Jazmin Li
Owning an airport is a dream for many aviation enthusiasts. In the US, more than 14,000 out of 19,000 airports are privately owned. Private airports can be owned by individuals or communities, and access is restricted to members or those with the owner's permission. While building an airport may seem like a daunting task, it is achievable with careful planning and consideration of state and local regulations. Costs can quickly add up, but there are also opportunities to generate income through hangar rents, tie-downs, and leasing options.
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What You'll Learn
Private airports can be owned by individuals
Private airports are usually grass or dirt strips as the owner has to bear the costs of maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the airport. In the US, out of the more than 19,000 airports, more than 14,000 are privately owned. Private airports can be constructed by consulting state and county regulations to ensure compliance with local rules. The construction of a private airport involves costs such as diesel fuel, drainage pipes, grass seeds, and tractor rental.
There are also privately-owned large commercial airports. For example, London Heathrow Airport is owned by Heathrow Airport Holdings, and London Gatwick Airport has majority ownership by GIP. Some airports are run by private companies but are majority-owned by the government, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
In recent decades, there has been a shift towards privatizing airports, with governments selling their shares in airport companies. This has led to concerns about monopolistic price-gouging and the delivery of substandard services, as seen in the case of Australian airports.
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Private airports are not open to the public
Private airports are often grass or dirt strips, as this is cheaper to maintain than paved runways. However, grass runways require careful planning and maintenance. For example, different types of grass are suited to different regions. Bermuda grass is a good choice for the Southeast, while Kentucky Blue Grass is popular in the upper Midwest and in Washington State. Additionally, wildlife and critters burrowing underground can pose a serious hazard, so this must be considered when choosing a location for a private airport.
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Private airport owners are responsible for maintenance and repair costs
It is possible to own a private airport, and there are more than 14,000 privately-owned airports in the US alone. Private airports are not open to the public and are often owned and operated by private individuals or communities. In most cases, private airport owners are responsible for all maintenance, repair, and upkeep costs. This can include everything from the initial construction of the runway to ongoing maintenance of the airport facilities.
The costs of maintaining a private airport can be significant, and it is important for owners to be proactive in their approach to maintenance and to understand their airworthiness responsibilities. While it is possible to hire mechanics to carry out maintenance and repairs, the owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all work is carried out in accordance with regulations and that all required inspections and paperwork are completed. This includes maintaining the airport's runways, which can be made of grass or dirt to reduce costs, although paved runways are preferred by the FAA.
One of the key costs associated with private airport maintenance is the choice of grass for the runway. Different types of grass are suited to different regions, and it is important to choose a variety that can handle the local climate and soil conditions. For example, Bermuda grass is recommended for the Southeast due to its ability to handle heat and humidity, while Kentucky Blue Grass is popular in the upper Midwest and the western US. Additionally, owners may need to consider drainage issues and wildlife hazards, which can impact the safety of the airport.
To reduce costs, some private airport owners choose to seek government funding or accept funds from individuals in exchange for access to the airport. However, accepting funding from the FAA, for example, may result in the agency gaining certain control over the airport, which may not be desirable for the owner. Therefore, it is important for private airport owners to carefully consider their funding options and the potential implications for their maintenance and repair responsibilities.
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State and county regulations must be followed when building an airport
In the United States, there are over 19,000 airports, more than 14,000 of which are privately owned. Private airports can be owned by individuals or communities, and can be open to the public or restricted to members.
When building an airport, it is important to consult state and county regulations to ensure compliance with local rules. These regulations can vary significantly between states, so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of your state and county. For example, the type of grass used for the runway may be dictated by local conditions and climate. Bermuda grass is a popular choice in the Southeast due to its ability to handle heat and humidity, while Kentucky Blue Grass is preferred in the upper Midwest and Washington State.
Additionally, consider the potential impact on the surrounding environment and wildlife. Trees and structures near the runway can cause dangerous changes in airflow and crosswinds, creating serious hazards. It is also important to address drainage issues and be mindful of wildlife that may wander onto the runway or burrow underneath.
Another critical aspect is funding. If you plan to seek government funding, be aware that this may come with certain conditions and restrictions. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires grant recipients to adhere to specific standards and assurances, including non-discrimination in access to airport facilities.
Furthermore, local governments play a crucial role in airport protection zoning. They are responsible for adopting, administering, and enforcing airport protection zoning regulations, particularly in areas designated as airport hazard zones. This includes obtaining the necessary permits, such as an Airspace Obstruction Permit, to ensure that any structures within a certain radius of an aviation facility meet federal obstruction standards.
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Over 14,000 airports in the US are privately owned
In the United States, there are over 19,000 airports, and remarkably, more than 14,000 of these are privately owned. The majority of public-use airports (those open to the public) are owned by state or local governments, but some are privately owned. These privately owned public-use airports are usually general aviation airports, which do not offer scheduled air services.
Private airports are any airports that are not open to the public unless a prior arrangement is made with the owner or operator. They can be airports with memberships sold to specific individuals or airports that belong to private communities. In some cases, they are owned and operated by private individuals and are only open to those owners. However, access can sometimes be granted with pre-approval from the owner or operator, or by filing a flight plan with air traffic control and the local flight service.
Private airports are usually grass or dirt strip fields without services or facilities, and the owners are responsible for all maintenance, repair, and upkeep costs. Building an airport is an expensive endeavour, and often involves government subsidies or is completely undertaken by the local government. However, some private individuals have achieved the goal of building their own airport, and their advice is available online, covering everything from the best type of grass to use to the costs involved.
In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees air traffic control services and manages the national airspace. While the FAA's Airport Investment Partnership Program (AIPP) permits the sale or lease of public airports to private entities, very few airports have participated. Instead, public-private partnerships (P3s) are more common, where a private entity assumes certain responsibilities for a public airport, such as building and financing, without fully privatising the infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, private airports can be owned and operated by private individuals. Out of the more than 19,000 airports listed in the U.S., more than 14,000 are privately owned.
Building an airport can be expensive. You can expect to pay at least $300 for a used box blade or at least $650 for a new five-footer. Diesel fuel for a tractor for a 2,000-foot strip will cost around $300. If you need drainage pipes, several lengths of 20-foot heavy-duty plastic culvert pipe will cost $300 to $400. Grass seeds for the same length of runway will cost $200 to $300.
The owner of a private airport is usually responsible for all costs of maintenance, repair, and upkeep. These costs can be mitigated by finding ways to generate income, such as hangar rents, tie-downs, and leasing space to repair facilities.
Private airports must comply with FAA standards, such as paved runways. State and county regulations should also be consulted to ensure compliance with local rules. If you take any government money to help with airport development, the relevant government body may gain rights to regulate, control, or restrict the airport.
