Roberta Aguirre
A public airport is an airport that is open to the public, regardless of whether it is publicly or privately owned. In the United States, public airports are subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which require them to be available for use by the general public without prior approval from the airport owner or operator. Public airports in the US are often owned by local governments, and their budgets are typically available to the public. However, privately-owned public airports, also known as Privately Owned/Publicly Used (POPS) airports, are also common. These airports are privately owned and operated but do not require prior approval for landing and are open to the general public.
Characteristics and Values of a Public Domain Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An airport, publicly or privately owned, which is open for use by the general public without a requirement for prior approval of the airport owner or operator. |
| Funding | Public airports can be funded by federal grants, local governments, or private owners. |
| Ownership | Public airports can be owned by public agencies, local governments, or private entities. |
| Management | Public airports are typically managed by public agencies, local governments, or private operators. |
| Accessibility | Public airports are accessible to the general public, but some may have special rules during certain times, such as high-density traffic airports. |
| Safety | Site approval is subject to conditions that ensure safety for aircraft and protect public health, safety, and welfare. |
| Licensing | Public airports may have a "special" or "limited" license depending on unusual circumstances or public convenience, respectively. |
| Inspections | The FDOT Central Aviation Office in Tallahassee inspects public aviation facilities annually before licensing or license renewal. |
| Hangar Usage | Airports that accept federal grants can only use hangars for aeronautical purposes unless approved by the FAA. Non-aviation hangar space rental is allowed when aviation demand is low. |
| Parachute Jumping Areas | Airport owners must submit an Airport Data Change Form to add parachute jumping areas to charts, which are then verified and published by the FAA. |
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What You'll Learn
Public airports can be publicly or privately owned
A "public airport" is defined as an airport that is open for use by the public, regardless of whether it is publicly or privately owned. To be considered a public airport, the facility must be sponsored by a grant-eligible public agency, such as a city or county government, or an authority defined by state law. This sponsorship is a critical step in gaining acceptance into the Florida Aviation System Plan (FASP) and becoming eligible for public funding.
On the other hand, privately-owned public airports, also known as "Privately Owned/Publicly Used" or POPS airports, are funded and operated without direct government involvement. These airports generate their own income and do not require prior approval for aircraft landings, as long as they are open to the general public. An example of a POPS airport is Trenton Robbonsville N87.
It is important to distinguish between "public access" and "public property." A privately-owned airport can set its own policies, including restricting usage to certain groups or activities, as long as it does not endanger public health, safety, or welfare. However, if a private airport accepts public funds, it must allow public use.
In summary, public airports can vary in their ownership and funding structures, but their defining characteristic is their accessibility to the general public, regardless of ownership. The specific policies and regulations of each airport may differ based on their unique circumstances and the requirements set forth by aviation authorities.
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They are open to the public without prior approval
A public airport is defined as an airport that is open to the public without prior approval. This means that any member of the public can use the airport without needing permission from the airport owner or operator. Public airports can be publicly or privately owned. Airports that are publicly owned are generally more transparent about their budgets, which are either published or can be obtained upon request. However, privately-owned airports with multiple private owners are not bound by the same transparency requirements.
In the United States, airports that receive federal funding are considered public and must allow public use. An airport must be sponsored by a grant-eligible public agency to be included in the Florida Aviation System Plan (FASP) and be eligible for public funding. This sponsor can be a Florida unit of local government or an authority defined in Florida law. The FDOT has outlined eight steps for building a new airport, which includes gaining acceptance into the FASP. Site approval is granted by the FDOT and is dependent on factors such as safety, public health, and welfare.
There are also "Privately Owned/Publicly Used" (POPS) airports, which are privately owned, privately run, and generate their own income. These airports are open to the general public without the need for prior approval. An example of a POPS airport is Trenton Robbonsville N87. Additionally, there are airports that are owned and operated by the local government, such as KDYL, which is owned and operated by Bucks County.
While public airports are open to all, certain airports have special rules about operations during specific times. For instance, high-density traffic airports have rules regarding arrival and departure times, requiring approval from ATC for use during those periods. Furthermore, while public airports are open to the public, individual airport owners and managers can impose certain restrictions. For example, an airport may primarily cater to parachuting activities and choose to restrict overnight stays to those who are not a part of that community.
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They are eligible for public funding
A public airport is an airport that is open for use by the public, regardless of whether it is publicly or privately owned. To be eligible for public funding, a public airport must be sponsored by a grant-eligible public agency, such as a city or county government or an authority defined in state law. This is a requirement for inclusion in the Florida Aviation System Plan (FASP), which is necessary for public funding.
There are several sources of funding available for public airports, including federal grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), and tenant rents and fees. Federal grants are available through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants for planning and developing public-use airports. These grants are available for airports that are publicly owned, privately owned but designated as relievers by the FAA, or privately owned with scheduled service and a minimum number of enplanements. The AIP offers grants for up to 75-95% of eligible costs, depending on the size and type of airport.
