Can you build a runway on your property?

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MidwestBob1389

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MidwestBob1389
My family has several hundred acres in the Midwest. I was wondering if anyone can build a runway? What are the requirements? Nothing for anyone else really. Just for myself to land and park and takeoff?
Thank you kindly!
 
Yes you can, but the rules vary from state to state, local zoning regulations vary too, from anything goes to no way.
 
Is this information I can find on faa or should I look to my state government
 
The FAA doesn’t really address anything about this probably until you want to put it on a sectional chart. Any issues that might exist would be at the state or county

We had a couple of strips in MN that we put in without any need for approval, and in the one case the local electric company-op buried the power lines across the end for us.
 
As far as the FAA is concerned, all you need to do is file them notice (Form 7460-1) 45 days in advance of starting to build your runway. They will make a determination as to whether that is a good idea or not, but you are neither required to wait for that determination, nor does it stop you from building or using the runway. The WORST thing that the FAA can do is designate it as OBJECTIONABLE.

The bigger problem is always the local land use laws. Despite what some claim, you are not free to use land you own in any way you choose.
 
I can emergency land on my own property no problem. It's that emergency takeoff where things get tricky.
 
I would think when you own larger plots you have a higher chance of no CCRs, so that is something to check too.
 
mandm said:
I would think when you own larger plots you have a higher chance of no CCRs, so that is something to check too.
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CCRs are only part of the problem. Zoning in many areas would preclude this regardless of how big your lot is.
 
If you keep it grass, it's just a grass field. If you pave it, it's an asphalt field. Since it's your own property you will need to see state and county regulations for operation of aircraft. I don't think there are, but could be a local law against landing on your own property.
 
flyingron said:
CCRs are only part of the problem. Zoning in many areas would preclude this regardless of how big your lot is.
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I have called some counties before and asked questions about a parcel and they said they don’t have any jurisdiction over the parcel. Where does zoning come in if there are no CCRs or maybe that’s if the parcel is not part of any town?
 
CCRs have nothing to do with zoning. Zoning is land use planning and it depends on the municipality (county, etc....). While some rural areas may indeed be without zoning, just about all of the NE for example doesn't have anything where zoning isn't a factor in land use. Of course, I live in a county where the system is pretty damned corrupt, so it's always money that talks.
 
Zoning notwithstanding, It's also possible that there could be city or county codes prohibiting the operation of aircraft from other than designated airports.
 
Assuming no restricted airspace FAA does not care. Land use regulation and restrictions if you can have a runway would be dictated by the State/County/City municipal codes where you reside in and outlined their land use regulations...but remember, in terms of regulations legally if it is not prohibited it is allowed so the question should never be "may I..." rather the question needs to be "is there anything preventing me from...."
 
Shawn said:
Assuming no restricted airspace FAA does not care. Land use regulation and restrictions if you can have a runway would be dictated by the State/County/City municipal codes where you reside in and outlined their land use regulations...but remember, in terms of regulations legally if it is not prohibited it is allowed so the question should never be "may I..." rather the question needs to be "is there anything preventing me from...."
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I was driving to a jobsite last week and noticed one right next to an old two lane highway is why i was wondering. But evidently must not be too hard.. he has a crop duster I know.
 
mandm said:
I have called some counties before and asked questions about a parcel and they said they don’t have any jurisdiction over the parcel. Where does zoning come in if there are no CCRs or maybe that’s if the parcel is not part of any town?
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Thats how it is around here... I would have to talk to the county. As it is far outside and form any city.
 
I know in our county it requires a Special Use Variance from the County Planning and Zoning Board. Had a friend build one a few years back.
 
Many many years ago I use to live outside of Philadelphia and Lenard Tose (owned the Philadelphia Eagles - Go Birds!!!!) use to land his helicopter on his property, which was not too far from us. I believe it was the township regulations that eventually shut him down. We a 40 acre farm where I had a moto-cross track. From time time we would have a few friends over on a Saturday for some fun, but evenly the same township shut that down too.. My father fought them tooth and nail on the one, but eventually gave up as he sold the property, seems the didn't like my mother's horse boarding and training business either, with the trucks coming and going to pick up horses and take them to the horse shows

This is what happed when they develop and idiot move in... sound familiar to the situation we have with airports?
 
