Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff: FAA approval and GDOT corridors will govern eVTOL flight paths; city limits local land-use control
Summary
Staff told commissioners FAA approval will govern flight operations and that GDOT will allow operations along state-route rights-of-way; local jurisdictions will determine routing outside those corridors and applicants must submit proposed flight/approach zones as part of special-use applications.
Planning and technical staff told the commission that the city’s role is limited to land-use review while flight operations and national airworthiness rules remain under federal authority. A GDOT/technical representative explained that GDOT has indicated it will allow eVTOL operations in state right-of-way (interstates and state routes) and that routes beyond those corridors are to be determined locally. "Everything has to go through FAA," a staff representative said during the meeting.
Staff explained that applicants would have to file proposed flight paths and approach zones as part of their special-use permit applications; the city can require mapping of proposed approach zones, lateral clearance zones and emergency landing areas for staff and departmental review but actual clearance to fly over a corridor or to operate an aircraft will rely on FAA approval. Commissioners asked staff to include clear checklist items for flight-path diagrams and approach slopes so reviewers can evaluate whether proposed tracks overlie residential areas, schools or hospitals.
