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Board discusses illegal landings in runway safety areas; plans camera monitoring and fee recovery for damage
Summary
Board members discussed several unauthorized landings in runway safety areas that damaged pavement lighting. Staff plans to install trail cameras at two large safety-area locations to capture violations and said the county can invoice operators for repairs; signage and tenant outreach were also proposed.
Staff told the board that fixed-wing aircraft had recently landed in runway safety areas (areas between runway and taxiway) and damaged taxiway lights. The airport’s rules and regulations state landing on unapproved paved or unpaved areas other than designated runways is prohibited except in emergencies.
A board member reported the airport had to repair damaged lights (about $400 each) and spend staff hours to remedy ruts and remove debris. Staff said they removed cameras from the budget but would redeploy one trail camera to attempt to identify violators at two large safety-area locations. Members discussed signage, tenant-level notices and charging offenders for repairs and staff time if a violator is identified.
Some members argued for formal prohibition and enforcement; others said many airports permit limited cross-field landings on grass and that the airport had constructed a crosswind runway to provide an approved alternative. The board decided to pursue multiple mitigations: re-deploy a trail camera, remind tenants of rules and add signage; staff will bill identified violators for damage and cleanup under county fee authority.
Ending: Staff will re-deploy a trail camera, mail reminders to tenants, add signage, and pursue fee recovery for any identified damage.
