One of AOPA's premier member benefits is the team of dedicated pilots and instructors who interact one-on-one with members. Together, they own 11 aircraft and have more than 53,000 hours accumulated over 321 years in aviation. Any member can reach the specialists by calling 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672), or through AOPA's World Wide Web site (www.aopa.org).
Lots of people don't want to live near airports. There's even a word for it: nimby, which means "not in my backyard."
But pilots aren't like most people. We love airports, and many of us actually want an airport in our own backyard. "What do I have to do to build my own airstrip?" AOPA members calling our member assistance lines ask me. "I've got about 10 acres and a Cherokee. What else do I need?"
As the proud owner of an 1,800-foot turf strip, I can tell you from personal experience that you need time to keep it up, willingness to invest sweat equity, and - most important - good relations with your neighbors. Some familiarity with FAA paperwork is helpful, too. Enough members ask about building their own airstrip that we've assembled a free packet of information called the "airport development packet," which contains forms, instructions, and advice for creating your own private airport. It's available to members only, by calling the toll-free member assistance line at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
Answers to some of the most common questions I get from members considering their own airstrip include:
"Who in the FAA do I call to get permission?" Nobody. Most pilots are surprised to hear that there's no federal law prohibiting you from carving out your own little stretch of heaven on earth, just a requirement to notify the FAA. As a practical matter, the sooner you notify the feds, the better - and your local FAA Airports District Office can be a wonderful source of help in planning. If you'd like to take a look at the regulatory side, check out FAR 157. It's short, just a little over a page, and deals mostly with recommended standards for traffic patterns, obstruction clearance, and the like. As with much other information, it's available to members on AOPA's Web site (www.aopa.org).
"Where do I start?" First, do you have enough property? A realistic minimum is about 10 acres, although some pilots have carved out airstrips on less. Don't forget that obstructions on either end can effectively shorten the usable length of your runway.
Zoning and neighborhood support are critical. Zoning laws vary, but most require a public notice of intent and a local zoning hearing. In many cases, that's not enough, and some of the most pitiful cries for help that I get after the airstrip is built come from pilots who complied with the legal requirements but didn't really win support from now-disgruntled neighbors. AOPA has a well-written blueprint for avoiding such trouble, called "How To Gain Community Support For Your Airport." If you're seriously considering building your own airport, please ask for it; every day I hear from enough pilots who didn't do enough public relations groundwork and are now paying the price.
"What paperwork is involved?" Get three copies of a topographical quadrangle map, available from the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, 119 National Center, Reston, Virginia 22092. On all three charts mark the exact location of your proposed airport, with runway alignment.
Then complete FAA Form 7480-1 and attach the marked-up quadrangle map. At least 90 days before you plan to start construction, send one set to your state aeronautical agency, one to the Airport Division at the FAA regional headquarters for your area, and keep one for yourself. Airport engineers and planners at your state aeronautical agency can often help you steer clear of regulatory roadblocks if you contact them in advance (addresses and phone numbers can be found in the front of AOPA's Airport Directory or on the AOPA Web site). The FAA will circulate your proposal to other airports, agencies, and "all interested parties" nearby, and then usually issues a "notice of no objection" or a "notice of objection" based on use of the airspace in your area. While these determinations are only advisory, they could have an effect on insurance, zoning, and other things.
"Can I be sued if somebody crashes on my airstrip?" Of course. We live in a lawsuit-happy society. Some pilots suggest that listing their airfield on a sectional chart as "restricted" or "private" will limit their liability exposure, but that's not true. Good articles on the subject, written by AOPA General Counsel John Yodice, appeared in past issues of AOPA Pilot magazine and are available on the AOPA Web site.
"What about sponsoring a fly-in breakfast or airshow at my strip?" Some AOPA members tell me that they minimize their exposure by providing expected fly-in attendees with an airport diagram, preferred traffic pattern flow, and a frequency to monitor, as well as a description of any peculiarities of the strip. One airstrip owner who was particularly worried about liability suggested limiting invitations to pilots who would sign a "hold harmless" waiver. Of course, the waiver applies only to the pilot and not his family waiting at home.
If aerobatics are involved in the fly-in, an FAA waiver, as well as considerably more planning, is required. Insurance becomes a much bigger concern, too, and runs about $900 a day for a 1- or 2-day event.
AOPA experts are available to members through the toll-free 800/USA-AOPA number, and an ever-increasing number of self-help items are free on AOPA's Web site (www.aopa.org).
John Cohen, 45, joined AOPA's Aviation Services department in January 1994. A CFII and MEI, he holds an ATP certificate and has logged more than 13,000 hours. His background includes experience as an airport manager, cropduster, banner tower, and flight instructor. When weather permits and the mood fits, he flies to work in his 1964 V-tail Bonanza from his own grass strip in his backyard.
