Permit Up For Review Near Amelia Island Airport (KFHB)

A group of local residents in Amelia Island, FL are working to block the re-authorization of a permit for an aerobatic practice area near the community's airport.

Area Sectional Chart

The permit has been requested by Keoki Gray of Amelia Island Aerobatics. The practice area is over unpopulated areas of Crane Island and the Amelia River. But local residents say that the noise from the airplanes can be heard "all over (the) island." The effort is being led by Barbara Farnsworth, who lives in a neighborhood adjacent to the airport.

Farnsworth told the Fernandina Beach News Leader that the aerobatic practice does not benefit the island's economy or the airport's revenues. The paper did not appear to contest her statements, though our experience with the area suggests otherwise. She claims that while they are supportive of the airport generally, the aerobatic pilots are from out of town and do not purchase fuel locally or stay in local hotels -- again the paper did not contest or verify her statements. Farnsworth also claims that local pilots are not in favor of the practice area due to safety concerns -- unfortunately, the local paper took Farnsworth's word about what pilots allegedly feel about the aerobatic area -- but didn't think to quote actual pilots affected by these ops.

That assertion is challenged by Gray, who said in public comments to the Nassau County, FL city commission that it has been his experience that the APA provides a positive economic contribution to the city. Gray said that local pilots who use the APA buy fuel and rent hangars at the airport. Visiting pilots may require fuel, hotel rooms, meals, rental cars and other amenities.

Gray told the paper that the aerobatic area was first established over two decades ago, and was last re-authorized in 2008. An environmental impact assessment prepared by the FAA endorses the renewal of the box. It says that the area would be activated about seven times a month for a total of about 63 hours per month. "There are no noise sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, churches or other places of public assembly beneath or within 1/4-mile of the perimeter of the proposed APA," the assessment stated. It shows the nearest residence is 0.3 mile (1,584 feet) northeast of the area.

The public comment period on the proposal is open through March 3rd.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.ameliaislandaerobatics.com