Trees, Man-Made Objects Could Interfere With Approaches

The FAA has notified Beaufort County, SC, that trees and man-made objects may be obstructing approach corridors for Hilton Head Airport (KHDX). An FAA notice received by the county Friday indicated that night instrument approaches might be suspended at KHDX until the problem is solved.

The Island Packet newspaper reports that the county requested a waiver of the notice on Friday which was immediately rejected by the agency. Traffic at the airport has not yet been affected, but the FAA could order the airport to essentially close at night.

Among the issues cited by the FAA in the letter is collision avoidance lighting on a 260-foot-tall communications tower near the airport that has a stopped operating. A stand of trees is also mentioned as a possible hazard to navigation.

The problems all appear to be south of the airport, according to County Administrator Gary Kubic. The county has asked its airport consultant Talbert, Bright and Ellington to assess the problems and come up with an action plan to address them.

(KHDX image from file)

FMI: www.bcgov.net