Legal Access to Local Airport - FAR Part 103 Flying

[Logit]

My local airport FBO manager has stated in an email response to my question "Is there any prohibition to Ultralights / Powered Paragliders using the airport ?" ...

"The runway is public domain, not part of FBO. I discourage it due to a near miss some years ago.
I don’t believe an airport is required for such activities. (a cow pasture will work just as well). :-) "

I'm just getting into the FAR Par 103 Ultralight activities and look forward to taking lessons soon. The use of the local county airport would be mandatory for me to be able to fly. I do not own nor do I know of anyone who owns
sufficient land for a private grass strip.

It is my understanding (and seems to be supported by the FBO Mgr's response) that using the county airport cannot be prohibited. However, I really don't want to get started by becoming involved in a verbal contest of
legalities with anyone at the local airport.

#1 - Where do I locate "law" / "statutes" / "legal description" pertaining to the rights of ultralights using a local county airport ? (I want to know what "the law" says .. not just hearsay)

# 2 - What advice would you suggest how to approach the FBO Mgr to temper his view of ultralights and establish a mutually agreeable plan for everyone's safety ?

Thank you.

[martymayes]

AC 103-6 is somewhat dated but still in effect....where the FAA suggest that many of the the 16,000 public airports in the US are perfectly suitable for ultralight operations.

I think the AC would be a good start for the airport manager to become educated on ultralight operations as well.

[Bill Berson]

If possible, suggest an approved operating area for ultralights with separate 500ft. agl pattern, if appropriate.
Grass taxiway or something.
Only airports that have accepted federal improvement money are required to allow ultralights.

[Dana]

If I read you correctly, the FBO manager said "discourage", not "prohibit". Remember the FBO is a business located on the airport; unless he's also the airport manager he may have no say.

Many airports "discourage" but tolerate ultralights provided the UL pilots behave, follow proper traffic patterns, etc. But (as has happened many times) one poorly trained or careless yahoo can sour it for the rest.

[jedi]

First you must determine what class airspace the airport is located in. From your question I assume it is Class G. FAR 103 requires permission from the controlling authority if it is Class B, C, D or associated Class E surface area. The FBO manager is not the controling agency in most cases.

The airport manager may prohibit operations if he determines the operation is unsafe.

Sounds like you have a reasonable airport manager. That is good news and not always the case.

You need to do some homework and convince the FBO manager that you are responsible and know what you are doing. Your paraglider/ul instructor should be able to work with you on this but many are not familiar with the regs and procedures.

Dana above is a good source and I would also like to assist as needed or wanted. Request a phone contact for live discussions.

Please post the three letter airport identifer of the field you are planning to fly from.

Check the Airport Facility Directory for the intended flying field. If Ultralights are banned it would be listed there. I am 97% certain that is not the case at your field from the above posted comments.

This is a touchy subject in many cases but usually workable when the right procedures are followed.

It is typical for the local authorities to say no or discourage the operation until they are convinced that you know the procedures and how to safely operate in compliance with the regulations. They do not have a clue as to the requirements, you have to inform them. It is not their job to train you.

If you approach with the attitude that you are seeking permission to operate when no permission is required it can not be granted and that tells the FBO that you do not know the requirements. Once you know the legalities you can approach the FBO as an informational meeting to explain how you plan to operate and see if he has suggestions for safety improvements or other comments. Frequently he/she will then welcome the operation.

[Logit]

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(1A5) Macon County