El Dorado County Municipal Code Ch. 18.16 Aircraft Operations Regulations

The FAA air traffic rules and regulations governing the operation of aircraft and airports in effect as of the effective date of the ordinance from which this title is derived as well as all subsequent additions thereto are made a part of these airport rules and regulations as fully as if set forth in this title.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.010; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

No aircraft shall be parked or stored at the airport except in the areas designated for such use by the Airports Director. Aircraft shall not be left unattended on the airport unless it is secured or within a hangar.

(Code 1997, § 18.12.020; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982; Ord. No. 5212, § 3, 11-12-2024)

The performance of aircraft and engine repair and maintenance is considered to be an aeronautical service regulated by the County except where such service or repairs are performed by the aircraft owner or his or her employees, or where such minor repairs are authorized by FARs. The County reserves the right to designate, through its Airports Director, reasonable areas where such aircraft owners may be required to perform services on their own aircraft. In the open tie-down area, only minor repairs are allowed.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.030; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

At the direction of the Airports Director, the operator, owner, or pilot of any illegally parked aircraft on the airport premises shall move the aircraft to a legally designated parking area on the airport. If the operator refuses to comply with the directions, the County, through its Airports Director, may tow the aircraft to such place, at the operator's expense and without liability for damage that may result from such moving.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.040; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

The pilot, operator or owner of any aircraft damaged, disabled, or otherwise abandoned because of an accident or incident at any County airport shall be responsible for the prompt removal of such aircraft or parts thereof from the runway or operational areas of the County airport as directed by the County Airports Director or his or her deputy. In the event of an accident or incident, the County, through its Airports Director, may, in compliance with FAA and other governmental regulations, move damaged aircraft from the landing or operational areas, at the expense of the owner and without liability for damage resulting from such moving in the absence of gross negligence by the County.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.050; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

The Airports Director shall have the authority to reasonably detain any aircraft for nonpayment of any charges due the County.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.060; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

Aircraft shall be taxied at a safe and reasonable speed with due respect for other aircraft, persons or property.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.070; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

All takeoffs and landings shall be confined to the runways and all other movement of aircraft shall be confined to the hard surface areas unless prior written authorization is obtained from the County's Airports Director.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.080; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

All aircraft have the right-of-way over all surface vehicles on the airport premises.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.090; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

It is unlawful for any person to operate any aircraft in the County with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, whether his or her own or that of others.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.100; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

It is unlawful for an aircraft to be operated, taken off, or landed at any County airport in a manner contrary to published noise abatement procedures if they have been established for the airport.

(Code 1997, § 18.16.110; Ord. No. 3327, § 1(part), 1982)

A person shall perform neither an engine runup nor prolonged engine test operations of aircraft in any area that would result in a hazard to other aircraft, persons or property. The Airport Director may establish and designate engine test areas.

(Ord. No. 5212, § 4, 11-12-2024)

No person shall leave any item on the airport ramps, taxiways, runway, or tie-down areas without securing it by means sufficient to avoid any unwanted movement.

(Ord. No. 5212, § 5, 11-12-2024)

Ultralight aviation is allowed at a County airport if the aircraft:

A. Complies with all FAR Part 103 Subpart B Operating Rules.

B. Has a registered tail number with the Federal Aviation Administration and is equipped with a radio.

C. Complies with all Federal Aviation Administration Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

(Ord. No. 5212, § 6, 11-12-2024)