by Micah Larson
Entering a public airport system, both at the state and federal levels, is a process with its share of benefits and challenges. Naturally, the requirements vary from state-to-state, and the only consistent aspect is entry into the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), the federally managed program that’s handled by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport District Offices across the country. This article addresses the process from a Minnesota perspective, but other states will likely have similar steps.
Should An Airport Be Converted?
After feasibility and safety considerations, one of the biggest pieces of the airport conversion equation is weighing the cost and benefits of completing the conversion process itself. All of Minnesota’s 85 privately licensed airports have already undergone the work required to be federally recognized, including engineering of active surfaces, clearing obstructions, and working with the FAA to become a charted facility. Those efforts are also steps to entering the Minnesota system, so a significant amount of legwork is already out of the way.
New public airport operators should also consider factors beyond costs. What revenue does this generate for our region? Does our tax base support another public service? Can we maintain compliance to keep our eligibility for public money should we need it? Is there an ample workforce to operate the airport as aircraft movements increase? These questions must be seriously considered while planning for a status change.
The decision of when to convert to a public airport truly rests squarely on the broader economic utility and long-term viability of a public facility.
The Stages of Conversion
Looking at Midwest states, airport system entry generally has a few important components: application, screening, inspection, licensure, issuance or approval, or a combination thereof. In the Minnesota State Aviation System Plan, the process is comprised of initial screening, system entry, licensure, and licensure issuance – an undertaking that could require a year or longer to successfully complete. When determining whether a facility is acceptable for public use, each state has its own set of minimum standards that deal with the safety, suitability and security of pilots, aircraft owners, passengers and the broader public.
Minnesota’s conversion process is explored below, through each step of the entry process.
Initial Screening
The initial screening phase is the first step to become a public Minnesota airport. New and existing airport sponsors must contact the state aviation planner that is responsible for the region in which an airport is located to get the ball rolling. In Minnesota, airport sponsors are typically a public agency or tax-supported organization such as an airport authority, joint powers, airport commission or local government authorized to own and operate an airport. The screening process seeks to determine whether an airport meets the baseline criteria to be included in Minnesota’s State Aviation System Plan. Existing airport facilities and operators that meet at least one of the requirements can move forward with the system entry stage:
- Located at least 30 nautical miles (nm) from an existing state system airport.
- Provides at least two of the following aircraft services: fuel (Jet A and/or 100LL provided by the sponsor or a third-party); maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services; fixed-base operator (FBO); de-icing; on-site weather reporting.
- Airport catchment area increases the percent of Minnesota population with access to an airport within 30 nm by at least 2 percent.
- Serves a Tribal community.
System Entry
The second stage begins with an airport sponsor submitting an “Entry Request,” which sets off a robust process to research and further identify the public benefit of a new public airport. Minnesota sets a fairly high bar (relatively speaking) for who or what is and isn’t allowed into the state aviation system. Other Midwest states may or may not be as particular about qualifications for system admittance. The process includes a hefty packet of documentation that aims to prove the worth and viability of adding a new airport to the system. Sponsors must demonstrate the airport is eligible to enter the system, provide market research, a well-developed business plan, and finally, any potential challenges inherent to the existing operation, such as funding, zoning, obstructions, and how they’ll be remedied.
The submitted documentation is reviewed and verified against state data and research to confirm the airport’s request. The request is then sent through a second internal review process. If accepted, a Commissioner’s Order declares the airport approved for inclusion in the aviation system and unlocks state grant money for airport planning.
Licensure
Once approved to enter Minnesota’s system of public airports, the licensure phase begins. Minnesota requires multiple documents during this stage, including a New Landing Area application, Landing Area Location form and an Airport Diagram, plus the licensing fee. Airport sponsors will also need to work with their local planning and zoning authority (or authorities) to secure any permits, complete airport-compatible zoning, and develop an airport layout plan that depicts the airport facility.
Licensure Issuance
After all the aforementioned steps have been completed and the new public facility is deemed to be in compliance with the relevant regulations, the state will issue a public airport license. This license must be renewed annually through a fee, and regular airport inspections will begin to ensure the airport meets safety, security, and other requirements.
Federal Conversion
If a private airport is already known by the FAA and found on sectional charts, the agency sets forth a status change process. All Part 157 airport data alterations must be made through Form 7480-1. Found on the FAA website, this document is an online process that allows operators to provide updated information about their facility, including public/private status changes. This proposed information will be reviewed by the appropriate FAA Airport District Office, and they will make a determination as to whether it is accepted fully, conditionally, or if there is an objection.
Advantages of a Public Airport
There are numerous benefits to being a public airport. The top one for most airports is the funding they gain access to, both at the state level, and if an NPIAS airport, at the federal level. Local municipalities often have funding options as well, whether it is a city, county, or joint powers entity. Public status also broadens the accessibility and economic impact of the airport, as it can engage the community to align with public interest, serving as a critical hub for transportation and commerce. Accountability is also a key piece of being public – and a benefit – as public airports are recognized as meeting aviation safety, security, and usability standards for their customers.
Challenges of Operating a Public Airport
There are also challenges that come with operating a public airport. Public status garners far more scrutiny from all stakeholders, including extensive government oversight. This often slows down decision-making and may raise administrative costs.
Meeting the high standards of being a public airport also carries operational costs, and the process to obtain public funding can be quite competitive, with no guarantee of securing funding. When grants from any government entity are accepted, additional assurances must be made to remain in good standing for those funds. Often there are requirements that can create obligations over many years. For example, all Minnesota state grants for airports have 20-year operation obligations attached to them. Land acquisitions with state money require 99 years of operation, and if an airport decides to close before its respective grant timeline is up, a prorated amount must be paid back to the state. Airport sponsors – typically the communities that host the airport – also need financial stamina and have full understanding of the share of local dollars necessary to ensure airport viability, which may increase taxes.
Taking the Leap to Go Public
Ultimately, transforming an airport from private to public is a bold step that represents a fundamental shift in the goals of the airport and its stakeholders. It requires a clear-eyed approach to future finances, management and operations, and a commitment to greater accountability. The status change opens doors to more opportunities, but also carries new responsibilities for which operators must be prepared.
If you are a visionary thumbing through these pages, what might be the next chapter for your local airfield? Could it be a catalyst for aviation’s brighter future in your region, or is it already locked on its perfect heading? The decision to take a step isn’t easy, but this much is clear: every public airport began as a private dream with the gumption to take off.
To learn more about becoming a public airport in Minnesota, visit the MnDOT Aeronautics website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/licensing/airportlicensing.html