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Commission weighs APU/run-time policy, operator outreach and technical tracking
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Summary
After months of concern about long APU and engine run times, commissioners discussed a draft ramp-management plan that would combine operator outreach, software-based run-time tracking, warnings and potential restrictions; no vote was taken and staff will draft a revised policy and pursue operator engagement.
The commission spent significant time April 14 discussing a ramp-management plan aimed at reducing aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) run times on the general aviation ramp.
Chair introduced policy goals: reduce emissions, noise and engine run-time while preserving safe operations. The draft proposes a staged approach: an optional verbal warning for minor violations, a written warning for repeats, and potential withholding of nonessential amenities (for example, catering or vehicle escorts) for persistent offenders. The draft also includes an appeals process so operators can seek relief if staff actions impede safety.
Commissioners, operations staff and FBO representatives pointed to several challenges. Commissioner Levitt and others noted that fractional and on-demand operators often book flights with a two‑hour departure window and crews must prepare cabins for passenger comfort; pilots follow operator operations manuals, which limits on-the-spot flexibility. Several commissioners recommended outreach to major operators ahead of the season to secure top-down cooperation rather than relying on punitive measures.
Staff and an operations representative discussed software and data tools: the commission has funded a 1,200Arrow tracking tool that will report tail-number run times and is expected to reduce manual auditing. Staff proposed using the data to notify operators quickly (within about a week) and to publish aggregate offender lists to encourage compliance.
Concerns were raised about enforcement burdens on frontline staff and possible customer-service consequences if the airport withholds amenities. Commissioners suggested softer initial measures—publish run-time data, convene operator outreach meetings, increase GPU availability and consider inconvenience-based disincentives before punitive withholding.
Next steps: staff will revise the draft policy to soften immediate penalties, prepare operator outreach materials, test the run-time reporting tools and return a revised proposal for May. The commission scheduled operator outreach and a season-opening meeting to discuss expectations with frequent operators.
