FAA limits paragliding at Cache County airport; board reviews glider operations after damage and safety complaints

The airport manager told the board the FAA Flight Standards District Office (Salt Lake City FSDO) has advised the airport that paragliders operating in the airportairspace need approval from the Air Route Traffic Control Center because the airport is in controlled airspace. The FSDO inspector told the manager that ARTCC approval is unlikely; as a result, the airport is no longer permitting paragliders to operate from airport property, the manager said.

The manager also updated the board on concerns about glider operations. Gliders had been using an abandoned runway west of the field and entering through a gate for which the combination had been changed. The manager said glider operators had sometimes parked vehicles in muddy areas next to the runway, tracked mud onto taxiways and, in at least one instance, damaged an airfield light. He said his staff had changed the gate code and that that area has been closed to paraglider usage per FAA direction. The manager estimated fewer than 10 individuals were affected by the new restriction.

Board members discussed next steps for glider activity: staff will seek to negotiate operating arrangements that reduce runway incursions and trailering across unpaved surfaces, and the board indicated it wants to eliminate unsafe parking in safety areas. The manager said enforcement and operational changes will be part of future conversations with users.

The board did not adopt a new written airport policy at this meeting; the manager reported the FAAdirection and the board discussed responses and possible agreements with glider operators.

Key details - FAA (FSDO Salt Lake City) told the airport manager paragliders in controlled airspace must call/obtain approval from Air Route Traffic Control Center; the inspector said approval was "not likely," and the airport is not allowing paragliders to operate there per FAA direction. - The manager said fewer than 10 people used the abandoned-runway area and were affected by the change. - Reported operational problems from glider operations included vehicles tracking mud onto taxiways and at least one incident in which a light was struck and broken; board asked staff to pursue arrangements to eliminate unsafe parking in safety areas.

The board asked staff to return with proposed operational arrangements or lease/permission conditions if staff and users reach an agreement that addresses safety and airfield maintenance.