Wed, Mar 17, 2010
Bill's Sponsors Say The Intent Is To Correct FAA's "Through The
Fence" Airport Policy
The "Community Airport Access and Protection Act of 2010" was
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, March
10th by Congressmen Sam Graves (R-MO) and Leonard Boswell (R-IA).
The intent of the bill is to address the FAA's recent policy
prohibiting "through the fence" access at any airport receiving
Airport Improvement Grant funding. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) has
introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
The FAA prohibited "through the fence" (TTF) access in its
Airport Compliance Manual Order 5190.6b which was released
September 30, 2009, without any public or alphabet group input. In
addition, a Freedom of Information Act request made by the aviation
group ThroughTheFence.org revealed that essential no data, studies,
or non-FAA personnel's opinion went into the new order.
The bill essentially allows off-airport "through the fence" access,
and prevents the FAA from considering an airport to be in violation
of their grant assurances due to such access agreements. The
legislation does require off-airport users to pay access charges
similar to "on airport" tenants and maintain their properties
compatible with safe airport functions.
"Congressmen Graves and Boswell as well as Senator Inhofe
deserve tremendous credit for sponsoring legislation which insures
access to general aviation airports and supports their economic
vitality through TTF fees" stated Brent Blue, coordinator of
ThroughTheFence.org. "This correction of FAA policy will help
maintain the viability of small airports by encourage use while
supporting safety and security" Blue continued.
ThroughTheFence.org is encouraging all pilots and others
interested in general aviation to contact their Senators and
Representatives to support this important legislation for
airports.
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