Jet and Helicopter Restrictions Cited As A Factor

Pegasus Airpark outside Phoenix, Arizona, is one of those places where people and airplanes co-exist... mostly.

The gated residential community is built around a runway, but homeowners there say development has stalled because of restrictions on helicopter and jet aircraft flights from the field. And while the foreclosure rate in the town of Queen Creek is just 2.4 percent, the rate in the subdivision is 11 percent, according to recent analysis.

Residents say the principal reason for the problem is a local ordinance prohibiting helicopters, very light jets, and jet fuel at the community, according to a report in the East Valley Tribune. Developers say those restrictions cause potential buyers to look at other aviation communities where they can actually use their aircraft. Since the airport is privately owned, the city council has broader latitude to regulate operations at the facility.

The group in favor of jets and helicopters at the airpark may have some responsibility for the restrictions. At a recent city council meeting, 11 people spoke against allowing those types of aircraft at the airport, while 14 spoke in favor. But when they were asked if they would prefer to table the vote to allow more time for study of the matter, but they insisted on an immediate vote and lost.

Homeowner and pilot Dennis Brierton said the approach will be different when another attempt is made to lift the restrictions, probably in the fall. Brierton said he plans to have an aviation lawyer as part of the mix when that happens.

FAA information on the uncontrolled airport indicates it is privately owned by Circle G Pegasus.

FMI: www.airport-data.com/airport/5AZ3/#owner