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Commission discusses grass-landing area adjacent to runway; staff to use NOTAM initially, consider chart supplement later
Summary
Staff outlined plans for a grass landing area adjacent to the paved runway, including marking, painting drain edges, and using a NOTAM for initial availability; the commission discussed safety, signage and coordination with FAA and DOT.
Airport staff briefed the commission on a proposal to formalize an adjacent grass-landing area beside the paved runway for seasonal use. Staff said the initial plan is to mark a short landing strip adjacent to the pavement, paint drain and edge markers to improve visibility and announce availability by NOTAM; staff said they would consider adding a remark to the chart supplement later if needed.
The proposal is intended to help users of the grass surface and to reduce runway/parking conflict; staff emphasized they do not want pilots to interpret the area as an official paved runway, and they discussed language and charting options to avoid that confusion. Staff said the marked grass area would be relatively short (staff cited an approximate useful distance of 1,100 feet) and that the project includes marking drains and painting edges so the landing area reads clearly from the air.
Commissioners and staff discussed practical issues: drainage, existing storm drains near the pavement edge, cable and lighting locations, and snow/ice performance. Staff said they will test the arrangement with cones and rollers, paint high-contrast markings near drains and light housings, and use a NOTAM for initial operations; if the trial is successful and the FAA/DOT accept the arrangement, staff said they could pursue a supplemental chart remark.
Ending — next steps: staff said they will staging the trial marking, coordinate NOTAM issuance and continue FAA and DOT discussions on charting and liability language.
