Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 12.08 Aircraft Regulations

The rules and regulations promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration and presently in effect and all additions or amendments thereto are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part of these regulations as fully in all respects as if particularly set forth herein.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No person shall navigate any aircraft over, land upon, or take off from, or service, repair, or maintain any aircraft on the airport, or conduct any operation on or from the airport, otherwise than in conformity with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

The Airport Manager, or the appointed assistant of the Airport Manager, may restrict or suspend any or all flight operations when required for the interest of safety, military need or special circumstances.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No person shall operate or assist in the operation of any aircraft on the airport while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, or any drug or substance that impairs a pilot's performance, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug or substance.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

All aircraft using the airport shall be equipped with functioning two-way radio equipment tuned to the tower frequency and capable of transmitting and receiving intelligible traffic control instructions from the control tower for a distance of at least five miles from the airport.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Aircraft using the airport shall establish communications with the control tower prior to departing from any parking or tie-down area. Radio contact shall be maintained at all times while taxiing and during engine warmup prior to departure. Aircraft approaching the airport shall establish and maintain radio communications with the control tower at least five miles from the airport.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), prior code § 5.11 (part))

During take-offs from the airport and until outside of the five-mile airport traffic area, or until cleared to leave tower frequency, the pilots of all aircraft shall guard the control tower radio frequency or the frequency designated as the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF).

During hours when tower is not in operation, aircraft pilots/operators shall communicate with each other on the tower frequency 121.0.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Aircraft intending to remain in the local traffic pattern of the airport shall advise the control tower at the airport prior to first take-off of such intention.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No person shall operate any aircraft on the airport unless the aircraft is equipped with effective and functioning wheel brakes, nor shall any person use or operate on the airport any aircraft equipped with a tail skid in place of a tail wheel except with the prior authorization of the Airport Manager.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No person shall taxi any aircraft on the airport unless there will be no danger of collision with any person or object. All aircraft shall be taxied at a safe and reasonable speed commensurate with safe operation in relation to existing conditions and with due regard for other aircraft, persons and property.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Aircraft approaching a runway at the airport for take-off shall not enter a runway without the pilot first having received a clearance from the control tower, or having made a visual check of air traffic when the tower is not in operation.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

All aircraft using the airport, except in an emergency, shall conform to 14 CFR Part 91.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

There shall be no simulated forced landings within the confines of the traffic pattern of the airport.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Except for Runway 27, no turn shall be made after take-off until the airport boundary has been reached and the aircraft has obtained an altitude of at least 1,500 feet above sea level and the pilot of the aircraft has determined that such a turn can be made safely. For Runway 27, a ten-degree right turn shall be made at the departure end of the runway.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

The established traffic pattern for the airport is a left- hand pattern except for Runway 16 which shall be a right-hand pattern. The traffic pattern altitude for conventional aircraft is 1,800 feet above mean sea level and 2,300 feet above mean sea level for jet aircraft. Aircraft shall enter the traffic pattern from straight and level flight.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 4212 § 1, 1975; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Aircraft entering or leaving the traffic pattern of the airport shall exercise extreme caution and shall not cause other aircraft in the pattern to deviate from their course.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Safe distances shall be maintained between aircraft in the traffic pattern of the airport, and there shall be no passing or cutting in front of other aircraft in the pattern.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No aircraft using the airport shall be operated while on the ground or in flight in such manner as to cause unnecessary noise.

Unless considered unsafe during visual flight rules (VFR) conditions or otherwise directed by air traffic control, pilots must observe the following:

A. VFR departures (1) Runway 9, climb to 1,500 mean sea level (MSL) prior to first turn; (2) Runway 27, turn right ten degrees at departure end of runway to follow the river, then climb straight ahead to 1,500 MSL.

B. VFR missed approaches, do not descend below 1,200 MSL.

C. VFR approach straight to Runway 9. Stay well north of housing area.

D. Maintain pattern altitudes of 1,800 MSL provided jets must maintain pattern altitudes of 2,300 MSL.

E. Do not descend below Runway 27 visual approach slope indicator (VASI) indications during final approach.

F. Practice single-engine departure procedures with twin-engine aircraft should be kept to a minimum.

G. Jet aircraft must comply with Federal Air Regulation Part 36 and execute rolling takeoff consistent with safety.

H. Missed approach throttle setting should be minimum, consistent with safety.

I. Establish minimum throttle settings as soon as possible after take-off, consistent with safety.

J. Avoid Ramona High School on Magnolia Avenue.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Use of Runway 34/16 of the airport is discretionary and extreme caution should be observed because of its short length (2,850 feet).

