Sachin Walls
Landing at a private airport is a complicated question. While the FAA maintains a central database of airport information, the federal government does little to regulate or police private facilities. That duty falls to state transportation authorities, and each state has different requirements. Private airports are owned by individuals or communities and are not open to the public. However, some owners may allow others to use their airport by invitation or permission. Some private airports are listed on charts, while others are not, and permission to land is required to avoid trespassing charges.
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What You'll Learn
Permission to land at private airports
Private airports are as varied as the people who own them. While some are ribbon strips of dirt, others are well-maintained runways owned by a community of flyers or a single family. The rules and regulations that govern private airports differ from state to state. While the federal government maintains a central database of airport information, the regulation and policing of private airports are largely left to state transportation authorities.
For example, in Florida, private aviation facilities must register with the Florida Aviation Database (FAD) and receive written approval from the FDOT before they can begin operations. Site approval is granted only after it has been determined that all requirements set forth in Section 330.30(1), FSFS, and Section 14-60.005, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), have been met. The FDOT may revoke site approval if the site becomes unusable for aviation purposes or if the facility is abandoned. Similarly, Illinois law places a cap on the number of airplanes that can be permanently parked at a private airport and prohibits flight instruction at private airstrips.
While some private airports welcome visitors, others are marked private to control access and avoid liability issues. To land at a private airport, you must obtain permission from the owner or manager. Some private airports may also require you to verify that you know the procedures and have insurance before granting permission to land. It is important to treat private airports like any other private property and not assume that you have permission to land without explicit consent. Without permission, you are technically trespassing.
If you are looking to create a private runway on your property, it is essential to consult your neighbours and obtain all the necessary local permits. Once you have obtained the permits, you can register your airstrip with the FAA to gain legal protections and prevent obstructions in the flight path.
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Private airport ownership
The ownership of private airports varies. Some are owned by private companies, while others are owned by the government or local municipalities. In the United States, there are over 13,000 private airports, and each has a unique story and purpose. For example, a private airport could be a ribbon of dirt used by a lone crop duster or a paved runway owned by a single family.
Private airports are not heavily regulated by the federal government. Instead, the duty of overseeing these airports falls to state transportation authorities, and each state has different requirements. For instance, in Florida, private airports must be registered with the Florida Aviation Database (FAD) and are inspected by the FDOT Central Aviation and Spaceports Office before licensing or license renewal. Private airports in Illinois are subject to limitations on the number of airplanes that can be permanently parked, and flight instruction is prohibited.
While private airports are not open or available for use by the public, they may be made available to others by invitation of the owner or manager. Owners of private airports are often pilots themselves and may be accommodating to the occasional winged visitor. Private airports can also serve as ideal emergency landing sites in remote areas.
In terms of public airports, these can be owned and operated by either the public or private sector, or a combination of both. For example, London Heathrow Airport is owned and operated by the local government, while Frankfurt Airport is operated by Fraport AG, a publicly listed company with shares owned by the German State of Hesse, a private company, and Lufthansa. Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is owned by Groupe ADP, a listed company with majority shares owned by the French government and the remaining shares owned by private shareholders.
In the United States, the Airport Investment Partnership Program permits the sale or lease of public airports to private entities, although few airports have participated in the program. However, public-private partnerships (P3s) are more common, where a private entity assumes certain responsibilities for a public airport, such as building, financing, operating, and maintaining it. P3s allow local governments to access private sector innovations and investments while maintaining public ownership of airport infrastructure.
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Private airport regulations
Private airports are airports that are not open or available for use by the public. However, they may be made available to others by invitation from the owner or manager. The regulations surrounding private airports vary depending on the location and the specific airport.
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires anyone establishing, altering, or permanently closing an airfield to notify them through Part 157 of the federal aviation regulations. This allows the FAA to maintain a central database of airport information and ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Private airfield owners must submit a Landing Area Proposal (LAP) to the FAA at least 90 days before beginning any construction.
Beyond this self-reporting system, the federal government does little to regulate or police private airports. That duty is left to state transportation authorities, and each state's requirements differ. For example, in Florida, private airports must be registered with the Florida Aviation Database (FAD) and inspected by the FDOT Central Aviation and Spaceports Office prior to licensing or license renewal. In Illinois, there is a cap on the number of airplanes that can be permanently parked at a private airport, and flight instruction is prohibited.
