Holley Mountain Airpark
(HMA) - FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, SEE ALSO:
AMENITIES
Q: How old is Holley
Mountain Airpark ?
A: The
Colloms purchased the original 120 acres of what was to become HMA March
5th of 1991 from Bob & Charlotte Tidwell. The original private
2,850ft. grass runway was built in 1993. Actually, we had hangar
construction prior to the completion of the large runway and taxiways. See
photos, below:
Above: Original grass runway in 1994, photo
courtesy of J.F. & Cheryl Williams.
| Runway and hangar
construction (Tract 22), May of 1999, at right.
The current runway and airpark development
(below) started in 1998 with the first property sale March 7th,
1999 and the paving of the runway July 22nd, 1999. The photo
below shows Holley Mountain Airpark in May of 2004.
8
Years and Running !!! |
 |
Q:
Who owns the runway ?
A:
Our airpark property owners association owns the runway and taxiways.
Q:
Will the runway ever be extended beyond 4,800 ft ?
A:
Don’t think so, not without building onto the mountain or building one
monster of a bridge structure. We actually own two sets of RABBIT and
MALSR lights but we don’t have the ground at the end of the runways to
install them. Which by the way that provides for a lot of safety in the
twin engine planes. You can loose altitude for miles and continue with a
lot of room to get turned around.
Q:
Why is runway 23 right traffic ?
A: To
save all of us as tax payers money. The Airforce had a low level C-130
route that passed just south-east and over us. When we built the new
runway and went public they came to us and asked if we could keep all
traffic to the north-west of the field, they would restrict the left side
of their route as they passed HMA. That would keep them or us as tax
payers from doing a complete new environmental study to move their route
at an estimated 6 figure cost. Since Holley Mountain has developed we have
not seen much of the C-130’s low on the their now restricted route
south-east of us. However, anytime they are near airports, anywhere in
Arkansas, they are always on VHF giving traffic reports to that airport.
Q:
Does being located in the Shirley MOA hurt ?
A:
Not at all. The floor of the MOA is 10,000 msl to FL 180. It only
provides us with a spectacular view of some great F-16 dog fights,
courtesy of the Air National Guard, about once a month or so.
Q:
Why is Holley Mountain Airpark a public use airport ?
A:
First and foremost we wanted to be great neighbors to our community and
provide a service to our area that due to its location the city airport
cannot provide. Why? It’s in the valley with rising terrain off both
ends. One of the services that HMA provides is Instrument RNAV/GPS
Approaches for business and especially medical flights during IMC. Our HMA
residents are thought of in our community, as persons that are aiding the
development of our county as a whole and making it a safer place too. It
is great to see all the HMA residents respected so greatly.
Q:
How do I turn the runway & helipad lights on ?
A:
They are pilot controlled on the Unicom frequency of 122.7 MHz., at night
or during periods of low lighting. The runway lights are multi level 3
clicks-Low, 5 clicks-Medium, 7 clicks-High. The helipad lights are on a
separate 122.7 MHz single intensity controller, at 5 clicks they are on.
Q:
How do I get the Runway End Identifier Lights (RAILS) on ?
A:
When you 7 click the runway lights into High the RAILS come on
automatically. They are always off when the runway lights are in Medium
or Low.
Q:
How do I get the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights on ?
A:
They are on full time during daylight hours and on anytime the runway
lights are on at night.
Q:
Is it always this quiet on the mountain ?
A:
Yes, with the exception of an occasional aircraft going over or after a
hard rain as the water is running in Weaver Creek.
Q:
Why does the Section Chart not depict Holley Mountain having a Rotating
Beacon, but it does ?
A:
HMA does have a rotating beacon, but the traffic volume doesn’t
substantiate running the beacon all night. The beacon is controlled from
the same controller that controls the Skywarn Radio Hub and the Automatic
Unicom. It comes on at dark and stays on approximately 4 hrs and then
goes off. It’s a fact most night landings occur within 2 hours of sunset
anyway. However, at anytime during the night the runway lights are
turned on, the beacon also comes on and stays on until they go off again.
Q:
Does Holley Mountain Airpark actually have an Automatic Unicom Radio ?
A:
Yes, however this is something that Jim built back in the mid 90s using
the same controller that runs all the Skywarn System Hub that ham radio
links north Arkansas during severe weather. To access it, you click your
mic exactly eight (8) times on 122.7 MHz day or night. It also
has the ability to tell you during IMC if the approach lights and runway
lights are on. No more guessing for what to look for.
Q: What is the
weather like in the Ozarks? How hot does it get in the summer? How cold
does it get in the winter? What is the annual rainfall? How many days is
it sunny? How much snow falls in the wintertime?
A: Statistical answers
to some of these questions may be found on our
Climate & Demographics
page. For a more human response to this question, consider that this
region of Arkansas is one of the most seasonably friendly places on earth.
Yes, we do have a few "really hot" days in the summer, usually between
mid-July and mid-August, when all we want to do is play at
Greers Ferry Lake. And in
the wintertime, we can get maybe 4" of snow at one time and not feel like
doing much besides sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace. But usually,
this blessing only lasts a few days before the snow melts. The rest of the
year the daytime highs range from about 85 down to the 50s, and nighttimes
lows go from the 70s down to about 32. All of this under mostly fair,
sunny skies awash with gentle breezes and the sweet scent of
mountain-fresh air.