During hours of darkness, lights on Runway 34/16 of the airport will be turned on whenever the tower is not manned.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

When the control tower is not in operation, Runway 9 shall be designated as the calm wind runway.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988)

Except in an emergency, no person shall board or disembark from any aircraft on the taxiway, landing or take-off area of the airport. However, a certificated flight instructor may, with control tower approval, disembark on a taxiway to supervise the solo flight of a student pilot in which case the instructor must exercise extreme caution.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No aircraft shall be permitted to remain on any part of the taxiway, landing or take-off area of the airport for the purpose of repairs, and all repairs shall be effected at places designated therefor. Preventive maintenance described in 14 CFR Part 43 for holders of a pilot certificate shall be permitted in aircraft parking areas of based aircraft. Other maintenance authorized by FAA Advisory Circular 150/5190-2A shall be performed in areas designated by the Airport Manager. Normal tie-down fees will apply.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

A. The following regulations relating to fueling of aircraft and operation of fueling vehicles are applicable to all users of the airport:

1. Fueling of aircraft shall be accomplished with strict attention to safety.

2. The refueling vehicle attendant shall stand by the refueling vehicle during all phases of refueling operation.

3. All refueling vehicles must be equipped with approved fire extinguishers at all times.

4. Refueling vehicles shall not refuel aircraft within any hangar. At no time will fuel vehicles enter or park in hangars.

5. During refueling operations, aircraft and vehicle grounding procedures shall be exercised at all times.

6. All fuel spills shall be treated as a potential fire hazard. The Fire Department will be notified if the spill constitutes a hazard to either life or property. Asphalt damage must be reported to the airport office immediately by the refueling operator.

7. Fueling nozzles shall be equipped with a dead-man control. The dead-man shall not be blocked in the open position.

B. All aviation fuels must be handled to ensure clean/dry fuels reach the aircraft. Those who choose to fuel their own aircraft with fuels imported from off the airport must meet the same standards applicable to fuel operators on the airport:

1. Obtain fuel permit from Airport Manager.

2. Fuel containers must be marked to indicate type and grade of fuel being handled and aircraft number.

3. Dispensing units must have fuel pumps equipped with automatic shut-off, filters, standpipe and ground straps.

4. Fire extinguishers will be available (two 20-BC), one on either side of vehicle.

5. Individuals will not fuel aircraft other than their own nor will they sell any fuels on the airport.

6. Hazardous materials shall not be stored in aircraft hangars.

7. Fuelers shall carry such liability insurance as reasonably required by the Airport Manager.

8. Persons performing fueling operations should be familiar with pertinent rules pertaining to fuels handling.

9. Refueling aircraft from five-gallon cans is not permitted.

10. Those individuals processing more than 50 gallons of fuel in a year must file a disclosure of hazardous materials with the Riverside Fire Department.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988)

An aircraft engine shall not be started at the airport unless a competent operator is at the controls of such aircraft and adequate brakes are fully set or the wheels are set with blocks. An aircraft engine may only be run up after it is determined that propwash will not endanger other aircraft, property or persons.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No aircraft shall be taxied into or out of the hangar at the airport. Aircraft being taxied and scheduled for servicing in hangar shall be halted a safe distance from the hangar doors and the engine stopped. Approved power-operated industrial trucks may be used to move aircraft into, about and out of hangars. Aircraft engines shall not be operated within hangars, but may be electrically turned over during servicing operations.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Upon the direction of the Airport Manager, the operator, owner or pilot of any aircraft on the airport shall move the aircraft to any place designated on the airport. If the operator, owner or pilot refuses to comply with the directions, the Airport Manager may have the aircraft moved to such place at the owner's expense and without liability for damage that may result from such moving.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Removal of damaged aircraft from runways, taxiways or ramps of the airport is the responsibility of the owner. However, when disability or circumstances warrant, and in the event of an accident, the Airport Manager may have the damaged aircraft removed from the landing areas, ramps, aprons, or other areas at the expense of the owner and without liability for damage resulting from such moving.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Aircraft accidents at the airport shall be immediately reported to the Airport Manager and to federal and State agencies in accordance with agency requirements.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No aircraft shall be left unattended on the airport unless properly secured with tie-downs and wheel chocks.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Any person electing to base aircraft on the airport shall register the aircraft with the Airport Manager or the fixed base operator with which the aircraft is based. Change of ownership or removal of the aircraft from the airport shall not relieve the registered owner from payment of applicable fees unless prior notice is given to the Airport Manager or the fixed base operator, whichever is appropriate.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Airport tenants shall park on the airport aircraft owned by them, or in their custody, only in designated storage areas assigned or leased to them or as designated by the Airport Manager.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; Ord. 3622 § 2 (part), 1969; prior code § 5.11 (part))

