Airport Board Recommends 40-Year Hangar Lease, Reviews Storm Recovery
July 6, 2026
The City of Colby Airport Board spent its July 6 meeting looking toward the future of Shalz Field while noting lessons that were learned during the recent severe weather that damaged several hangars. Board members recommended approval of a 40-year land lease for a new private hangar, discussed updating insurance requirements, explored backup power options, and received an update on storm recovery efforts.
The meeting began with an introduction from Kirkham Michael, an engineering firm specializing in general aviation airports across Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Project Manager Cory Gassen outlined the firm's services, which include airport planning, design, construction management and assistance with FAA, Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Infrastructure Program grants. No action was taken, but board members were introduced to another potential engineering resource for future airport projects.
Much of the meeting centered on insurance requirements following the June storm that destroyed Airport Manager Robert Bell's privately owned hangar.
Bell explained that while his aircraft was insured, his hangar was not. Although the damage was limited to his own property, the situation shed light on a larger issue with gaps in the airport’s lease agreement and minimum standards.
Board members discussed the need of requiring all private hangar owners to carry liability insurance of at least $1 million in coverage. They also discussed considering requiring additional property insurance, but acknowledged the financial burden it could create for some of the hangar owners.
Conversations also centered on the airport’s condominium-style hangar, where multiple owners share a single hangar. Members agreed that any shared facilities increase the importance of adequate coverage in the event of fire or other structural damage.
Rather than making immediate changes, the board directed staff to gather examples of lease language and minimum standards from other airports before considering revisions.
The recent storm also prompted discussion about installing backup electrical service at the airport.
Bell noted that when commercial power was lost, pilots also lost access to runway lighting, weather reporting equipment and electronic hangar doors.
Instead of purchasing a permanent generator, members evaluated whether wiring the terminal and the new city owned hangar for portable generators would suit the airport’s needs.
Bell also reported that cleanup from the June storm is largely complete and thanked High Plains Aviation for assisting with debris removal and aircraft recovery.
The board unanimously recommended approving a 40-year land lease for High Plains Aviation owner Dustin Stephenson to construct a new private hangar on Lot 21 at Shalz Field. The recommendation then moved to the Colby City Council which passed for final approval. Under the proposed agreement.
Stephenson said longer lease terms provide the stability needed for financing major hangar construction projects, while board members agreed that extended leases encourage private investment at the airport.
Members briefly discussed whether lease language should be strengthened before committing to longer agreements but ultimately concluded the current document provides adequate protections while allowing future amendments if both parties agree.
During airport operations reports, High Plains Aviation also announced it has hired a full-time flight instructor and now has more than 10 active flight students. Officials reported their training aircraft has logged approximately 200 flight hours since entering service earlier this year, reflecting continued growth in the airport's flight training program.