PFCs are collected at airports owned by public agencies and are paid by passengers enplaning at the airport. These fees can be used to fund certain categories of projects as set forth in federal law and can be used for projects not eligible for AIP funding. State governments also provide funding for aviation projects through fees and taxes levied on aircraft owners and airport users, which can include fuel flowage fees. State grants may be used for projects not eligible for AIP funding and can be used to make up the local match for an AIP grant.
Additionally, airports may issue bonds to finance capital improvements, such as General Obligation (GO) bonds, which are backed by the public-at-large, or General Airport Revenue Bonds (GARBs), which are secured by airport revenues. Bonds have been a significant source of funding for airport capital projects, particularly Private Activity Bonds, which are tax-exempt and used for airport construction and renovation.
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They are subject to FAA inspections
A "public airport" is an airport, publicly or privately owned, that is open for use by the general public without prior approval from the airport owner or operator. Public airports are subject to FAA inspections, which are conducted to ensure that the airport and aircraft are functioning properly and safely.
The FAA, or Federal Aviation Administration, is responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation in the United States. As part of their responsibilities, the FAA conducts inspections of airports and aircraft to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to protect the public. These inspections are a critical aspect of maintaining aviation safety and ensuring that airports meet the necessary standards for operation.
Public airports, regardless of their ownership, must adhere to specific guidelines and regulations set forth by the FAA. These regulations cover various aspects of airport operations, including infrastructure, safety procedures, and aircraft maintenance. By conducting regular inspections, the FAA can verify that public airports are complying with these regulations and identify any areas of concern or non-compliance.
The frequency and scope of FAA inspections can vary depending on the size, complexity, and operational characteristics of the airport. Larger airports with higher traffic volumes may require more frequent inspections to ensure that safety measures are consistently implemented. Additionally, the FAA may conduct targeted inspections in response to specific concerns or complaints received from passengers, employees, or other stakeholders.
During an inspection, FAA officials will typically examine various aspects of the airport's operations, including runway conditions, lighting, signage, and fuel storage facilities. They will also review maintenance records, safety protocols, and other relevant documentation to ensure compliance with FAA regulations. In some cases, the FAA may also inspect aircraft based at the airport to ensure they meet the required standards for airworthiness and maintenance.
In conclusion, public airports are subject to FAA inspections as a critical component of ensuring aviation safety and compliance with regulations. Through these inspections, the FAA plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards for airport operations and protecting the welfare of passengers, employees, and the surrounding communities. By undergoing regular inspections, public airports can maintain their commitment to safety and provide reliable services to the public.
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They are defined as limited or special use
A "public airport" is defined as an airport that is open to the public, regardless of whether it is publicly or privately owned. However, within the category of public airports, there are further distinctions to be made between airports with different statuses. These include "public-use airports", "privately owned/publicly used" (POPS) airports, and airports with limited or special use.
Public-use airports are airports that are available for use by the general public without requiring prior approval from the airport owner or operator. These airports are typically eligible for public funding and must be sponsored by a grant-eligible public agency, such as a city or county government or an authority defined by state law. To be included in the Florida Aviation System Plan (FASP), an airport must meet certain criteria, including being sponsored by a grant-eligible public agency. The process of gaining acceptance into FASP is outlined in the "Eight Steps to Building a New Airport" document developed by FDOT.
Privately owned/publicly used (POPS) airports, on the other hand, are owned and operated privately and generate their own income. While they are open to the general public, they do not require prior approval for landing. An example of a POPS airport is Trenton Robbonsville N87.
Some public airports may also be defined as having "limited" or "special" use. These airports are licensed by the FDOT with certain restrictions to protect public health, safety, and welfare. For example, a "limited airport" license may restrict the use of the facility to specific conditions stated on the site approval order by FDOT. Similarly, a "special" license may be issued to a facility that does not meet all the requirements, provided that such an exception is justified by unusual circumstances or serves the public's convenience without endangering public health and safety.
It is important to note that the distinction between "public access" and "public property" is crucial when discussing airport usage. While a public airport may be open for public use, the land it is on may be privately owned, allowing the owners to set policies and restrict access as they see fit.
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Frequently asked questions
A public-domain airport is an airport that is publicly or privately owned and is open for use by the public.
No, there are public airports that are not federally funded. For example, KDYL is owned and operated by the local government (Bucks County).
Yes, there are privately-owned airports that are open to the public without the requirement for prior approval from the owner or operator. These are called "Privately Owned/Publicly Used" (POPS) airports.
A public airport that is listed in the FAA database cannot refuse service, even if it is privately owned. However, there are airports with special circumstances that require approval for use during certain times, such as high-density traffic airports.
