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Shelby County Airport (Alabama)

Coordinates: 33°10′40″N 086°46′59″W / 33.17778°N 86.78306°W / 33.17778; -86.78306
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Shelby County Airport
NAIP aerial image, 2006
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerShelby County Commission
ServesAlabaster, Alabama
LocationCalera, Alabama
Elevation AMSL586 ft / 179 m
Coordinates33°10′40″N 086°46′59″W / 33.17778°N 86.78306°W / 33.17778; -86.78306
Websiteal-shelbycountytourism.civicplus.com
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
16/34 5,000 1,524 Asphalt
Statistics (2017)
Aircraft operations (2016)20,848
Based aircraft78

Shelby County Airport (ICAO: KEET, FAA LID: EET) is a public use airport located four nautical miles (7 km) southeast of the central business district of Alabaster, a city in Shelby County, Alabama, United States. It is owned by the Shelby County Commission.[1] The airport is situated in the city of Calera.[2]

This airport is included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015[3] and 2009–2013,[4] both of which categorized it as a general aviation facility. This was a change from the 2007–2011 NPIAS Report, when it was categorized as a reliever airport.[5]

Although most U.S. airports use the same three-letter location identifier for the FAA and IATA, this airport is assigned EET by the FAA but has no designation from the IATA.[6]

Facilities & aircraft

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Shelby County Airport, which opened in September 1966, covers an area of 125 acres (51 ha) at an elevation of 586 feet (179 m) above mean sea level. It has one asphalt paved runway designated 16/34 which measures 5,000 by 75 feet (1,524 x 23 m).[1] The runway runs parallel to adjacent Interstate 65. The airport has its own interchange on that highway.

In 1979, Shelby County Airport received funding from U.S. and state grants to support major expansion projects. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was considering a $1.3 million grant to extend the runway by 1,400 feet to the south and 400 feet to the north, improving its capacity for larger aircraft. Additionally, a $20,000 grant from the Alabama Aeronautical Association funded paving for 12 new hangars, increasing the airport’s capacity for general aviation. The airport also received $6,000 for a non-directional beacon to aid navigation. Designated a FAA reliever airport, the facility aimed to separate small aircraft from larger commercial traffic following concerns about air traffic safety. A Learjet service for business travelers was also introduced, and local companies expressed interest in using the airport for corporate flights, contingent on runway improvements.[7]

On March 28, 1983, a Shelby County Commissioners reviewed a preliminary proposal to construct a second runway at Shelby County Airport. Aviation Administrator Bill Tucker outlined plans for the new airstrip to be located west of the existing runway, which could then be repurposed as a taxi ramp. Previous discussions had focused on extending the airport’s main runway from 3,800 to 5,600 feet, but this was the first official proposal for an additional runway. The estimated cost of the project ranged from $2 million to $3 million, with 90 percent potentially covered by a federal grant. However, acquiring the necessary 200 acres of land posed a challenge, as property owners in the area might resist selling, potentially requiring land condemnation. Citizens expressed concerns that expansion would increase air traffic, noise, and accident risks, possibly leading to lower property values. Tucker emphasized that increasing the airport’s capacity would enhance safety and attract more business aviation to the county, boosting economic development.

At the same meeting, commissioners granted a 90-day contract extension to Lane Aero Co., the company operating Shelby County Airport, despite the firm's $150,000 loss over the previous five years. Airport manager Larry Chapman blamed the financial struggles on broader economic conditions but expressed optimism about future improvements. He requested a 10-year contract to secure long-term financing for necessary upgrades, though the commission opted for a shorter extension. Discussion also arose about forming a county airport authority to oversee the facility, with Tucker expecting a petition to establish such an authority to be presented at the next commission meeting on April 11. Chapman stated that Lane Aero Co. supported the creation of an airport authority and was willing to work within the temporary contract extension to facilitate a transition.[8]

On February 12, 1986, a proposed 500,000-gallon elevated water tank in Alabaster, Alabama, sparked controversy due to its location in the approach pattern for Shelby County Airport. The tank, positioned atop a ridge 110 feet above ground level, raised safety concerns among pilots, particularly under poor visibility conditions. Private pilot Edward D. Burquez argued that the structure posed a significant hazard to instrument-rated pilots flying into the airport. Although the concrete foundation had been poured and steel fabrication was set to begin, the Alabaster Water and Gas Board temporarily halted construction pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA opened a public comment period before issuing a ruling, with possible outcomes including full approval, conditional approval with warning lights, or outright disapproval. Local officials defended the tank as essential for water pressure and fire protection, while discussions continued over alternative sites.[9]

