Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
I’ve had a discussion with Aeronautics Commission Director Kyle Wanner regarding drag racing on airports. We have significant concerns about this type of activity and strongly recommend against it, especially given the current pavement condition at New Rockford’s Tomlinson Field.
Jamestown Regional Airport hosted drag races for many years. Unfortunately, due to operational challenges and mounting concerns over safety and potential infrastructure damage, the Federal Aviation Administration is no longer permitting racing events at Jamestown. I should point out that racing hasn’t been banned at airports, but rather that the FAA is often refusing to authorize the use of federally-funded airports, like Jamestown, for this type of activity. New Rockford does not receive federal grants and so does not require authorization from the FAA to host such events. The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission does not authorize or prohibit such events, but we do offer opinions and recommendations.
We are very concerned about potential damage to the airfield. Tomlinson Field’s pavements are of advanced age. The runway was last paved in 2005 and is nearing the end of the typical 15-20 year design life for asphalt under FAA design standards. It has numerous cracks and is developing multiple areas of pavement distortions. At present, extensive tar seals are working to keep the cracks under control and a 2011 surface seal is buying time until it becomes possible to fund the next repaving of the runway, which will likely cost over $500,000. The taxiway system is over 25 years old and in poor condition and has been badly damaged in at least one place by ground vehicles. The aircraft parking apron has in many places reached the point of disintegration.
Asphalt pavements are very vulnerable to damage during the height of summer when temperatures are hot and the asphalt becomes pliable. Even brand-new asphalt will often develop ruts, gouges, and other distortions simply under the stress of aircraft turning or braking hard in the summer heat, to say nothing of the stress of automobile burn-outs. Hosting a drag race at the hottest point in summer is almost certain to damage the already declining pavements at Tomlinson Field, as well as tearing the tar crack seals and damaging the protective seal coat. Spilled fuel can break down older asphalt in mere minutes causing potholes and debris. Should a car crash or suffer major mechanical failure it will likely scar the runway and necessitate substantial repairs. The already deteriorating runway markings are also likely to be scuffed and damaged. The FAA has voiced safety concerns regarding rubber deposits left by tires, which can cause aircraft to hydroplane due to moisture beading on its surface or braking friction flash-reverting the rubber deposits to a liquid state. Vehicle traffic in the grass surrounding the runway and taxiway leaves hazardous ruts in the Safety Areas, which are required safety overruns that protect aircraft from damage in the event that they go off the pavement during an emergency. Loose debris, whether dislodged from pavements, left by automobiles, or trash produced by the crowd, is very common at public events and can easily damage aircraft propellers, tires, and engines, requiring careful cleanup prior to the airport being reopened.
Any damage that the pavements and Safety Areas might incur as part of racing would need to be properly repaired before the airport could be reopened and considered safe for aircraft to use. It’s important to note that a repair that might be sufficient for cars on a city road can still be hazardous for aircraft.
State funding for the airports in North Dakota comes directly from aviation-based tax revenues. We then turn those taxes back into grants to support our state’s aeronautical infrastructure. It is Aeronautics’ opinion that non-aeronautical activities are not appropriate on the state’s airports, especially if they may cause wear or damage to infrastructure that the airport may then request an Aeronautics grant to help repair. Non-aeronautical activities would be taken into consideration during the review of future grant applications.
Ultimately, the activities at Tomlinson Field are up to the discretion of the city of New Rockford. The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission cannot prohibit the use of the airport for a drag race. However, due to the reasons listed above, we strongly recommend against it. It has the potential to cause any number of costly headaches.
Should New Rockford wish to move forward with the races, there are a number of steps that would be necessary to ensure safety and limit liability. This includes, but is not limited to, filing the appropriate Notices to Airmen for the airport closure 72 hours prior to the event, physically marking the runway as closed with large “X”s visible from the air, repairing any and all damage to pavements and seals, and having an individual knowledgeable in aircraft and airport safety fully inspect all airfield surfaces and repair work prior to reopening the airport for aircraft use. Additional considerations would include obtaining proper insurance for the event and ensuring emergency services response.
I hope that helps.
