As passenger traffic at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City steadily increased, airlines began deploying various aircraft types to meet growing market demands. Recognizing the need to accommodate this growth, TVC collaborated with engineering experts to successfully demonstrate to the FAA that a runway extension was essential for the airport’s capacity and safety.
The project focused on a 400-foot extension of Runway 28 and the relocation of the airport’s only instrument landing system (ILS). These upgrades were strategically aimed at enhancing operational safety and efficiency. Despite the complexity, the airport remained fully operational throughout the project, thanks to a meticulously planned, multi-phase construction approach.
Key project highlights include:
- The glide slope antenna was moved, and a new medium-intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights was installed.
- Temporary and permanent precision approach path indicators were added, and the Automated Surface Observation Station weather equipment was relocated to improve flight safety.
The runway now allows aircraft to operate with minimal load reductions during the summer and provides additional braking distance during winter operations. This upgrade also enables airline pilots to decelerate and turn onto a taxiway closer to the terminal, significantly reducing ground taxi times and minimizing runway occupancy.