South Dakota Bill Eases Private Airport Regulations

Posted on Sun, Feb. 22, 2004 

Bill Eases Private Airport Regulations
Aberdeen American News, SD


The state Aeronautics Commission no longer would need
to regulate most private air strips, such as those
used by farmers and ranchers on their property, under
a measure that is ready for final approval in the
South Dakota Legislature.

The legislation, Senate Bill 85, also would eliminate
most of the state oversight of launching and landing
spots for hot air balloons, hang gliders and other
similar types of recreational aircraft.

The exception would be private airports within two
miles of a public airport. Private airports are
defined as those used only by the owner or people
invited by the owner.

The measure also makes clear that aircraft providing
emergency services, such as transportation from an
accident site, don't need prior approval for landing
spots.

The House State Affairs Committee unanimously endorsed
SB 85 on Saturday morning and sent it to the House of
Representatives for possible final approval Monday.
The Senate previously passed the measure 34-0.

The legislation resulted from months of discussions
between the Aeronautics Commission, the state
Department of Transportation, private pilots and other
aviation interest groups.

Ranchers in the Belle Fourche area last year expressed
concerns to legislators such as Sen. Eric Bogue,
R-Faith, and Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, about
the need for commission approval for landing their
private planes in their pastures and elsewhere on
their properties.

"This bill is simply to address some of those
problems," Rhoden told the committee.

State law currently requires the Aeronautics
Commission to approve or deny permits for all public
and private airports. The law's definition of aircraft
also was overly broad, according to Darin Bergquist, a
DOT attorney.

"There are hundreds and hundreds of these technically
illegal airports across the state," Bergquist said.
 

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