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Airport commission directs staff to assess resuming turf landing area north of Runway 10/28
Summary
After public comment and state guidance, the Middleton Airport Commission voted to have staff inspect and report on reestablishing a parallel turf operating area north of Runway 10/28 after the July mowing season, with a decision expected in August.
The Middleton Municipal Airport Commission voted June 5 to direct airport staff to assess the feasibility and safety of resuming parallel turf operations along the north side of Runway 10/28 and to report back with recommendations in August.
The action followed public comment from pilot Jeff Russell, who described turf lateral extensions used at other Wisconsin airports and said the surface is “more forgiving” for tailwheel aircraft. Evan Krueger, project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics, told the commission that the FAA’s 2022 Airport Design advisory circular (AC 150/5300, latest 13B) recognizes diverse aeronautical activities and does not prohibit operations in unpaved runway safety areas but recommends safety evaluation and, where practical, marking turf runways.
Manager Richard Morey and other pilots explained local considerations: the north field can be wet at times, some areas may require fill or grading to increase usable days, and marking the area formally could trigger additional requirements for runway safety area objects and maintenance. Commissioners discussed balancing safety, farmer/tenant interests and the technical work needed; one commissioner proposed waiting until after a July hay mowing and then directing staff to inspect width, slope and access.
The commission’s motion instructed the manager to perform an on‑site assessment after the mowing season, produce recommendations (including suggested width and access improvements and safety observations), and present findings at the August meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. No immediate marking, cones or formal turf runway designation will be made as part of this instruction; staff said marking would likely require a more formal process with potential FAA coordination.
Next steps: staff will inspect the site after July 15, document drainage/grade issues and any recommended fill or runway‑safety mitigations, and return with a written report and recommendation to the commission in August.
