It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday April 20, 2026.
Palmer Airport Superintendent John Diumenti gave an overview of airport activities and planning on Inside the City on Big Cabbage Radio last Friday.
The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is coming to the Palmer Airport on May 2 and 3. It is expected to draw about 25,000 people to the airport and the State Fairgrounds.
Connect with Alaska’s flying community at the gathering. View aircraft displays at the airport. Watch aerial demonstrations at 4 p.m. each day. Explore aviation up close at this family-friendly event.
The gathering kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday May 2nd. Parachuters will descend with a flag while the national anthem plays.
The Alaska Airmen’s Association hosts this free annual event. (Parkingat the Fairgrounds is $5 to support Palmer Moose Hockey). More info at alaskaairmen.org.
Commercial operators and flight schools operate year-round at the airport. They fly anytime the runways are clear and the weather cooperates. Activity at the airport ramps up with the change of seasons. Private pilots are back in the air.
The airport plays a key role in firefighting statewide. Forestry aircraft, including large tankers like the Q400, are expected again this season.
Helicopter operations have expanded. Two large “Type 1” helicopters are now based at the airport. These civilian versions of the Black Hawk are important for fire suppression due to their heavy lifting capability.
The lighting at the airport will be upgraded this summer. Most of the airport lighting relies on incandescent bulbs that are hard to find. Aging wiring causes reliability issues and higher energy costs. The upgrade will modernize the system. It will improve efficiency and safety. And, save money.
The airport is looking at pavement maintenance on the north apron and potential reconfiguration of airport space to better meet future needs. They are looking at smaller improvements such as widening taxiways for safer aircraft run-ups.
A comprehensive master planning process has begun at the airport. This effort will guide future development. Phase one involves collecting data. This includes everything from aircraft usage to community input. Phase two will translate the information into a strategic plan for future improvements.
The planning process is expected to cost about $1 million. The FAA will fund 95% and the City will provide a 5% match. The grant application is underway. Work is expected to begin in late summer or early fall. Community involvement is key to the process. Residents will have opportunities to share their perspectives.
The Airport Advisory Commission began meeting monthly instead of quarterly to support the planning effort. Their meetings are open to anyone interested in the airport’s future.
Come experience the Palmer Airport on May 2nd or 3rd whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just curious. Learn how it serves the community.
The full interview with Diumenti is on bigcabbageradio.org under Inside the City in Podcasts.
We will stream both the Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting and the Special Palmer City Council meeting tomorrow night on bigcabbageradio.org. Both start at 6 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday at the recycling center. Stop by between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and see the how the recycling center works.
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This Page Two article was summarized from an interview with Palmer Airport Superintendent John Diumenti by Mike Chmielewski using Chat GPT and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday April 20, 2026.
image credit: palmerak.org