New Aviation Fuel Station At Tinley Helipad Will Help Speed Up Emergency Response Time: Officials

TINLEY PARK, IL — An on-site aviation fueling station was launched Wednesday in Tinley Park, officials said, improving access for emergency, commercial and private aircraft.

The station, in part, gives Tinley a leg-up on emergency response coordination and reduced response times, officials said.

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Located at the Village’s TF8 Helipad adjacent to the Fire Training Tower east of 183^rd Street and 80^th Avenue, officials say the addition further enhances the community’s growing aviation and public safety infrastructure capabilities.

The addition of on-site aviation fueling significantly expands the operational reach and efficiency of regional public safety partners, including law enforcement aviation units and medical helicopter services. The fuel service will help reduce response times, improve mission endurance, and strengthen emergency response coordination throughout the south suburban region.

The new fueling capability also will support corporate and private aircraft operations associated with conferences, business travel, entertainment events, and concerts hosted in Tinley Park, reinforcing the Village’s position as a regional destination for commerce, tourism and special events.

The project cost the Village just more than $2.5 million, partially funded by more than $1 million in grants, Village Manager Pat Carr said. The Village budgeted for the project over five years, setting money aside throughout.

"This investment continues Tinley Park’s commitment to innovation, public safety, and economic development," said Carr. "The addition of aviation fuel service at TF8 enhances our ability to support critical public safety operations while also providing added convenience and accessibility for corporate aviation and visitors attending major events in our community."

The TF8 Helipad has undergone several strategic upgrades in recent years, including enhanced lighting, fencing, camera systems, and aviation infrastructure improvements designed to support modern helicopter and future urban air mobility operations. Pavement replacement at the site was necessary for both the fueling site and for use of the fire training tower, Carr said.

Village officials said the aviation fuel service further positions TF8 as an important regional aviation asset capable of supporting emergency management, disaster response, medical transport, law enforcement coordination, and economic activity throughout the area.

In the coming weeks, the Village will announce a grand opening and fly-in.