No touch-and-goes at Elkhart Airport

[ApacheBob]

On July 26, 2025, a huge lightning strike damaged electrical lines at Elkhart, Indiana, airport. It damaged the radios in the control tower and destroyed communication consoles which serve to communicate with South Bend Approach.
New radios are planned for installation later this month. But, as of now, no touch-and-goes are permitted at the Elkhart Municipal airport. With only one static laced portable radio, there is no ground frequency available. All communication with the tower must go through the tower frequency.
The pilot controlled system for the runway lights is out of service. Airport employees must manually activate the runway lights after dark.

 

[Brad Z]

While we’re on the topic of notams, are there any unlit towers we should be aware of?

 

[AvNavCom]

While we’re on the topic of notams, are there any unlit towers we should be aware of?

Those are clearly discussed in section five, paragraph 3, subparagraph b of page 83 of your standard briefing, now in a 3D format which can be easily read by crossing and unfocusing your eyes at exactly the right distance from the screen after experiencing a minor head trauma.

Standard stuff, really.

 

[40YearDream]

With only one static laced portable radio, there is no ground frequency available. All communication with the tower must go through the tower frequency.

Start a 'go fund me' and buy them a couple of aviation handhelds, maybe a couple packages of AA batteries - https://www.sportys.com/pj2-plus-com-radio.html

 

[WDD]

So, basically the FAA is running a class D airport with a Sporty's PJ+. And a tower guy using a "Clap On" for runway lighting.