HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 10 1989 AOPA continues support for SebastianPAGE 12 - GENERAL AVIATION NEWS - APRIL 10, 1989
Airports & FBOs
AOPA continues
support for Sebastian
SEBASTIAN, FL —In a' city-wide
referendum held in Sebastian in March,
voters amended the city charter, placing
restrictions on Sebastian Airport opera-
tions. The vote would implement a 24-hour
noise restriction of 65 dB (which would
deny access to more than half the aircraft
currently using the airport, according to
AOPA), a minimum landing fee of $5, and
bar city applications for federal or state
financial assistance without the approval of
additional referendums.
"Not only would the terms of the
referendum conflict with federal obliga-
tions," said AOPA President John Baker,
"but the city could be placed in a position
of having to forfeit one of its greatest as-
sets —its airport."
Sebiastian is a surplus property airport,
said Baker, and as such must comply with
the airport property deed restrictions and
the Surplus Property Act.
"These restrictions undoubtedly violate
the terms of the city's agreement with the
federal government," Baker said. "We will
not tit by and watch the city illegally
restrict access to an important economic
and social resource like Sebastian Airport.
The airport is the community's gateway to
the national air transportation system,
which makes it an important local and na-
tional transportation facility."