When Saratoga County Airport set out on a major expansion, LeChase project executive and avid glider pilot Tim Hanke knew he had to be part of it.
Tim’s connection to the airport runs deep. He took his first glider flight there at just one year old. By 14, he was flying solo, and he hasn’t stopped since. Tim’s interest in flying stems from his father, a power plane and glider pilot who had been flying out of the airport since the 1970s. Just two miles away, the facility was practically an extension of their home.
But flying became more than just a hobby. In 1997, Tim joined the U.S. Junior Soaring Team, representing the country in international competitions in Germany and the Netherlands. Today, he gives back as an instructor, spending weekends at the airport teaching young students to fly. He also serves as operations director and treasurer of the Adirondack Soaring Association, which flies out of the airport.
Given those connections, Tim and the Capital Region team put in a lot of upfront work to win the expansion, and their efforts paid off. The project was awarded to LeChase by the smallest of margins – just $60,000 on a $28.5 million contract.
Now, Tim brings valuable insights to the project – understanding the needs of pilots and airport users firsthand. This perspective has already led to key improvements, such as redesigning a driveway originally planned with a sharp turn that would have been difficult for planes and trailers to navigate. Tim proposed adding extra space around the turn, ensuring a smoother experience for pilots and airport traffic.
His long-standing relationship with Airport Manager Neil Kelsey has also proven beneficial. “Our personal relationship has now developed into a professional one,” noted Tim. “It makes day-to-day operations on-site easier. I know I can call him, ask a question and get a quick answer for the team.”
For Tim, it’s definitely a project that offers more than taking pride in a job well done. As a regular user of the airport, he is excited to reap the benefits of the project after completion. “Part of the project is a new restaurant. It will be awesome to go grab a drink or a bite to eat after flying,” he added.
