Yesterday to took off from the grass at my home strip (Aurora State Airport) just like I have for the last 25 years. I was contacted by the Airport Manager, he claimed that I was in violation by using the grass, Aurora State airport is a paved non-towered strip a mile long surrounded by grass. Not only was I in violation for using the grass, but I can not use the intersections for take-off anymore. I have Bushwheels on my aircraft and now I need to taxi 1/2 mile on the black top everytime I want to take off.
I contacted the FAA and they don't care if I use the grass, but it appears that the no grass rule is an airport rule, that some how has been enacted. As a tax payer I feel that my rights have been taken from me and all the other local pilots that use the grass. My concern is this might set a presidence for all other state run airports in our great country.
If you have ever used or plan to use Aurora State Airport in the future or are concerned that this might happen to your local airport I would like to ask you to send John P. Wilson, Jr., the Oregon State Airport Operations Specialist an email stating that you do not agree with this new ruling. His email address is:
John.P.Wilson@state.or.us
I think we can get this rule reversed if enough people protest. Don't let this happen to your local airport!
Thank you very much,
Doug Keller
I contacted the FAA and they don't care if I use the grass, but it appears that the no grass rule is an airport rule, that some how has been enacted. As a tax payer I feel that my rights have been taken from me and all the other local pilots that use the grass. My concern is this might set a presidence for all other state run airports in our great country.
If you have ever used or plan to use Aurora State Airport in the future or are concerned that this might happen to your local airport I would like to ask you to send John P. Wilson, Jr., the Oregon State Airport Operations Specialist an email stating that you do not agree with this new ruling. His email address is:
John.P.Wilson@state.or.us
I think we can get this rule reversed if enough people protest. Don't let this happen to your local airport!
Thank you very much,
Doug Keller