Mikey52 said:
If you keep it grass, it's just a grass field. If you pave it, it's an asphalt field. Since it's your own property you will need to see state and county regulations for operation of aircraft. I don't think there are, but could be a local law against landing on your own property.
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I had a client that built one and ended up paving it. He, apparently, didn't break any rules until he paved it.
 
Fiveslide said:
I had a client that built one and ended up paving it. He, apparently, didn't break any rules until he paved it.
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I know with our city, the property we are getting ready to build on, we can dig, fill, and even bring in gravel for a driveway with no permit, but the second we start putting down any asphalt or concrete that triggers the requirement for permits. Same for the building.
 
Shawn said:
Assuming no restricted airspace FAA does not care. Land use regulation and restrictions if you can have a runway would be dictated by the State/County/City municipal codes where you reside in and outlined their land use regulations...but remember, in terms of regulations legally if it is not prohibited it is allowed so the question should never be "may I..." rather the question needs to be "is there anything preventing me from...."
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Again, the FAA doesn't care period. It doesn't have the authority to tell you that you can't build an airport. If they think it's too close to something that makes it dangerous for you or the thing, the worst they can do is designate it OBJECTIONABLE.
 
MauleSkinner said:
They probably considered it wetlands that he destroyed.
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No, there were no wetlands near his runway. We were trying to do the civil engineering on his "project". He wanted to develope a fly-in neighborhood on a big tract he lived on, but didn't want to do anything the right way. His runway was there for years and years. He paved it without involving the county. Eventually went broke without ever completed his development, sold off everything but a few acres around his house. The development was eventually completed and the runway is still visible from aerial photos, but, according to GIS data, it's running through about 15 lots, none of which have sold.
 
Fiveslide said:
No, there were no wetlands near his runway.
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It’s amazing what the government sees on a satellite view and thinks it’s wetlands. We had a rock pile hauled out of the middle of a field and we’re told we had destroyed wetlands.
 
Farm country in Eastern Washington, I know of several guys operating off of field roads on their property. The "hangar" is just another outbuilding. Its well outside city limits and away from any structures. So, who know, and who cares?!!
 
If it were me, I'd build a grass drag strip for my personal use. Then I'd see if I could land on the drag strip.

But in all seriousness, I think the type of runway is important. Here in upstate NY, you'd want grass, with a crown on it like a football field or road so the water drains off. Grass makes a great runway, and the grass and grading keeps it less likely to be muddy. But if you live someplace where grass doesn't grow easily/by itself, maybe you want something else. I kinda wouldn't want gravel because of it being thrown up on the plane, but that's just me and maybe I'm being too risk averse again.
 
Many people have asked me where I can land my R-44. Answer is: ALMOST anywhere--ONCE. People come from all around to see. It's the second, third....time that gets you in trouble.
 
wilkersk said:
Farm country in Eastern Washington, I know of several guys operating off of field roads on their property. The "hangar" is just another outbuilding. Its well outside city limits and away from any structures. So, who know, and who cares?!!
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flyingron said:
Again, the FAA doesn't care period. It doesn't have the authority to tell you that you can't build an airport. If they think it's too close to something that makes it dangerous for you or the thing, the worst they can do is designate it OBJECTIONABLE.
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Well minus the seaplane pilot in my older post
 
Does anyone have an example of a land use restriction in writing? I've checked my county and the only things for many search terms comes up with this for "airport":

ADVERSE OR UNUSUAL CONDITIONS State any activities or conditions adjacent to or nearby the subdivision, such as feed lots, dairies, cement plants or airports that would subject the subdivided land to any unusual conditions affecting its use or occupancy

This in the section for developing a subdivision of residences which I can understand the county want to know about for adversity to a residential development. I've landed on my acreage a few times, and I have a wind sock. It is NOT charted, and will not be charted with the FAA. Therefore it is not a "runway", "landing strip", "airport", etc.