On January 18, 1989, a proposal to fill a portion of a swamp near Shelby County Airport for expansion purposes met opposition from environmental experts and local residents. The Shelby County Airport Authority applied for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fill 24 acres of a mature tupelo gum swamp adjacent to the airport, with an additional 50 acres slated for clearing. Experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency raised concerns about the ecological impact and potential flooding risks. Mitigation efforts, including the creation of new wetlands, were estimated to add up to $7.5 million to the $7.4 million airport expansion project. Local conservationists and a group of duck hunters leasing the swamp opposed the plan, arguing that the wetland served as a natural flood barrier. Despite alternatives, airport officials supported the plan due to its cost-effectiveness in extending the runway to 5,800 feet.[10]

In 1992, Shelby County Airport installed an Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) to provide pilots with real-time weather updates via radio and telephone. The system, a joint project of the National Weather Service and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), collected data on temperature, dew point, visibility, cloud ceiling, and altimeter settings. It replaced outdated methods where pilots had to rely on estimates or weather reports from Birmingham, 20 miles north. The $85,000 system aimed to enhance flight safety by ensuring pilots had accurate, up-to-date weather conditions before takeoff and landing. Shelby County Airport was one of the first two airports in Alabama to receive ASOS, with future installations planned statewide.[11]

The National Weather Service began construction of a 6,000-square-foot forecast office at Shelby County Airport, set to open in the fall. The facility, part of a nationwide network of Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) sites, would oversee weather conditions for northern two-thirds of Alabama. Designed by Fluor Daniel of Kansas City and built by Fred Burgos Construction of Montgomery, the new office was expected to house 23 employees relocating from Homewood. Additionally, an upper-air program for launching weather balloons was scheduled to move to the site in 1995. While the forecast office would be based at the airport, the NEXRAD radar tower itself was planned for a separate Alabama Power Co. property across Interstate 65, with operations planned for April 1994.[12]

In May 1994, Shelby County Airport in Alabama underwent major expansion projects aimed at attracting new industry, particularly businesses linked to the Mercedes-Benz plant. Improvements included a runway extension of 600 feet on each end of the existing 3,800-foot runway, the construction of 16 new drive-through hangars costing $75,000, and a $25,000 renovation of the main hangar, which updated the office, pilots' lounge, reception area, and flight planning room. Additional plans included a new terminal restaurant, a full-service aircraft repair shop, and staffing 24/7 fueling and aircraft services. The National Weather Service also began construction of a $1 million headquarters at the airport. Phoenix Aviation, the fixed-base operator, leased the facility and sought to expand corporate aircraft operations. County officials explored 500 acres of industrial park development adjacent to the airport, reinforcing its role as a growing hub for corporate and industrial aviation.[13]

In 2003, Shelby County Airport announced plans to extend its runway by 589 feet to reach 5,000 feet, following a previous expansion to 4,400 feet and the construction of a 4,400-foot taxiway. The expansion aimed to accommodate medium-sized corporate jets, increasing business aviation traffic. The airport's fixed-base operator (FBO), Shelby Air, reported a 200% increase in air traffic since 2001, directing private pilots to key business locations in the region. Economic leaders viewed the airport’s proximity to Hoover and Birmingham as an asset for attracting businesses and corporate aviation, enhancing the area’s appeal for economic growth and homebuyers.[14]

For the 12-month period ending January 15, 2010, the airport had 20,848 aircraft operations, an average of 57 per day: 99% general aviation and 1% military. At that time there were 83 aircraft based at this airport: 92% single-engine, 7% multi-engine and 1% jet.[1]

