Guest Speaker

Centennial Airport (APA) is the third busiest General Aviation (GA) reliever airport in the country. Having an airport of this considerable size so close to Metro State is a distinct benefit of attending. Not only does APA provide training and employment opportunities for students, the personnel of the airport are excellent resources for industry insight. This was the case when Michael Fronapfel spoke to Professor Price’s Airport Management class on Tuesday, February 15.

Mr. Fronapfel addressed the operational and planning aspects of a GA airport. This included his time as an intern to his current position as the Noise Supervisor and Senior Planner. Interspersed throughout his presentation were anecdotes and pictures of incidents and accidents. Mr. Fronapfel’s involvement with APA extends from snow removal to overseeing the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). His experience as Senior Planner included the construction of two high-speed taxiway connectors and resurfacing of the alpha taxiway. Mr. Fronapfel also spoke extensively about noise abatement. As the Noise Supervisor, he frequently presents to community groups and is involved with local politics surrounding the airport. Among his most distinctive experiences is his involvement with the part 150 study recently conducted for APA. Because of his enthusiasm for, and experiences in airport management, Mr. Fronapfel was an excellent representative for the APA internship program. He stressed the usefulness of the internship in an airport management career and provided advice for students interested in seeking the internship.

Michael Fronapfel’s presentation to Professor Price’s Airport Management class was an excellent example of GA airport management experience. The presentation revealed how dynamic a career in management at a GA airport can be. From emergency responder, to snow plow driver, to community representative of the airport, Mr. Fronapfel has a wide variety of experiences to draw from. His presentation, culminating with the briefing on the APA internship, was an excellent recruitment for those interested in the airport management field.