After Delay, New Flight Training Center On Track For 2027 Completion
After a groundbreaking in 2023 and a ribbon-cutting in 2024, work on the Franconia Soaring Foundation’s new training and operations center at Franconia Airport has been delayed by more than a year but is now on track for completion in 2027.
“We’ve been trying to work through this challenge on the fire protection system,” Tom Ganse, president of the nonprofit FSF’s board of directors, said Wednesday. “Progress has been painfully slow, but consistently in the right direction, and I think as of last Friday we have it solved.”
Unfortunately, FSF ran out of time for the 2026 season, so it will likely have to winterize the building and recommence the work in May, he said.
“That gives us a few months to get all the design drawings done and approvals in place and coordination with the builder,” said Ganse. “We would be able to hit the ground running in May and get this thing done. I think we’re looking at about three months to finish construction.”
Once the sprinkler system is installed, next will be the drywall, the completion of plumbing and electrical work, and then paint and finish, all of which will be inside and not weather-dependent, he said.
FSF’s mission is to educate, promote, and increase public awareness of the art and science of motorless glider flight.
The new center is part of a $1.3 million first-phase project that is focused on the operations center, classroom, and storage space.
And now it’s time for your Moo92 sports…
The New England Patriots dropped their season opener last night losing to the Seattle Seahawks 13-10 in their highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch. Drake Maye with 3 interceptions in the loss including the final one with the Patriots threatening to score in the closing seconds to seal their fate. New England will host Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.
A 5 run 3rd was all the LA Angels need to upend the Boston Red Sox 6-4 on Wednesday night. Jake Bennett giving up 6 runs on 9 hits in 5 and a 3rd for the loss. The Red Sox will have off today before hosting the Kansas City Royals starting Friday. Boston leads Cleveland by 6 games for the 2nd Wild Card spot and are 4 games behind the Yankees for the top spot.
And in local sports…
The North Country JV Football team improved to 2-0 as they beat Spaulding High School by a score of 40-22 last night. The JV Boys will have next week off before traveling to BFA St. Albans on the 23rd.