Commissioners flag safety gaps at Dutch John airstrip as executive jets increase traffic
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Summary
A county commissioner warned that larger executive aircraft are using Dutch John’s runway and raised concerns about foreign objects, limited inspections and access control; staff agreed to arrange an inspection and consider regular spot-checks by local pilots or county personnel.
A Daggett County commissioner raised safety concerns about increasing use of the Dutch John airstrip by high-value executive aircraft and urged the county to tighten inspections and access controls.
The concern was introduced by Unidentified Speaker 2, who said a pilot texted reporting that he planned to land an expensive executive jet and questioned whether the runway had been inspected. "The problem I see at Dutch John right now is…" the speaker said, noting the strip is seasonal, open to the public and has seen an uptick in executive jets. The speaker warned that debris such as dropped boards or rocks could damage the small tires on newer jets and lead to liability claims.
Commission members and staff discussed practical steps. Unidentified Speaker 3 and Unidentified Speaker 4 recommended arranging a professional inspection and confirmed prior upgrades had been done with state grant funds. Unidentified Speaker 3 noted state oversight: "Utah Division of Aeronautics certifies…that [the airport] is a public airport," and reminded commissioners that operations must comply with UDOT aeronautical regulations and federal and state laws.
To increase routine oversight, commissioners suggested several interim measures: asking county maintenance staff (Trevor) or a local pilot (referred to in the meeting as Vlad) to perform periodic visual checks, equipping a spotter with a handheld aviation radio to monitor traffic and adding advisory notes on flight-planning tools so transient pilots see inspection status. Staff also said they would schedule an inspection visit with an aviation specialist (referred to in the packet as "Bob" working through Brett Reynolds) to assess lights and other infrastructure; commissioners reported some lights were dim or out and that the inspection should clarify repairs.
Board members debated access controls. Unidentified Speaker 2 recommended installing a gate or coded access at the apron to limit vehicle traffic around parked aircraft; others said gates are feasible but enforcement would be difficult without on-site personnel. The commission agreed to follow up with Trevor and local pilots to develop a low-cost, interim monitoring plan and to schedule the contractor inspection.
The discussion recorded no formal vote. Commissioners emphasized the county’s intent to keep the facility public while improving safety and agreed to report back after the contractor inspection and follow-up with Trevor and local pilots.