Ordinance Would Prevent Aircraft From Landing Within The City Limits

Occasionally the governing body of a small town starts to think it can take the place of the FAA in regulating where aircraft can operate in the national airspace.

Such is the case in Chesapeake City, MD, where an ordinance has been proposed that would prevent "fixed wing or rotary aircraft, whether manned or unmanned" to be "permitted to fly within the town limits of Chesapeake City below an altitude of 400 feet."

The ordinance would also prevent any aircraft from landing within the town limits, except for Coast Guard and other government aircraft, Maryland State Police Medevac Aircraft, or licensed aircraft used solely for the purpose of agricultural crop maintenance.

Fines range from $1,000 for a first offense to $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

Those crafting the proposed ordinance seem to instinctively know that there might be some problems with the law. It says that should any section of the ordinance be deemed to be illegal, unconstitutional or unenforceable "by a court having jurisdiction," the remainder of the ordinance would remain in effect.

Of course, the FAA has consistently held that it controls the National Airspace ... but it would seem that some elected officials have to be able to at least say "I tried" to the constituent who complained.

The Chesapeake City Commission next meets on September 15, at which time the ordinance will be considered.

FMI: www.chesapeakecity-md.gov