In the EAA newsletter this month is an article about a man who succeeded in getting a law limiting liability in his state for use of private or recreational airstrips. Their use will now be treated the same as other recreational activities on private land.

http://www.eaa.org/news/2010/2010-06-02_tennessee.asp

Short of a law, there is no way to eliminate liability on a private strip. Best way is to keep it off the chart and if asked you say permission denied.

Tim

I believe Montana recently passed such a law. That's what's needed in each state: A statute which says if you screw up on private property while recreating, it's YOUR fault, not the owner of the land's fault.

MTV

Here in Montana we've long had a law that says anybody who allows anybody else to use their land for recreational purposes owes them the least duty of care. Practically speaking as long as the landowner doesn't go out and try to hurt you you can't sue.(Well you can try but you won't be successful) I can be aware of giant holes in my runway and give you permission to land and not tell you about them. I still am not liable, you are. What changed here lately is aviation was not specifically listed as a recreational activity in the law. It was added as a just in case measure.

This subject interests me as we are looking to open a strip in our area. Does anybody have any idea about Oregon liabilty law? If I bought land and put in a strip, then allowed someone to put up a hangar and fly off of it, how could I protect myself?

How do airport communities work? I assume when you buy a house in an airport community, you also become a part owner of the airstrip property? What about visitors that come land at an airport community? If they screw up, can they turn around and Sue the community?

You require them to have lots of insurance and then you be lissted as additionaly insured. I think we have an insurance expert on this forum. Direct your plumbing and fire sprinkler questions to me.

Tim