I adopt the submarine cliche'(modified) for use; 'run silent, run low'. 2 years ago I had a guy drive by and ask if things were ok, as he saw me land, and I said all fine, no prob, I live here, have a nice day, cya later.
 
flyingron said:
Which has nothing whatsoever to do with constructing an airport.
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I don’t think he’s building a “airport” as much as a strip.

Depending on what comes out on the FAA vs seaplane pilot case, if he built a strip he could legally use per land laws, and did a takeoff and landing, was closer than 500’ to anything during takeoff or landing, even with the purpose of takeoff and landing carve out in the FAR, it appears the FAA could potentially still violate him regardless of said FAR.


I’d take a good inventory of the people he’s property is near, make sure he has good relationships and they ain’t snitches.

I’d also check ADSB reception altitude in his area
 
Roller said:
I don’t think he’s building a “airport” as much as a strip.
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Again, it matters not. The rule I'm referring to defines airport as "... or other aircraft landing or takeoff area." You're exempted for temporary VFR-only use (this is what gets helicopters out of having to file on non-permanent landing areas).

Roller said:
Depending on what comes out on the FAA vs seaplane pilot case, if he built a strip he could legally use per land laws, and did a takeoff and landing, was closer than 500’ to anything during takeoff or landing, even with the purpose of takeoff and landing carve out in the FAR, it appears the FAA could potentially still violate him regardless of said FAR.
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But you're going at it backward. If you've designated an airport and you land there, that's different than having something NOT designated as an airport and landing there.
 
Barrett50 said:
Does anyone have an example of a land use restriction in writing? I've checked my county and the only things for many search terms comes up with this for "airport":

ADVERSE OR UNUSUAL CONDITIONS State any activities or conditions adjacent to or nearby the subdivision, such as feed lots, dairies, cement plants or airports that would subject the subdivided land to any unusual conditions affecting its use or occupancy

This in the section for developing a subdivision of residences which I can understand the county want to know about for adversity to a residential development. I've landed on my acreage a few times, and I have a wind sock. It is NOT charted, and will not be charted with the FAA. Therefore it is not a "runway", "landing strip", "airport", etc.

I adopt the submarine cliche'(modified) for use; 'run silent, run low'. 2 years ago I had a guy drive by and ask if things were ok, as he saw me land, and I said all fine, no prob, I live here, have a nice day, cya later.
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My locality.

(a)
Airports and heliports .

(1)
The area shall be sufficient and the site otherwise adequate to meet the standards of the Federal Aviation Agency and the Illinois Department of Aeronautics for the class of airport proposed, in accordance with the published Rules and Regulations.

(2)
There shall be an adequate number of off-street parking spaces at least equal to the number of spaces in the hangars plus tie-down spaces, plus spaces for accessory uses.

(3)
Any proposed runway or landing strip shall be situated so that the approach zones are free of any flight obstructions such as towers, chimneys, other tall structures or natural obstructions outside the airport site.

(4)
There shall be sufficient distance between the end of each usable landing strip and the airport boundary to satisfy the requirements of the Federal Aviation Agency. If air rights or easements have been acquired from the owners of abutting properties in which approach zones fall, satisfactory evidence thereof shall be submitted with the application.
 
flyingron said:
Again, it matters not. The rule I'm referring to defines airport as "... or other aircraft landing or takeoff area." You're exempted for temporary VFR-only use (this is what gets helicopters out of having to file on non-permanent landing areas).



But you're going at it backward. If you've designated an airport and you land there, that's different than having something NOT designated as an airport and landing there.
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A seaplane taking off on navigable waters is just as legal as a plane taking off on some private grass strip on someone’s property
 
I was reviewing zoning rules after purchasing my house. We're just outside the city (literally, the city limit is the street out front of my house) and zoned for "light agricultural". I was delighted to find out that under county rules I can not only build a "helicopter landing pad", but that I don't even require a permit to do so. I guess I'd have to figure out that pesky SFRA thing overlying my house, but hey, landing pad!
 
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