Airport Authority Looking at Policies and Procedures

The Toccoa-Stephens County Airport Authority is continuing to look at a formal set of policies and procedures.

Authority members met Monday at the airport for a called meeting and proposed policies and procedures were on the agenda for discussion.

Toccoa-Stephens County Airport Authority Chair Dennis Bell said that the policies and procedures they are looking at would cover all aspects of the airport and its operation.

Bell said that the airport needs standards that everybody goes by that are formally in place with no questions.

“Everything out there at the airport, most of it has been done on a verbal agreement and we are wanting to see everything in writing,” said Bell.

Besides policies and procedures, the Airport Authority is also looking at a set of minimum standards and changes to how it leases hangar space at the airport that both go along in conjunction with the wider set of policies and procedures.

It is something the Airport Authority has been asked about by the Georgia Department of Transportation in regards to a complaint filed against the Airport by a tenant.

Foothills Aviation has filed what is called an informal Part 13 complaint against the Airport and the Airport Authority with the Federal Aviation Administration that the DOT is investigating on the FAA’s behalf.

In its complaint, Foothills Aviation said that it is being unjustly discriminated against in regards to the Airport Authority not allowing it to continue leasing hangar space since its lease expired.

As part of its investigation into that complaint, the DOT requested the Airport Authority to provide information on its leases and related policies, along with other information.

Bell said that is another reason all of this is being looked at.

“The FAA does not require minimum standards, but highly suggests we have them,” said Bell.

According to Bell, the Airport Authority is reviewing the current proposal for policies and procedures and getting feedback from those who use the airport.

He said they may have something to consider for approval by the Airport Authority next month.