Buying land to build house and runway question

[flynow]

I was hoping to buy an existing grass strip, but that won't happen. My next alternative is to buy land on which I can build a house & hanger, and have about 1,000' to 1,500' of land for a grass runway. Has anyone done this? If so, what was your experience? What obstacles are there? Thanks!

[FlyingRon]

You need to check the local zoning/land use laws. Around here you'd never get approval to that these days. There are some groups that give talks about it at Oshkosh from time to time. I can't imagine NE PA to be particularly more lenient on this than northern Virginia.

[Infidel]

Are you looking to stay in the NE Pa area? If there's no local regulations against it, I'd say your biggest obstacle will be any residents in the area.

I suspect it really comes down to "where" your wanting to do this. If you have an area in mind, start with the County offices and go from there. I'd also suggest tapping in with EAA or AOPA as I'm sure they've addressed this same inquiry several times.

[FlyingRon]

You might try the state Bureau of Aviation. They've likely come across this issue before and let you know what the "climate" is like in the areas you are considering.

[WLIU]

As noted above, begin at town hall and check the zoning or land use regulations for the part of town that you are looking to purchase in. Speak with the state aviation department. If the runway is for your personal use and not open to the public, it is likely that they will have no input. Those folks will be able to advise as to what state land use laws have to say about aviation as a land use. Here in NH the state law says that aviation is an accepted land use. This can preempt town ordinances. Note - this part of the NH statues came about because of a fight between a town and a resident. The resident won, but it took a lot of effort.

A surprising number of farms have enough open land for a runway and the resident(s) own a recreational airplane.

I will note, as someone who lives on an airport in the NE US, there are a lot of things that you will not see in the glossy brochure about "living on an airport." Never thought that I would own a big pickup truck and find myself plowing all alone in a snow storm in the middle of the night. Not to mention getting stuck on a patch of ice and having to hike to get another truck with a tow chain. And you better own a tractor with a 6' mower deck, not one of those wimpy thing that they call riding mowers.....

Best of luck,

Wes
N78PS

[Eagle Six]

As others have stated, best to start with zoning and state transportation law. Here in Arizona, our Department of Transportation regulates aviation, but only within 70 NM of what they deems a congested metro. I live well outside of this boundary, so they have no objection or authority on my strip. Navajo county requires a Special Issue Use Permit, which goes through two public hearings and an environmental impact survey (water drainage). The feds require a 7480-1 submitted too assure your strip will not adversely effect air safety. A few states have aviation departments which can guide you through all the processes, permits, and waivers you may need in your location......which may save you money and spinning your wheels, sometimes the process is easier if you take the steps in a specific order and someone who is in authority and familiar with the process can be very helpful. Good Luck.


Best Regards.......George

[Jim Rosenow]

I've done it once in Illinois, and came within a gnat's whisker in Ohio. Everyone has covered the sources well. My experience was that a neighbor objected, they asked him why, he said I don't want the airplanes around, and they stamped it approved. A neighbor has to have a safety or other major issue to interfere...again, just my experience.

If you happen to wander into Ohio, I have a very helpful individual at ODOT for you...PM me if you want it. Oh, and I think the miniumum in Ohio is 1800 feet to be 'blessed'.

Good luck, and to echo...get the biggest mower you possibly can...mowing interferes with flying!

Jim

[flynow]

I appreciate all the information. Thank you!

[Green Goggles]

Hearing stories of states with all these regulations and obstacles makes my head hurt, and make me sad.

I know of several grass strips here in Oklahoma, but haven't heard any stories of trouble or obstacles. I think it's as simple as mowing the grass and then landing in the pasture. :D

[Skyhook]

We made a new field here in NE NYS years back, had no issues with DOT or FAA (consulted both), and then one 'downstater' built a big home directly on the final approach. There was some complaining as we host the ANG with their Blackhawks for night training and after some effort and communication, we are now running rather smoothly as long as the departing flat-pitch guys bear a bit off center-line and avoid flying right over the guy's house.
So, my advice would be to be very open and congenial to neighbors as they can, if 'connected', cause heart-burn. I'd say you include them in the plans from the beginning. Just a thought.

[FlyingRon]

The FAA won't interfere ever. All you do is file the notice to construct and they'll eventually come back and tell you what they think of your idea, but it's not binding on you. The worst thing they'll do is mark it OBJECTIONABLE and refuse to "help" you further.

We get the blackhawks at our field as well. It's nice and dark at night. Sometimes I go out and wave at them as they make their hover passes. It was actually the first day I was in the new house sitting in my office and had one shoot by at eye level that reminded me why I live on the airpark.

We were concerned about a new $2MM house that went up on an island off the end of our runway (from the opposite end it looks like his house is right a tthe end of the runway). We've invited him over a few times and he really likes planes. There's not much traffic from our field anyhow. The jetskis on the lake make more noise.

[Eagle Six]

So, my advice would be to be very open and congenial to neighbors as they can, if 'connected', cause heart-burn. I'd say you include them in the plans from the beginning. Just a thought.This is an excellent thought and I agree. Neighbors can shut you down before starting, before completion, and afterwards




Hearing stories of states with all these regulations and obstacles makes my head hurt, and make me sad.

I know of several grass strips here in Oklahoma, but haven't heard any stories of trouble or obstacles. I think it's as simple as mowing the grass and then landing in the pasture. :DI'm sure there are many private strips in Arizona which aren't marked or approved, as well. If we land on a road, the Department of Transportation has the authority and they don't like road landings. If you land in a field it's between you and the land owner/operator. If you grade a strip on private land, neither the AZDOT (if farther than 70 NM of congested development) or FAA care if for temporary service. Now the county I reside in does have regulations requiring a Special Issue Use Permit. Al of which protect the strip owner from being shut down without a court battle.

On the other hand, many are so far out, rather than ask, they just do it. If no one complains, no one cares. If what they do is safe and doesn't interfere with anyone else, more power to them.




The FAA won't interfere ever. All you do is file the notice to construct and they'll eventually come back and tell you what they think of your idea, but it's not binding on you. The worst thing they'll do is mark it OBJECTIONABLE and refuse to "help" you further.In my county, it may be similar in other jurisdictions, the Special Issue Use Permit is not accepted until the applicant includes approval from the AZDOT (if within their jurisdiction), and a favorable from the FAA.



Best Regards........George