Daggett County commissioners discuss runway safety, ask staff to increase inspections at Dutch John airport

A resident pilot raised safety concerns about the Dutch John airport runway on April 11 during the Daggett County Commission and RDA meeting, saying loose debris and uninspected surfaces could damage incoming executive jets and create liability for the county.

The comment prompted commissioners and staff to discuss practical steps to reduce risk, including periodic inspections by county staff, coordinating with a locally based pilot who lives near the runway, and improving published airport notices to warn visiting pilots the runway is not inspected.

The resident—who described examples of objects that can fall onto the runway and noted an increase in higher-value executive aircraft using regional backcountry fields—asked the county to assign someone to check the runway surface more often, to ensure windsocks and lights are working, and to consider installing a gate at the Dutch John apron to restrict nonpilot vehicle access. The speaker also said some recent users had asked about runway condition before landing, and recommended adding a “not inspected” or “use at your own risk” note to aeronautical publications used by pilots.

Commissioners and staff discussed options rather than taking formal action. Several participants suggested that Trevor (county staff) could check the runway during routine visits and that a local pilot identified in the discussion, Vlad (a Forest Service employee who lives nearby), might informally monitor conditions. Staff noted that the Utah Division of Aeronautics certifies the airport as public but that the license is subject to state regulations and could be revoked if operations do not comply. Participants also said some runway inspections are done by the Division of Aeronautics rather than the FAA, and that state grant money was used to maintain the fields in the past, which can affect how responsibilities are assigned.

Commissioners agreed to follow up: staff were asked to contact Trevor and Vlad to determine whether periodic checks could be incorporated into their routines, and to coordinate with Brett (county engineering/contractor contact) regarding a planned visit from a contractor who will inspect and test runway lighting. Commissioners also discussed the longer-term option of installing an automatic gate at the Dutch John apron tied to pilot radio signals and the need to keep hangar and apron planning in mind for future security improvements.

The county did not adopt a formal policy or take a binding vote during the meeting. Instead, commissioners directed staff to follow up with Trevor, inquire whether Vlad will participate in informal monitoring, and coordinate the planned lighting inspection.