FAA warns Lock Haven of noncompliance over "through‑the‑fence" airport access; gives city 60 days for corrective plan

Lock Haven city officials were told in a May 14 letter from the Federal Aviation Administration that the city may be out of compliance with federal grant assurances for "through‑the‑fence" (TTF) access at William T. Piper Memorial Airport and must provide a corrective action plan within 60 days.

The FAA letter, read into the public record at the council meeting, said the city — as airport sponsor — appears to lack written access agreements required by federal law and FAA guidance. The letter outlined that, to comply, any residential or commercial property with TTF access must have a written agreement requiring payment of access charges comparable to fees charged to on‑airport tenants, maintenance of infrastructure paid by the property owner, and prohibitions on aircraft refueling and other uses on the adjacent property.

City staff summarized the FAA's findings during the meeting and read key passages. The staff member told the council and public: "Please be advised that the city of Lock Haven, as sponsor LHE, is in potential noncompliance with the terms of permanent federal requirements as noted below," and said…