Q:
Did Jim Collom actually design and install the airport lighting systems
and radio switching ?
A:
Yes, nothing else needs to be said, it’s the best ! Wait until you try
the Unicom out ! It will do all but feed the dogs and horses while you're
away.
Q:
Is water obtained by drilled well or public water system ?
A:
Very early on we all were on wells, but considering future demands and to
provide
requirements for the desired fire protection we decided for the very best
water system possible: Community Water System, of Greers Ferry, AR.
We now have a system with hydrants with a maximum distance of 600 ft from
each property that will supply an average of 1,000 GPM each.
Q:
Does Holley Mountain Airpark have its own Fire Department ?
A:
Yes, a volunteer department with equipment that includes three Class "A"
Pumpers
and a Pierce 85ft Snorkel Truck, and a Crash One Mini Pumper.
Click here for more info.
Q:
Are the neighbors really that great ?
A:
YES! All you have to do is just ask any of the residents about any of the
other neighbors and see the responses you get.
Q:
What kind of wildlife are found on the Mountain ?
A:
Mainly Deer, Turkey, Squirrel, Rabbit, an occasional Fox.
Photo courtesy of
Walt & Linda Peterson
-- It was taken in their front yard!!!
Q:
How do residents open the gated entry ?
A: It is a Door
King Controller with radio, card reader and telephone interfaces. The gate
opens by using a clicker (same as a garage door opener), or with a card on
the card reader, or by telephone entry (by calling one of the residents
programmed into the controller). Each resident opens the gate for their
own guest from their home telephone.
Q:
Why are there so many flags at the entry ?
A: We
have a flag representing the home state, country or territory of each property
owner at HMA. And now a second row of flags opens honoring our Military
Branches and POW's. Yes, we're planning to add
many more, all the way to the top on each side if need be. Upon
activation during night entries, 6000 watts of floodlights light the flags
at Flag
Hill.
Q:
Since the Airpark is gated, if one needed an ambulance or fire services,
how do they gain entry?
A: Our
Fire
Department is located on
the grounds of our gated community. In an emergency, our county 911 center
dispatcher can open our gate for 1 ½ hr periods by radio (another
one of Jim’s neat tricks). This is handy if a resident needed an
ambulance, or in the event of a medical flight using our facility. During
those times when our Fire Dept is needed for mutual aid off the
airpark, or if we needed mutual aid within the gates from the City or other
Fire Departments, then the gate is already open when the emergency
vehicles arrive or depart.
Q:
Where do we get our mail ?
A:
Since it is not feasible to have rural mailboxes next to road/taxiways
(wing tip clearances) we have a
Community Postal Center at the bottom of the
hill on Airpark Blvd just inside our main entrance gate. This location
also doubles as a bus stop for the school bus. It keeps our children
inside the airpark until they load for school.
Q:
Is there a hospital nearby ?
A:
Yes, Van Buren County Hospital is just minutes away, with the new
Van
Buren County Hospital and Nursing Home.
Q:
How are the schools ?
A:
The schools of our area are considered some of the finest in the state. Two of the local high schools are
Clinton and
Shirley,
and for higher
education, Conway is just 37 miles south of Clinton. Conway is a college Mecca town,
home to the University of Central Arkansas
and Hendrix College with all types of higher education.
Vocational training is also available nearby, in Morrilton.
Q:
Do you have to own an aircraft to live at HMA ?
A:
NO, but unless you have a real interest in aviation or an aviation need
for your business, it would be expensive to purchase property here and pay dues without
utilizing any of the aviation benefits of our beautiful Mountaintop Airpark.
Q:
Does the hangar & house have to be separate or can we construct a hangar
as part of our house ?
A:
This is your choice, just so your plans meet the requirements within the protective
covenants.
Q:
Do you have to build a Hangar ?
A:
No, but who wants to live on an airpark without a hangar?
Q: What does home
construction cost per square foot in this area?
A: Construction cost
differs with individual architectural designs, but according to the
bankers asked, $90-$100 per square foot was a good average to work with for
this area.
 Q:
Are there contractors you recommend?
A: There are many
fine contractors, construction specialists and builders in our community.
For your convenience, contact information for several local contractors
may be found here.
Q: What do property
taxes run?
A: Property Tax
annually is equals 20 % of the Market Value x .03445
Example: 250,000 x 20 % = 50,000 x .03445 = $ 1,722.50
Q: What are the
average home insurance costs for HMA.
A: Average annual
insurance premiums for our home valued just over $200K are approximately
$1,200. However, all residents are hoping for a sizable improvement as
our fire department ISO ratings lower.
Q:
How much are dues at Holley Mountain Airpark ?
A:
Set by the Property Owners Association, dues are presently $45 per month.
Of this, $25 per month goes into our current maintenance
account and the remaining $20 goes into an escrow account for long term
repairs, such as overlays, etc. This is a cost we are striving to keep
low, we want each owner to spend their money on flying.
