Concerns Raised Over Runway Safety at Dutch John Airport Amid Executive Jet Increase

The Daggett County Commission meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on pressing concerns regarding the safety and management of local airports, particularly Dutch John Airport. A commission member raised alarms about the increasing number of executive jets landing at the airport, highlighting the potential risks associated with runway conditions.

The speaker noted that the airport has seen a significant influx of high-value aircraft, including a $90 million executive jet, and expressed worries about the runway's maintenance and inspection status. He emphasized that the runway could be hazardous if debris, such as a 2x4, were to be present, which could lead to serious accidents and subsequent liability issues for the county.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of regular oversight at Dutch John Airport, which operates seasonally and has no dedicated airport manager. The speaker suggested that someone should be assigned to regularly inspect the runway and ensure its safety, similar to practices at other airports. He proposed that Trevor, a county employee, could incorporate runway checks into his routine duties.

The discussion included the possibility of enhancing communication with pilots landing at the airport, suggesting that a system be established for pilots to report runway conditions before landing. The need for clear signage indicating the runway's inspection status was also mentioned, as current information may not adequately inform pilots of potential risks.

The commission acknowledged the importance of maintaining the airport as a public facility and discussed the implications of liability and safety management. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues and ensure that necessary inspections and safety measures are implemented to protect both pilots and the community.