The Airport Improvement Program
AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technology. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/pic/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and via e-mail. Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests. Recently a member wrote with this concern:
"We have a worrisome situation growing at our county airport (Ganser Field, 2O1) here in Quincy, California. The airport is located only about one-quarter of a mile northwest of downtown and the departure end of Runway 24 is only a few hundred feet from busy State Highway 70/89. Land has been sold and a new three-story motel has been proposed across the highway and just to the north of Runway 24's extended centerline.
"We are located in a mountain valley in Northern California at 3,415 feet but are virtually surrounded by 7,000-foot-plus ridges. The terrain rises rather rapidly to the west so we normally depart on Runway 6 and land on 24. When wind conditions preclude this and we must depart on 24, we start a gentle right turn immediately after takeoff to avoid terrain directly ahead. This track, I'm sure, will take us directly over the new motel. It doesn't take a great deal of imagination to visualize the flood of complaints from motel guests and owners if we continue this practice when the motel is occupied.
"Do you have any advice? We airport users are very concerned. We appreciate any help or suggestions."
AOPA Aviation Technical Specialist Keith Holt responded:
"For airports that have accepted federal grants, the airport sponsor is required to maintain certain assurances for the receipt of those funds. (It appears that Ganser Field accepted federal funds in 1988 and 1992.) In those assurances, the airport sponsor must take reasonable and appropriate action to restrict the use of land adjacent to or in the vicinity of the airport to activities compatible with normal airport operations."
(The Airport Improvement Program [AIP] is a federal grant program that provides 90-percent funding for eligible general aviation [including reliever] airport projects.)
"These requirements are outlined in FAA Order 5190.6A, Airport Compliance Requirements ( www.faa.gov/arp/publications/orders/5190-6a.pdf)," continued Holt. "You should get in contact with the airport management to find out what their plan of action is to guarantee they stay in compliance with the airport's particular grants.
"To help protect the height limitations on development both on and around the airport—and especially in the approach areas and departure areas of runways—the FAA has produced Advisory Circular 150/5190-4A, titled 'A Model Zoning Ordinance to Limit the Height of Objects Around Airports.' The FAA's Advisory Circular 150-5020-1, ‘Noise Control and Compatibility Planning for Airports,' is also a helpful reference. These materials should be able to provide you with some perspective.
"Additional information on airport compatible land use, airport noise, and zoning requirements can be found on AOPA Online [see Web resources].
"I would strongly recommend that the pilots address the airport management to alert them to their obligations."
According to Holt, questions concerning the Airport Improvement Program are frequently received. "Members often believe that all airports are federally funded. This is not true. But if an airport is eligible and has accepted federal funding through the AIP, it is obligated to the assurances set by the FAA. This is the case in the Ganser Airport situation," he said. "Members also do not realize that the AIP grant pays for up to 90 percent of the costs in a project. State, local, and airport monies usually round out the total."
Since pressures on public and privately owned airports continue to mount—curfews, noise restrictions, lack of improvements, residential encroachment—AOPA has established the Airport Support Network. This is a network of volunteers who are the "eyes and ears" at airports across the United States Visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/asn/whatis.html).
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resource anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA Online (www.aopa.org) provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The AOPA toll-free Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center, 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
Includes an article compiled by AOPA Aviation Services department titled "Airports: A Valuable Community Resource." A guide to obtaining community support for your local airport.
www.aopa.org/asn/communitysupport/
AOPA's guide to airport noise and compatible land use, compiled by the AOPA Aviation Services department.
www.aopa.org/members/files/guides/land_use/
Information about AOPA's Airport Support Network, how to join, and who your local representatives are.
www.aopa.org/asn/
E-mail requests for information may be sent to [email protected].
