Why is the runway extension needed?
The most important benefit to the pilots using the airport is the precision landing guidance for landing to the west into the prevailing winds. This Instrument Landing System (ILS) requires lighting on the ground for several hundred yards from the end of the runway. These lights allow the pilot to see the runway environment easily in low visibility. There is no room on the east end of the south runway for this approach lighting because of terrain and Godown Road. The only option to get an ILS to the west is to use the north runway. The airport currently has an ILS to the east on the south runway. The extension of the North runway to 6000 feet will also increase safety to the airport users. The FAA recommends a 6500 foot runway for the Gulfstream, the largest aircraft routinely flying into OSU Airport, but that runway length is not feasible.
