Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/7/2002

Question
Hi David,I am a Faa Licenced helicopter Pilot and Ultralight Pilot/Owner here in the Palmdale/Lancaster area of California. I would like to buy 10 acres of flat land here and open an Ultralight Flight Park..maybe put up and rent out some Hangers and use a flat dirt runwy.Would i need permission from the FAA since ultralights are a Non Regulated form of flying and are there any legal ramifications with this idea of mine.I have found an area located between two Controlled Airports however am located about 10 miles from entry into eithe control zone.Thanks for your help..Justin.

Answer
Hi, Justin:

Thanks for your question.

There are three levels of government approval to consider:

1. As you point out, the FAA.....just to be safe, I would check with the Airport District Office at the Western Pacific Office of the FAA near LAX.  They can tell you if any airspace approval is required.  They will say yes if you plan to use it for any regular fixed wing or rotorcraft traffic.

2.  The State of California CALTRANS Division of Aeronautics in Sacramento.....I am not sure if the state has any sort of state statute for the approval of new landing areas.  Here in Illinois, this type of project would likely have to get state approval.  You will need to check the statutes in California.

3.  Local county land use and/or planning boards or commissions.  I am assuming that this is in LA County?  There may be a land use zoning ordinance to follow in your area, and, if so, and if your planned use is not approved, you will have to ask for a waiver.  There are also nearby land owners to consider.....make sure that your proposed runway is not pointed at any homes.

You might also check with existing ultralight airpark operators to see what they went through to get started.

Best of luck to you,

Dave NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.siu.edu/~aviation/