Barnstable Municipal Airport Manager Thinks So...

The FAA has chosen Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA) in Barnstable, MA for its next airport audit. Airport manager Quincy "Doc" Mosby says it's likely related to a civil suit pending against the town of Barnstable.

Mosby told the Barnstable Patriot "You can make a reasonable assumption that it’s tied in some way to the pending lawsuit."

That lawsuit, filed by charter provider Rectrix aviation, alleges the city is skimming fuel sales profits for non-airport-related city expenses.

The suit further claims the town is falsifying its financial reports showing lower airport revenues going to the town. The city took an FAA grant and must abide by the agreement requiring proceeds only be used for airport expenses.

The town and airport deny the allegations. Mosby believes the suit stems from the city's monopoly on fuel sales -- a legal monopoly according to Mosby. In fact, he claims, monopolies are specifically allowed by the FAA.

Mosby says he has no fear of the pending FAA audit. He says the town conducts its own audits annually, but says this one will likely be more comprehensive.

"Unless you’ve got something to hide, audits are a good thing," Mosby said, "I think it’s a good thing."

The suit filed in Boston's US District Court is on hold awaiting input from the FAA on matters relating to federal aviation regulations.

FMI: www.faa.gov