Accidents & Incidents

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  • On February 17, 1968, a Cessna 182 carrying Helena Mayor J.R. Davidson, veterinarian Dr. Stanley Lacey, and pilot Leonard Bearden crashed shortly after taking off from Shelby County Airport near Alabaster. At 4:10 a.m., Bearden radioed the airport reporting, "We're going down," after experiencing issues with the horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft crashed 10 miles southwest of Columbiana in the Prospect Community, between Buxahatchee and Waxahatchee Creeks, and all three occupants were killed. The wreckage was later located east of Highway 25 following a search effort by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, which also covered parts of Chilton County.[15]
  • On May 28, 1972, a home-built Starduster II stunt plane crashed during an airshow at Shelby County Airport in Alabaster, Alabama, in front of 4,000 spectators. The aircraft, piloted by Chuck Hale of Birmingham, disappeared behind trees before a loud boom was heard. Hale sustained serious injuries, including two broken ribs, possible fractures in both legs, and third-degree burns. He was airlifted to Birmingham’s University Hospital by a National Guard helicopter and was reported to be conscious and alert. The cause of the crash was under investigation, and the accident occurred approximately 250 yards from the spectators.[16]
  • On May 16, 1982, a Veteran stunt pilot Don Smith of Huntsville, Alabama, died in a crash during an airshow at Shelby County Airport. Smith, known for his dramatic "clown" stunt routine, was performing a maneuver in which he stalled his Piper J-3 Cub midair, simulating an out-of-control dive before pulling out at the last moment. However, during this performance, he failed to recover, and the aircraft crashed onto the concrete runway in front of more than 500 spectators. Emergency responders extricated Smith from the wreckage and transported him by helicopter to Carraway Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The accident cast a somber tone over the event, and many attendees initially mistook the crash for part of the act before realizing the severity of the situation.[17]
  • On June 4, 1982, a Cessna 172 piloted by James H. Thomas, a 59-year-old insurance executive from Mobile, Alabama, crashed near Shelby County Airport during a severe storm. Thomas was flying alone on a business trip to Birmingham when his aircraft went down in heavy rain and strong winds, which had caused extensive flooding and power outages in the Birmingham area. Radio contact was lost at approximately 8:20 a.m., and the wreckage was later discovered in a partially cleared timberland near Shelby County 22, about eight miles southwest of the airport. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began examining the crash site to determine whether weather conditions played a role in the accident. Thomas, who had several hundred flight hours of experience, had lived in Mobile for 25 years and was survived by his wife and four children.[18]
  • On September 23, 2006, a Beech F-33A aircraft, registered as N8148R, crashed shortly after takeoff from Shelby County Airport in Alabaster, Alabama, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and two passengers. The aircraft, operating under Part 91 for sightseeing flights at the Wings and Wheels 2006 Air Show, experienced total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. Witnesses reported hearing the engine sputter before the aircraft entered a steep left bank and stalled. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the pilot’s improper fuel management and failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering toward an emergency landing, leading to an inadvertent stall and impact with the ground and an airport perimeter fence. No evidence of pre-crash mechanical failure was found.[19]
  • October 7, 2006, a Piper PA-28R-180, registered as N70SR, sustained substantial damage during landing at Shelby County Airport in Alabaster, Alabama, due to a landing gear malfunction. The private pilot, who was uninjured, was conducting a practice flight in preparation for a commercial pilot certificate when the gear in-transit light remained illuminated after takeoff. Despite indications that the landing gear was up and locked, the right main gear collapsed upon landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. An FAA inspection revealed that the landing gear hydraulic motor shuttle valve was jammed, preventing normal extension. Striking the valve with a hammer allowed the gear to function properly. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause of the accident to be the jammed shuttle valve, which led to the gear collapse upon landing.[20]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d FAA Airport Form 5010 for EET PDF. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective January 5, 2017.
  2. ^ "Shelby County Airport". Shelby County website. Archived from the original on 1 June 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  3. ^ "2011–2015 NPIAS Report, Appendix A (PDF, 2.03 MB)" (PDF). 2011–2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Federal Aviation Administration. 4 October 2010.
  4. ^ "2009–2013 NPIAS Report, Appendix A: Part 1 (PDF, 1.33 MB)" (PDF). 2009–2013 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Federal Aviation Administration. 15 October 2008.
  5. ^ "2007–2011 NPIAS Report, Appendix A: Part 1 (PDF, 1.26 MB)" (PDF). 2007–2011 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Federal Aviation Administration. 6 October 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2012.
  6. ^ Great Circle Mapper: KEET - Alabaster, Alabama - Shelby County Airport
  7. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1150869959/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  8. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1151378190/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  9. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1151845103/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  10. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1152305995/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  11. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1154452673/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  12. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1154879790/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  13. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1155777189/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  14. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1158419217/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  15. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/1149104271/?match=1&terms=%22Shelby%20County%20Airport%22
  16. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/256316565/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  17. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/794723473/?match=1&clipping_id=new
  18. ^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/794727547/?clipping_id=new
  19. ^ https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64582/pdf
  20. ^ https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64698/pdf
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