Clearwater (FL) Will Ask For Paperwork After String Of Accidents, Pilots Agree To Cooperate

The city of Clearwater (FL) has taken the unusual decision to ask pilots offering aircraft out of Clearwater Airpark to provide copies of their aircraft logbooks as a means to proving that the annual inspection has not been skipped. The unusual step is being taken after a string of accidents during the past 18 months, the last one taking place February 15, when Ralph Herrlin, 78, and James Edward Smith, 63, perished after their Beechcraft Debonair struck a ranch house and crashed shortly after takeoff.

City officials were quick to clarify that they have no indications that any of the aircraft that crashed were out of annual. The purpose of this request, which was apparently suggested by the aircraft owners themselves, is to address any doubts the community may have about the airworthiness of the 130+ aircraft that are based out of the Airpark.

"It's something that the public has a very heightened interest about," said marine and aviation director Bill Morris to the St Petersburg Times. "One of the things I have been asked by members of the public is, 'How do we know these planes are safe?' Well, hopefully, this can answer that."

The request will be made by letter sent to the aircraft owners, and may be included as part of the least agreements for hangars, depending on the response. One of the issues at the airpark is that the terms of lease agreements allow owners to perform annual inspections only at one hangar designated by the airport for maintenance. The city does not allow major maintenance within the individual leased hangars. Morris believes pilots are hiring mechanics to perform the inspections in other parts of the airport.

"They wouldn't be illegal aviation-wise, but they would be illegal in regards to their lease," said Morris. (Which leads this Editor to wonder why the airpark is making it harder for owners to keep their aircraft legal, while at the same time asking them to produce proof of that legality... Ed. JJ) The issue of airport regulations is on the agenda at the next city council meeting.

FMI: www.clearwaterairpark.com