BACKGROUND

At general aviation (GA) airports, safety and security is generally regulated pursuant to federal laws including sponsor grant assurances. Sponsors of GA airports are subject to state and local laws. ACRP Synthesis 3: General Aviation Safety and Security Practices (2007) identified approximately 30 states with licensing requirements primarily for public-use airports within their state. Of those 30 states with licensing requirements, approximately 20 have a recurring inspection program. The range of standards and programs for enforcing standards at GA airports across the country creates confusion among federal and state regulatory agencies, airport sponsors and operators, and pilots, which makes it difficult for GA airports to adhere to consistent safety standards and other related oversight requirements. 

Legal research is needed to build upon, update, and expand ACRP Synthesis 3. An update is needed of the information regarding the nature and extent of state and local regulation of GA airports that should include state and local safety requirements in the states that participate in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) block grant program.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to provide a comprehensive compilation of legal source information for stakeholders in safety and security of federally obligated noncertificated GA airports in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Research should minimally include identifying state and local laws, supplemented by surveys as needed, to compile state aviation laws, regulations, and policies on safety and security at public-use, GA airports, focusing on federally obligated airports. The research should include a table showing and comparing major requirements for airports in all 50 states and territories.

STATUS: The initial draft report is expected May 2024.