Q:
What utilities are at Holley Mountain Airpark ?
see also:
Airpark Facts
A:
Our electrical power is supplied by
Petit Jean Electric Coop,
a member owned local REA company. Land-line telephone service is supplied by locally
owned
Arkansas Telephone Co.. Our water is supplied by local member-owned
Community Water Service. There is no natural gas, however
Ferrellgas
and
Independent Propane (formerly Hometown Propane) are our local
propane providers. There are different options for Internet connections,
including DSL provided by Arkansas Telephone.
Q: Is there
Standby-By or Back-Up power for the Airport ?
A: Yes !! We do have
stand-by power for essential Airport operations, such as runway and approach
lighting, etc.. Maybe; if all the generators were wired in parallel they would
light North Arkansas <ha-ha>!
Q:
Does HMA have a sewer system ?
A:
No, however prior to installation of our water system each and every one
of the tracts had to be soil pit tested to support individual septic
systems and had to pass inspection with the Arkansas State Health
Department which issues approval for constructions. This means all tracts
have been pre-perked tested.
Q:
How about fuel for Holley Mountain Airpark ?
A: Yes there
will be fuel. Scheduled 2006.
Q:
Why are most of the tracts so large ?
A: We
wanted people to be able to have plenty of space. We could have cut them
into smaller tracts, but that would take away from the whole being of the
mountain setting. On most tracts, don’t cut your trees and you will only
see your neighbors’ places about 4 months out of the year. I guess most
developers would have cut the tracts smaller, but the $$ factor is not the
main object when it comes to growing a community of like-minded friends
and neighbors. Our Airpark family.
Q:
Will all the acreage on the Airpark be developed ?
A:
No, we are leaving approximately 200 acres off the side of and all the way
around the east end of the mountain down to Weaver Creek natural with the
exception of hiking, horse back or 4 wheeler riding trails.
Q:
Is it true to live on Holley Mountain Airpark you must own at least one 4
wheeler ?
A: It
has been a standing joke with some residents we need a change in the
covenants requiring just that. However, I don’t think that will be
necessary after you have experienced the wilderness rides of Holley
Mountain.
Q:
How far is it to Greers Ferry Lake ?
A: You can get
to one of the boat landings a little quicker, but to the
Choctaw Marina or the
Fairfield Bay Marina is less
than a 20 min. drive for each. Both facilities offer slip rentals,
amenities and are really nice places to depart onto the lake from.
Q:
How did Holley Mountain get its name ?
A: It
was named for the original settlers of the mountain, The Holley family.
The poem below is authored by a man who grew up on Holley Mountain, many
years ago.
|
Among the Stars and Cedar
Trees
By James A Harness
While I sit here
in my cabin ~With the night so dark and still ~My mind goes back to
a four room shack ~At a homeplace on this hill ~I found many hidden
treasures ~In this place of rest and peace ~Yes it's here on Holley
Mountain among the stars and Cedar trees.
I can hear the
distant echo ~From a lonesome whippoorwill ~He's always tried to
tell me ~There's treasures in this hill ~Now much more than lifeless
pages ~Like my mother said they'ed be ~It's the homes on Holley
Mountain ~Among the stars and Cedar trees.
Seems I hear the
sound of songbirds ~In the sky so bright and clear ~They're
searching for the long green meadow ~A place of rest and free from
fear ~A master piece of Gods creation ~Standing tall for all to see
~A taste of heaven's on this mountain ~Among the stars and Cedar
trees. |
Q: What makes Holley Mountain any different than
other Airparks?
A: Besides our expansive facilities and pastoral grounds, our developers,
our staff and every one of our property owners are truly good neighbors.
Bottom line, our most distinguishing distinction is our people.
Q:
How did Clinton Arkansas obtain its name ?
A:
Now most of you are probably already thinking wrong ! It was named after
New York Governor DeWitt Clinton that served two non-consecutive terms
(1817-22, 1825-28) and was responsible for the construction of the Erie
Canal, which later made New York the center for national commerce and
gateway to the West.
Q:
Does Clinton have a Wal-Mart ?
A:
Yes. A New Super Center and many, many other fine shops too.
In fact, here's a photo of Wal-Mart Canada's Lear 35 sitting on the
ramp at Holley Mountain Airpark.
Q:
Is financing available?
A:
Yes, financing is readily available.
For a list of potential lenders,
please click here.
Q: Can we come and
visit next weekend?
A: Since we live here too, the answer is normally YES, however we
have to drag ourselves from the Mountaintop every now-and-then. Be sure to
call ahead.
Q: How do we
schedule a visit to The Mountain?
A: The easiest way
would be to click any RSVP link or
contact us via
email.
However, if your preference is by phone, you may call us at any of the
numbers listed on our business card below. We await your visit !
ALL WEEKEND PROPERTY TOURS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY,
SCHEDULED AND CONFIRMED IN ADVANCE.
Reserve your personal tour of Holley
Mountain Airpark now!
Please, take our
card!!!
~
click for
printable PDF
~
More
Questions? Please
visit our
SALES OFFICE
"Stats Don't Win
Games, Great Teams Do" |
