Air Force 2 alights and departs from King County International
 On one of the hottest days of the year last month, King County International Airport (KCIA) had two “ramp freezes” for a VIP visit to Seattle. There were no actual freezing temperatures involved, of course.
Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at KCIA shortly after 11 a.m. on August 15 and left a few hours later. The ramp freezes halted all movement on the airfield, requiring everyone to be inside or stationary on the ramp, during the arrival and departure of Air Force 2, shown above. Security was so tight that not even Airport Duty Managers could get a glimpse or a photo of the Vice President.
Modern Aviation provides KCIA's first all-electric GPU
Modern Aviation, a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at KCIA, bought and recently received the first all-electric Ground Power Unit (GPU) at the airport. Support crews are already using it daily.
“We’re excited to get this Ground Power Unit,” said Eric Schneider, general manager of Modern Aviation. “This is another example of good partnership with Modern and King County and the things we’re doing to help the climate.”
“The cool thing about this new power unit is that it will support every type of aircraft and we can use it indoors if needed,” Schneider said. He added that it can power a Boeing 737 for seven hours. It provides both AC and DC power.
Customers might not notice a difference in the new GPU’s appearance from a traditional diesel-powered unit as it arrives to spool up their engine or provide power for other needs, except that the unit is quieter.
“When they ask for ground power, we can use that cart anytime,” Schneider said. “It’s quiet, so we’re reducing the noise footprint as well as emissions.
The new all-electric GPU is just one of many efforts Modern Aviation has undertaken to do their part to fight climate change. When they remodeled their main FBO and built their new facility at KCIA, they made many improvements to help the environment, from drainage to HVAC to compostable trash bags.
“The little things that we do at more expense add up, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” Schneider said.
Photo: The new Ground Power Unit is a Powervamp 409-iBS-132kWh, a TLD all electric GPU.
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New instrument approach honors Mike Colmant
Pilots bound for King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) who fly in weather that requires the use of instruments have a new approach they can take to KCIA. The approach keeps airplanes offshore longer to reduce flights over downtown Seattle and neighborhoods such as Magnolia.
“It’s more of a curved approach to keep airplanes over the water as opposed to over downtown Seattle,” said Kevin Donahue, Airport Duty Manager. “It’s mostly going to be used by corporate jets, UPS and other tenants. There will be a reduction in noise for quite a few folks.”
Newer airplanes outfitted with GPS navigation will be the primary users of the new approach. Most smaller planes will continue using existing approaches. But still, the change is a welcome one.
“It’s kind of a big deal for Boeing Field in order to meet our environmental goals,” Donahue said. “Designing things to keep airplanes over water was the goal. Flying an airplane over water vs over tall buildings downtown is safer for pilots and passengers as well.”
“There are still going to be airplanes flying in instrument conditions over downtown Seattle if they want to use the legacy system we have here,” he said, adding that planes flying to Sea-Tac are likely a bigger issue. “We try and do what we can to be good neighbors and that’s the reason for this.”
For airport employees and others who knew former KCIA deputy director Mike Colmant, the new approach may evoke some bittersweet memories. One of the approach “fixes,” or points in space, has been labeled COLMT in honor of Colmant, who was killed in a hit-and-run collision while cycling near Seward Park in April of 2021.
Pilots can get details about the approach on Jeppesen.
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Interns get a close-up look at KCIA and the Blue Angels
 Interns from KCIA, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and two consulting firms toured King County International Airport early last month as part of a regional airport tour. KCIA staff shared information about their careers. Then Sam Priest, Airport Duty Manager, and Lehman Morris, Utility Worker, led an airfield tour, with stops at Gavin Flying, KCIA Maintenance Shop, the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station, Museum of Flight, and Modern Aviation.
“This annual event is a great opportunity for KCIA to shine and show students all the different types of jobs and professional paths at an airport. A big thank you to all the KCIA staff and tenants who pitched in to make this such a success. Hopefully some of the students you see in these photos will be our colleagues one day!” said Kevin Nuechterlein, Capital Program Manager, who organized the tour and runs the airport’s internship program.
Interns wrap up summer with a tour of Sea-Tac
 KCIA interns joined interns from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, C&S Companies and Kimley Horn, two of KCIA's consulting firms, for a tour of Sea-Tac in mid-August. Thanks to Paul Pelton, Sea-Tac Airfield Operations Manager, who led the tour.
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