Supervisors Vote to End the Ultralight Aircraft Ban… With a Catch

After nearly four years of effectively banning ultralight aircraft, local officials have finally voted to allow the little birds to restart operations at Yuba County Airport (MYV). Though the decision ends a dispute that escalated to a formal FAA complaint, ultralight pilots argue that the victory remains in limbo with unnecessarily restrictive rules filling the ban’s shoes.

County supervisors have approved a new operating plan designating a specific on-airport area for ultralight operations, as well as a low-altitude traffic pattern for arrivals and departures. This came through just weeks before the county’s firm deadline to respond to a complaint filed with the FAA alleging unlawful discrimination against ultralight pilots at a federally funded airport.

That complaint centered on grant assurances that connect to more than $1 million in federal airport funding received since 2022. Ultralight pilots argued that denying them access put the county out of compliance. But, by technically reopening the airport to ultralights, the county addressed the legal issue… and little more.

Under the new procedures, ultralight pilots must pay a monthly access fee, obtain a key card from airport management, and provide proof of insurance. County officials claim the requirements mirror those imposed on other airport users. Ultralight pilots strongly disagree, arguing that the new rules create unprecedented financial and administrative barriers.

“What is unfortunate right now is that instead of just restoring the access that they unlawfully took away, they are attempting to place additional requirements in place that continue to be discriminatory and create unreasonable costs,” said record-breaking ultralight pilot Harley Milne. “They just are making it very challenging to gain access back to the airport.”

The roots of the ban stretch back to early 2022, though safety concerns about ultralight operations at the airport were raised as far back as a decade ago. Like sharing the road with bikers, ultralights are inexpensive to operate but face pushback for challenges integrating with conventional planes at public airports. A grand jury once recommended relocating ultralight activity to reduce conflicts, and though this would soothe concerns, officials say the process required years of back-and-forth with the FAA before a location was approved.

The argument now appears to be headed back to the table. County officials have agreed to further discussions with pilots, who are asking for a workshop to revisit the rules. But in the meantime, the ultralight community still gets to celebrate the start of a meaningful change.

FMI: www.yuba.gov