Commission delays decision on private flying field until FAA airspace study is approved

The Washington County Planning Commission on Aug. 7 continued John McCardle’s request for a conditional-use permit to operate a private flying field at 11564 County Road P30 until the Federal Aviation Administration approves an airspace study. Commissioners voted unanimously, 6–0, with one member absent.

McCardle told the commission he plans takeoffs to the north and landings to the south and that flying would not occur after dark. He presented a video of takeoffs and landings and said he had spoken with the Nebraska Department of Transportation and the FAA; according to the transcript, NDOT expressed a preference that an FAA-approved airstrip study be completed, while McCardle reported the FAA told him filing was not necessary.

Speakers at the public hearing expressed mixed views: Jerry Taylor spoke about the FAA process in favor, Jim Svoboda raised concerns about FAA requirements and safety and opposed the CUP, Don Carter opposed citing safety, and Brian Jennings spoke in favor. Commissioners asked about anticipated frequency of flights, whether friends would use the strip and whether usage restrictions would be acceptable; McCardle said he would oppose restrictions that limit who might use the strip.

The commission’s continuation is conditioned on receipt of the FAA airspace study; staff indicated letters would be sent once the study is complete and the item is scheduled to return to the commission.