It is important to note that landing at a private airport typically requires permission from the owner or manager. While some owners may be accommodating, it is always best to seek permission in advance to avoid any issues.
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Private airport registration
Private airports are exclusive aviation facilities that are not open or available for public use. These airports are usually owned privately or by a community of flyers. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a central database of airport information, the regulation and policing of private airports are typically left to state transportation authorities. As a result, the requirements for registering a private airport vary by state.
In Florida, for example, the owner or lessee of a proposed private aviation facility must receive written approval from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) before acquiring the site, constructing, or establishing the facility. The FDOT's Private Airport Registration and Site Approval section of the Florida Aviation Database (FAD) handles this process, generating login credentials for applicants to use throughout. Site approval is granted only after it has been determined that all requirements, including those related to safety, public health, and welfare, have been met.
Once site approval is obtained, the private aviation facility must register with the FDOT before operating aircraft to or from the site. This registration is valid for 24 months unless adjusted or revoked by the FDOT due to reasons such as facility abandonment or the site becoming unsafe or unusable. Registered private aviation facilities in Florida are subject to inspection by the FDOT Central Aviation and Spaceports Office, ensuring that safety and public health standards are maintained.
In other states, such as Illinois, there may be different regulations in place. For example, Illinois law may place a cap on the number of airplanes that can be permanently parked at a private airport, and it prohibits flight instruction at certain airstrips. These measures are implemented to maintain fairness and safety while also preventing excessive competition with public airports.
To register a private airport with the FAA, one must complete and submit FAA Form 7480-1 to the local Regional Office or submit the information electronically via the OE/AAA system. Registering with the FAA ensures that the airport is included in the National Flight Data Digest, which cartographers use to create maps. However, it's important to note that registration with the FAA does not guarantee that the private airport will be depicted on maps, as this depends on space availability and safety priorities.
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Private airport safety
Private airports are airports that are not open or available for use by the public but may be made available to others by invitation of the owner or manager. There are over 13,000 private airports in the US, and each is unique to its owner. Some are ribbons of dirt used by crop dusters, while others are paved runways owned by a single family.
Private airports are subject to varying levels of regulation and oversight. While the FAA maintains a central database of airport information, the federal government does little to regulate or police private facilities. Instead, the responsibility falls on state transportation authorities, and each state's requirements differ. For example, Florida requires private runways to be inspected annually, while Illinois caps the number of planes that can be parked at certain private airports and prohibits flight instruction at specific airstrips.
Private airport owners may choose to have their fields charted, providing cartographers with alternatives for emergency landing sites in inhospitable terrain. However, having a private airport charted does not guarantee its depiction on a chart.
To ensure safety and protect public health, welfare, and aircraft safety, private aviation facilities must register with the FDOT before operating aircraft to or from the facility. Site approval is granted only after meeting specific requirements, and the FDOT may revoke approval if the site becomes unsafe or abandoned. Registered private aviation facilities are subject to inspections by the FDOT Central Aviation and Spaceports Office.
Private aircraft undergo rigorous safety inspections, and flight crews are intensely vetted to meet high standards of character and professionalism. Private aviation also offers the option of hiring a personal security detail for additional security.
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Frequently asked questions
A private airport is an area of land or water used for landing and takeoff of aircraft that is not open or available for use by the public, but may be made available to others by invitation of the owner or manager.
Yes, without permission, you are technically trespassing. Treat private airports like any other private property. Call the airport manager and ask for permission. If you don't get an answer, do not assume you have permission.
Usually, you will need to be invited by the owner or manager of the airport. Some airports may require you to be on a guest list or check in with security upon landing. If you are unsure, call the airport manager or, if it is a private community strip, speak to a resident or community security about how to obtain permission.
Some private airports are public airports in everything but name and welcome visitors. For example, Calverton Executive on Long Island has a 10,000 ft paved runway and is open to visitors.
If you own land, you can create a private runway on your property. You will need to consult your neighbours and obtain local permits. You should then register your airstrip with the FAA, which will provide legal protections and prevent obstructions in the flight path.
