Exciting News: N486ER Moving to Big Blue!

Published: November 20, 2025

We’re excited to share that the Board has approved moving N486ER from its East Ramp tie-down to the Big Blue hangar on the South Ramp. This change helps better protect our nearly quarter-million-dollar aircraft investment while maintaining a flying experience that will feel familiar to members.

What’s Changing

The day-to-day experience will remain largely the same, with a few key improvements and differences:

  1. Wisconsin Aviation Handles Movement
    Wisconsin Aviation will move 6ER in and out of Big Blue as needed. They generally pull out club planes each morning based on the schedule, but if you’re planning a last-minute flight, just give them a quick call to make sure it’s ready.

  2. Always Plugged In and Ready to Go
    6ER will be kept on heat all winter long, so there’s no need to schedule a preheat hours in advance. This opens up far more last-minute flying opportunities during the colder months, since the airplane will already be warm and ready to start.

  3. No More Frost, Ice, or Snow
    Big Blue offers full protection from the elements, saving time on winter prep and reducing wear on paint, seals, and avionics.

  4. Fueling Works Just Like 97T
    Fuel delivery is the same as for 97T. The best practice is to call Wisconsin Aviation on UNICOM as you exit the taxiway to order fuel. Sometimes the truck will even beat you there (yes, really).

  5. New Locker Setup
    We’ll have a locker inside Big Blue with the keys, clipboard, oil, and cleaning supplies, just like 97T’s hangar setup. One of the biggest annoyances last summer--having to walk across the airport for keys--is now fixed.

  6. Winter Preflights Inside
    During colder months, you can preflight inside the hangar while 6ER stays plugged in and warm. Wisconsin Aviation will pull it out close to your go-time so you can climb into a toasty engine and depart soon after a proper preflight.

A Few Trade-offs

Big Blue isn’t a modern FBO—there is a restroom available, though it can freeze during the coldest months and is a bit more rustic than what you’d find on the East Ramp. During warmer seasons, it’s fully usable. Kwik Trip or Wisconsin Aviation is also only a short drive away if needed.

That said, this is the same setup used by all three other Madison-area flying clubs, all of whom successfully base their aircraft on the South Ramp. The environment is quieter and less busy than East Ramp, though the building does show its age (and the birds occasionally make their presence known).

Why This Makes Sense

As Dave aptly put it:

“If we move to Big Blue and it doesn’t work out, we can always move back. It’s really a no-risk situation.”

With the potential for insurance savings, reduced weather exposure, and more flexible winter flying, this move is an excellent opportunity to protect our aircraft, simplify operations, and bring our club in line with other area flying clubs.