Why We Must Oppose the Proposed Zoning Bylaw for

Chatham Municipal Airport (KCQX)

Understanding the Implications and Consequences

The Chatham Municipal Airport (KCQX) has recently been the center of controversy, with opponents advocating for a bylaw that would prohibit larger FAA Aircraft Design Group-2 aircraft such as the Pilatus PC12, from using the airport. This proposal has raised significant concerns regarding the airport's operation, safety, and financial future.

Runway and Taxiway Design

It is true that the runways, taxiways, and runway protection zones at KCQX are designed for smaller ADG-1 aircraft, such as the Beechcraft Baron B-58. However, the FAA design standards Advisory Circular (AC) is advisory in nature and does not have regulatory authority over aircraft operations.  FAA Regulations Part 91, 121, and 135, along with the aircraft flight manuals regulate aircraft operations to include the minimum runway length and width required for the safe operations.

Impact of PC12 Aircraft Operations

The AC recommends additional improvements be considered if the number of PC12 operations exceeds 500. However, this recommendation does not require prohibition of those aircraft from using the airport, if the number exceeds 500. The opponents argue that prohibiting these aircraft will not affect future FAA grant funding because the regulation permits the town to establish reasonable discriminatory conditions necessary for safe and efficient aircraft operations.

Therefore, to exclude the PC12s from CQX, it must be shown that an unacceptable reduction in safety would result if those aircraft were permitted to operate from the airport. This claim has no merit because these aircraft already have a flawless safety record while operating at KCQX.  With a better safety record, any bylaw to exclude PC-12s would violate FAA Grant Assurance regulations, jeopardizing future grant funding for the airport.

Financial Implications

Through the year 2017, KCQX has received over $7,000,000 in grant money, with the town contributing approximately $350,000 in matching funds. The loss of grant funding would transfer the financial burden of maintaining the runways, taxiways, lighting systems, navigation systems, and approaches to the town, which cannot afford such expenses. Without grant funding, the airport's infrastructure would deteriorate, leading to loss of access and revenue and the eventual financial collapse and closure of the airport.

The True Motive

As was stated by the opponents at the Town Meeting last year, they want the airport closed. Chatham Municipal Airport plays a vital role in the community's identity contributing $14M annual economic benefit to the local economy. It is crucial to consider the long-term implications of the proposed bylaw and the misinformation being spread by the opposition. 

Prohibiting the larger aircraft from our airport would have significant negative consequences for the airport's financial stability, and overall future. The airport must be sustained and supported to ensure it continues to serve the community for years to come. 

Article 59 and the proposed By Law must be rejected.