FAA investigating access denial at Missouri airport
AOPA backs Part 13 investigation into Skyhaven Airport
In a letter sent to the FAA on August 11, AOPA is voicing support for an ongoing FAR Part 13 investigation after a group of pilots and airport tenants said the University of Central Missouri is attempting to limit any commercial operations at Skyhaven Airport in Warrensburg that are not sponsored by the university, in violation of federal grant assurances.
AOPA, in collaboration with the Experimental Aircraft Association and NATA (formerly the National Air Transportation Association), sent the letter because it “appears to be one of multiple issues present that favor the [university].”
In one case, the Mighty Mules Flying Club towed a Piper Cherokee to a nearby farm to perform maintenance after members say the university issued a new hangar lease that prevented A&P mechanics from working on aircraft in owners’ hangars, which the club says “effectively grounds general aviation aircraft in their hangar if they require a certified aircraft mechanic to work on the aircraft.”
According to the joint letter, the lease agreements and commercial policies imposed by the university may appear compliant on paper, but are so one-sided in favor of UCM that they still violate the FAA’s prohibition on granting exclusive rights.
“As part of the FAA’s ongoing investigation and compliance process, we urge you to ensure that all UCM board members and executive leaders are aware that [the airport] receives FAA grant funding for the benefit of all stakeholders and users,” the letter states.
The FAA issued a preliminary determination of noncompliance in April and placed Skyhaven Airport in a “No Pay” status, which temporarily stops future federal airport improvement grants while the Part 13 investigation continues.
“By violating federal grant assurances—and not recognizing the severity of them—these actions also set a poor example for students at the university, particularly those studying aviation management and airport management,” said AOPA Central Southwest Regional Manager Tom Chandler.
The letter recommends the creation of an airport board to include representatives not affiliated with the university to “help facilitate an airport environment that best meets the needs of all users and serves as an example of a strong, healthy public-use airport.”
“For decades, the University of Central Missouri has tried to restrict other operations at the airport in a number of ways,” said Chandler. “We appreciate the FAA’s efforts to make sure pilots will continue to have equitable access for all users of Skyhaven Airport.”
