Minimum standards for commercial aeronautical activities

Rules on this topic differ by state. Check your state's law before you use this template.

Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities at [Airport name]

Adopted by the [City council or county commission] of [City or county name] on [Date adopted].

The FAA doesn't approve minimum standards, but your FAA Airports District Office can review a draft if you ask.

1. Purpose

These standards set the lowest level of service, staffing, space and insurance that any business must meet to offer aviation services to the public at [Airport name]. They exist so that every qualified operator is treated the same way, the public gets dependable service, and the airport stays safe and well run. They are not meant to keep anyone out.

2. Words used in these standards

• Airport: [Airport name], owned by [City or county name].
• Manager: the [Airport manager title], or a person the manager names in writing.
• Operator: any person or business that offers an aeronautical service to others for pay.
• Full-service operator: an operator that sells fuel and offers at least two other services listed in Section 5.
• Agreement: the written lease, permit or operating agreement between the operator and [City or county name].

3. Who must meet these standards

Anyone who wants to sell an aeronautical service at the airport must meet these standards and sign an agreement first. Aircraft owners who work on, clean or fuel their own aircraft with their own staff are not operators under these standards, but they must follow the airport rules and regulations.

4. Requirements for every operator

1. Hold a signed agreement with [City or county name] before starting business.
2. Keep every license, rating and permit the work requires, and show copies to the manager on request.
3. Carry general liability insurance of at least [Liability limit amount] per occurrence, plus any other coverage the agreement lists, naming [City or county name] as an additional insured.
4. Lease or sublease enough space for the services offered, with restrooms and a customer waiting area where the public is served.
5. Charge fair and reasonable prices, and post them or give them on request.
6. Serve all customers on fair and equal terms, without unjust discrimination.
7. Pay all fees, rents and taxes when due.
8. Follow all airport rules, fire codes and environmental rules, and keep work areas clean.

5. Standards by type of service

5.1 Full-service operator

Lease at least [Minimum leased area] of ground and building space. Sell aviation fuel from storage that meets fire and environmental codes. Keep the business open and staffed during [Required service hours], with an on-call number posted for other hours. Provide trained line staff for fueling, parking and towing.

5.2 Aircraft maintenance

Provide a hangar or shop large enough to work on the aircraft served. Employ at least one mechanic with the ratings the work requires. Keep tools, manuals and records the work requires, and store parts and fluids safely.

5.3 Flight training and aircraft rental

Keep at least one airworthy aircraft available for training or rent. Use instructors who hold current ratings for the training given. Provide a briefing area with a desk, seating and internet access for students.

5.4 Specialized operators

Businesses offering a single service, such as aircraft cleaning, avionics, aerial work or charter, must meet the general requirements in Section 4 and any extra terms the manager sets out in the agreement for that service.

6. How to apply

Send the manager a written application describing the services, the space needed, the people who will do the work, proof of insurance and a short business plan. The manager will respond in writing. If an application is denied, the reason will be given in writing.

7. Changes and exceptions

The [City council or county commission] may change these standards after public notice. Any exception must be in writing, must apply equally to similar operators, and must not create an exclusive right.

8. Enforcement

If an operator does not meet these standards, the manager will give written notice and a reasonable time to fix the problem. Continued failure may lead to suspension or end of the agreement under its terms.

A starting draft, not legal advice. Have your attorney or agency review before use.