Hello all, the title describes it all. I'm looking to possibly convert our private airport to a public airport. What things should I consider? Pro's and con's? I'd really like to increase the traffic and I think this would definitely help. The airport has been in operation for 30 years, but has always been private and my wife and I purchased it two years ago with the intent of building a community (not necessarily building, just traffic and hangars). I'd sure like your thoughts, thanks!

I assume you mean going from Private Restricted to Private Open To The Public. The biggest downside to doing that is liability. You'll want to get an insurance policy that protects you and your family from the bottom feeder lawyers that will come after you if someone gets hurt or killed on your airport - and not just from airplane crashes.

And you'll need to decide on what type of air operations you'll allow; helicopters? gliders? ultralights? And the size of aircraft, there are skilled pilots out there that can put big, heavy iron into short skinny strips that will tear the strip up over time. And you'll need to consider if you'll allow night operations, or an IFR approach.

And if you've got neighbors what will they be saying about the increased traffic? Some things to consider.

Our airport is Private Open To The Public and when our Pilot Association purchased it from all the various owners last year we considered taking it Private Restricted because of liability, but finally found a good insurance policy to cover us.

Barnstormer is exactly correct on these points. We are a public airport (T25) and liability insurance is still the key to longevity.

You might want to check with your county land use planner, too. That's always an issue when creating an airstrip out of whole cloth, but it might also be one if the amount of use increases due to being open to the public.

Cary

Depending on your state and if you have a desire to make money from this or not, you may have favorable laws which limit your liability in your circumstance.

http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Tit ... 6-1604.htm

Another plug on checking with the county. If you put up a few hangars for rent, your zoning may go from residential to commercial. The tax increase could be pretty significant if that happens.

what airport is it?

Thanks for all the advice. I figured liability would be one of the biggest issues. Lots of good info that you all shared. The airport is TE17 in Robinson, Tx.