installation designed by a private engineering firm. All end-fire glide slope systems prior to this have been designed through the Federal Aviation Administration’s internal engineering department.

“I’m very proud of GMC Project Manager Michelle Conway and the way she has led the team to complete this multi-faceted project,” GMC Vice President of Aviation Al Allenback said. “Commissioning the End Fire ILS opens up the almost 6,200 feet of runway for all weather operations by larger aircraft and makes the airport a catalyst for economic development in the City of Troy and Pike County.”

 The project team included representatives from the City of Troy, the U.S. Army, the FAA, ALDOT Aeronautics Bureau, Watts Antenna Company and local contractors. The U.S. Army will maintain the system and handle the daily operations.