AOPA works with New Mexico officials to protect airspace

AOPA works with New Mexico officials to protect airspace

AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Larry Helwig is leading an effort to develop an airport overlay ordinance that will protect the airspace around public-use airports in Valencia County, New Mexico. Helwig, ASN volunteer at Mid Valley Airpark in Los Lunas, brought together AOPA members and Southwest Regional Representative Shelly Lesikar with representatives of the county, state, FAA, private landowners, and the public for a workshop to discuss the ordinance. The measure would reinforce the FAA's obstruction regulations and give the county jurisdiction to cite or fine property owners who violate those regulations. Lesikar commended county officials for dealing with the issue, reminding them that "almost every complaint about airports can be linked to poor zoning and land compatibility laws." Additional coordination with the Village of Los Lunas will occur prior to implementation of the final ordinance.

January 14, 2005