Sheridan County approves notice of intent for self‑fueling rules at county airport

Sheridan County commissioners voted Feb. 4 to approve a notice of intent to adopt rules and regulations governing self‑fueling of aircraft at the Sheridan County Airport. Airport manager Robert Gill presented the proposed rules and recommended the board approve publication of the draft and seek public comment.

The draft, Gill said, would require individuals who intend to self‑fuel to obtain a private self‑fueling permit from the airport manager and to demonstrate ownership, specify the equipment they will use and confirm an understanding of required safety and regulatory practices. "The purpose of these rules and regulations is to establish policies and procedures for the self fueling of aircraft at the Sheridan County Airport," Gill said.

Why this matters: The rules would formalize safety and training requirements for owners and their staff who transfer fuel, set out applicable fees and exemptions, and align local practice with recognized standards and federal airport regulations. That affects aircraft owners who regularly refuel at the county airport, retail operators at the field, and the airport’s manager in administering permits and training approvals.

Gill told the commissioners the draft cites safety and training expectations, including the National Fire Protection Association standard referenced in the draft and federal airport rules. "As outlined in this policy, individuals intending to self fuel must first obtain a permit from the airport manager's office by completing the application for private self fueling permit," Gill said, describing the permit as verifying ownership, equipment specifics and the applicant's understanding of the rules. He also said the draft references NFPA 407 and "14 CFR part 139," which the draft adopts as part of its safety and storage provisions.

Commissioners asked how owner‑operators would meet the requirement that a "properly trained and qualified operator shall be present" while fuel is being transferred and whether owners could become that trained operator themselves. Gill replied, "Yes. Absolutely." He estimated training would take "a good up to 8 hours depending on the program," and said the county would review training programs on a case‑by‑case basis before approving them. Gill also noted one existing full‑service operator, Bighorn Airways, and a self‑serve station already in place; he said a request for proposals for additional self‑serve options is planned.

The draft also lays out flowage fees and listed exemptions; Gill said the full draft will be posted on the Sheridan County website to invite public comment. "The draft of this policy will be posted on the Sheridan County website to invite public feedback," he said.

The board moved and seconded the notice of intent and, after brief praise from commissioners for the safety focus, voted in favor. The motion passed by voice vote; commissioners indicated unanimous support.

Next steps: The county will post the proposed rules for public comment and return to the board for further consideration before any final adoption.