Transient aircraft shall be parked at the airport only in designated areas.

(Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988; prior code § 5.11 (part))

No ladders, cans, boxes or other materials of any nature may be left in aircraft tie-down areas of the airport without prior approval of the Airport Manager.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988)

All helicopter operations at the Riverside Airport shall comply with the following:

A. Approaches and departures. All approach and departure routes for transient aircraft shall comply with published procedures for helicopter traffic patterns at the Riverside Airport and/or be conducted in compliance with Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions. Transient aircraft departures and arrivals shall be conducted at the marked and lighted helipad immediately southeast of the intersection of taxiways "A" and "B."

B. Traffic pattern practice. Helicopter traffic patterns for flight training and recurrent practice shall be conducted in north traffic with landings and approached perpendicular to, and touchdowns on the northern half of runway 16-34. Pattern clearances shall be obtained from the ATC tower. At no time shall helicopter traffic patterns overfly any residential neighborhoods surrounding the airport.

C. Police helicopter operations. Riverside Police Department helicopter operations shall be routinely conducted at the police ramp located immediately east of the approach end of runway 16. All police helicopter departures and arrivals shall be in accordance with ATC control or established traffic pattern procedures when the tower is closed.

D. Large helicopters/military helicopters. Helicopters exceeding 9,000 pounds maximum gross weight, or those helicopters with dual main rotors shall arrive and depart the airport according to ATC instructions, anticipating fixed wing approaches to the main or crosswind runways. Hover/ground taxi instructions to helicopter parking should also be anticipated.

E. Helicopter taxiing. All rotary wing aircraft shall conduct both ground and hover taxi operations over designated taxiways unless cleared to taxi-direct by ATC ground control. In no case shall rotary wing aircraft ground taxi or hover taxi between hangar rows or between hangars and perimeter fences.

F. Helicopter parking. There are four helicopter parking circles immediately east of the airport's main helipad. Transient helicopters shall use the parking circles for short term and/or overnight parking. No helicopter shall park on the main helipad without obtaining permission by submitting a prior permission request (PPR).

G. Proximity warning. At no time shall rotary wing aircraft park in any fixed wing aircraft parking row or adjacent to any fixed wing aircraft, nor shall any rotary wing aircraft overfly or disturb with downwash any fixed wing aircraft.

H. Helicopter flight school training. With approval from the Airport Manager, helicopter flight schools may park at, depart from, and arrive at secondary helipads established solely for the use of that school or a fixed base operator (FBO). Such helipads shall be specifically designated by the Airport Manager and operate at the discretion of the Airport Manager. These pads may be closed at any time due to violations of any sections of this Code.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 6596 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5661 § 1, 1988)

A. No aircraft shall be based on the airport until and unless its owner places and maintains on file with the Airport Manager a current certificate of insurance showing its owner to be insured against liability or financial loss resulting from bodily injury (including death) and damage to property caused by the ownership, operation and use of such aircraft such reasonable amounts as shall be determined by the Airport Manager and the City's Risk Manager.

B. Such certificate shall expressly provide that the insurance certified shall not be cancelled or reduced in coverage without 30 days' prior written notice to the City.

C. Such certificate shall also provide that the City shall be included as an additional insured under the liability policy so certified.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017; Ord. 7182 § 16, 2012; Ord. 6316 § 1, 1996)

A. To reduce aircraft noise impacts on the surrounding community, a noise curfew is in effect from 2200-0700 (local, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). During these hours high power runs of turbine engines for the purposes of maintenance or repair is prohibited. This restriction does not apply to departing/arriving aircraft.

(Ord. 7362 § 4, 2017)