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Commission hears proposal for 'Jet Club' to operate at Gardner City Airport; members seek safety, insurance and scheduling details
Summary
Representatives of a recreational 'Jet Club' proposed using Gardner City Airport for turbine-powered model flights for a $2,000 annual fee. Commissioners expressed concerns about frequency of operations, spectator safety, insurance coverage, and asked for a formal packet and a special meeting with the airport manager before any agreement.
Representatives of a recreational “Jet Club” have asked to use Gardner City Airport regularly and offered $2,000 per year, the commission heard during its meeting.
The proposal, introduced informally by a commissioner who met the group at the field, would allow the visitors to operate turbine-powered model aircraft from the airport and to place a small storage container on airport property. Commissioners said the group proposed quarterly payments of $500 and that the visitors stated they carry what was described as $2.5 million in per-occurrence liability coverage with $5 million in excess coverage.
Commissioners pushed back on frequency and notice. Several members said they did not want an open-ended arrangement that would allow daily or seven-days-a-week operations and asked for advance notification and a designated spotter on the airport frequency so other traffic in the pattern can be alerted. One commissioner summarized the safety concern: “If one of those jets comes down and nails one of the spectators,” the consequences could be severe.
The commission asked the proponent to prepare a formal packet that includes a proposed operating schedule, insurance certificates, a draft site plan for the container, and a clear contact and notification protocol for arrivals. Multiple commissioners urged the airport manager or city solicitor be included in a special meeting so staff can confirm what permits, public-notice requirements and insurance terms are legally required.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they see potential public interest and limited revenue from permitting hobby aviation activity, but want a formal process to evaluate noise, safety and liability implications before authorizing regular operations. The commission directed staff to assemble questions and to schedule a special session with the Jet Club and airport manager to review the packet and insurance documentation.
The commission did not approve a final lease or permit at the meeting and asked that a formal proposal be presented and circulated in advance of any vote.
