A couple of weeks ago the Briscoe Citizens Committee submitted questions to the Atlanta Regional Office of the FAA. Below are the questions asked and the response from the FAA.
Committee Question - If commercialized, are there any restrictions as to who can operate at said facility?
FAA Response - Any commercial operator who has been approved by the FAA can operate at said facility.
Committee Question - If an airport is privatized/commercialized, would there be a restriction (limit) on any aspects such as number of flights per day, types of aircraft, number of passengers, hours of operation, the descent/climb rate of aircraft to lessen noise impact to nearby residents?
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FAA Response - No.
Committee Question - Can Gwinnett County as the owner of the airport facility or its privatized operator seek and secure a permit for commercial passenger service from the FAA (Part 139 Permit) which will include guaranteed limits on the number of airline carriers using the facility, the number of flights taking off and landing in a day, banning flights during certain hours of the day and night, limiting the size of aircraft taking off and landing, limiting other operations that might interfere with the quality of life of the community?
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FAA Response – No.
Committee Question Is there an example of another facility where the FAA has issued a permit for commercial passenger service where the local government has been allowed to regulate and guarantee that flight operations are limited to limit the number of airline carriers using the facility, the number of flights taking off and landing in a day, banning flights during certain hours of the day and night, limiting the size of aircraft taking off and landing, limiting other operations
that might interfere with the quality of life of the community?
FAA Response - No. Reagan National (DC) has slots that are controlled by Congress.
Now some proponents argue we can control Briscoe, but these answers were very clear and to the point. Since the FAA regulates all US airports I tend to believe them over anyone’s local opinion.
Contributed by Harry Meanwell