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Issue link: http://airportbusiness.epubxp.com/i/813534
COVER STORY Jay D. Ball, director of facilities and grounds for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, who co-chairs the rodeo, said he got the idea for having the competition at the symposium from lighting classes he attended in the early 1980s in South Bend, Ind., where they had a similar event. After seeing how competitive and what a morale booster the competition was for the snow fighters, Ball said he wanted to see that at his own airport. "The competition was just unbelievable when I went there," he said. When Ball came to Roanoke he brought the compe- tition to the airport. He took it to the committee at the symposium and everyone agreed it was a great idea. The crew at Buffalo Niagara International Airport worked with the committee as well to prepare the course for the competition, Ball said. About 50 people signed up, which he said was a surprise. "Everyone that we spoke with last year said 'hey, you got to do it again,' so we're going to continue on," Ball said. The second annual snow plow rodeo and barbeque will take place April 26, in conjunction with the NEC/ AAAE International Aviation Snow Symposium, being held April 22-26 in Buffalo, N.Y. The rodeo tests the skills of the operators through a course set up at the airport. Competitors are timed as they maneuver their way through cones in a plow truck with a 22-foot plow attached. Combining speed, skill and ability, competitors work through a serpentine course; backing into a loading spot where they're judged and scored on the maneuver; and even a station where they have to deter - mine where the plow is by using it to push a plunger in. "It's the skill and ability of the operator to maneuver such a large piece of equipment through a course," Ball said. "You kind of think that on the airfield it's wide open, but there's lights, there's nav aids and all other kinds of obstacles out there and that operator needs to know where his implements are at all times, otherwise the electricity is going to get upset if you start knocking lights over." Joe Guarino, airfield superintendent for Buffalo Niagara International Airport, said the rodeo course was designed by Ball and Tim Haizlip, director of maintenance, Louisville Regional Airport; who were assisted by Matt Gabbert, senior manager airport maintenance, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport; Greg Chapin, account representative Franklin Paint; Tom Swanek, field maintenance manager, Omaha Airport; Ryan Rockovitz, superintendent of maintenance, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority; and Jim Moorhead, airfield mainte- nance supervisor, Pittsburgh International Airport. Guarino said from his staff, Pete Robbins, mainte- nance supervisor, and John Kwasniewski, assistant maintenance supervisor with his department, were also instrumental in helping to make the rodeo such a huge success in 2016. He said the event generated a lot of interest from the local press and lots of spectators even came out to see f ter seeing tremendous success with the inaugu- ral event in 2016, the International Aviation Snow Symposium (IASS) will once again host the Snow Plow Rodeo and Barbecue. Chris McBride, Third Place, 2016 Rodeo f Age: 35 f Title: Grounds Person f Years at the airport: 5 f What brought you to this profession? I came to the airport after working in construction operating heavy equipment. f What do you like the most about this industry? It's a big change of pace from the construction world. f What is it you like most about being on the snow removal team? Keeping the airport safe for the travelers. f What is the most challenging thing about being on the snow removal team that people may not realize? Whiteout conditions and trying to keep everything open. f What was the most challenging storm you ever worked and what made it so difficult? Freezing rain is the biggest hassle. f What is it about the snow plow rodeo that makes it an important com- petition for you and your peers? The comradery f How did you prepare for the rodeo in 2016? Going through the winter conditions. f Why would you recommend others like yourself should participate in the snow plow rodeo? It's a way for the guys to show their skills and show off their airport in a fun competition. f What makes the rodeo so challenging and how do you prepare yourself? The obstacle course is tough and you have to get yourself in the right mindset. f What is it about your airport's snow removal team that you think makes them one of the best in North America? It's a solid group of guys and when it gets tough, you do your job into the best of your ability so you get the job done. A