DESERT AIRE - When the two remaining members of the Desert Air Airport board selected Dick Skogerstad to be the third board member, they chose a man who knows the aircraft business.

Dick Skogerstad, a resident of Desert Aire, was the original executive director of the Washington Aerospace Alliance. His career in the aircraft-aerospace business began in 1968 and continued through 2003.

"We could not have found a better person to sit on the board," said board member Cliff Naser. "He knows what airports need. He has a great background."

Skogerstad replaces Dave Strand, who has moved to the Tri-Cities. Strand was also the airport manager.

"A great deal of gratitude is due Dave for his untiring work over the last five years, as well as to his wife Linda, who helped organize all of the airport events," Skogerstad said.

"Dave's leadership, along with that of current Commissioners Cliff Nader and Ralph Herth, has ensured that our airport is always in tip-top condition," he added.

Skogerstad has been involved in the Desert Aire Community. He is president of the Desert Aire Shopping Center Owners Association. He represents the Desert Aire Golf Club in the Seattle Golf Show and the Desert Aire Airport in the Washington State Airport Show.

Skogerstad's aircraft-aerospace management background includes involvement with counties, the Washington State Economic Development Councils and port districts. That experience provides this community with responsible planning for securing funding for projects.

"It will help us procure funds to acquire facilities that will create a safer, better equipped airport," Skogerstad said. "Our desire is to attract more people to Desert Aire and create a safe, pilot friendly atmosphere."

Skogerstad noted Desert Aire Airport recently received a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation/Aviation for a new runway. It will be completed within the next 2-3 years, and will be 60 feet wide instead of its present 36 feet. The length of 3,665 feet will remain the same.

"Bid solicitation was sent out last week, and we are beginning phase 1, which will be the earth work and grading," Skogerstad said.

Recently completed was the Emergency Medical Services Heli-Pad at the West end of the runway.

"It has already saved two lives in our community, thanks to quick evacuation to medical facilities required for trauma patients," Skogerstad said.

A new tie-down area and a walkway to the senior center and shopping center were completed this summer.

Skogerstad noted the Airport has plans for a pilot lounge at the west end of the runway. It is also planning a Card Lock fuel station for 100LL and Jet A fuel.

Skogerstad and his wife Melinda moved to Desert Aire in 2006. They have five grown children and 10 grandchildren who enjoy vacationing with the Skogerstads in their new community.

Melinda has spent a lifetime as a licensed Designer and real estate broker. The Skogerstads own Pacific Real Estate Company, which has an office in Desert Aire.

"Melinda looks forward to assisting me with the various duties assumed with my position," Skogerstad said.