The FAA has published a proposed update of its policy regarding approval of the temporary closure of a federally obligated airport for a non-aeronautical purpose. Under this policy, an operator may temporarily close the airport or part of the airport for a non-aviation event if the FAA approves that closure in advance. The proposed policy statement describes the process and criteria for the agency to evaluate airport closure requests and the required contents of an airport operator’s request for approval.

Such non-aviation occurrences might be a car show, car races, county fairs, parades, car testing, sporting events, flea markets, children’s activities, charitable events and even model airplane flying. In all cases (except for charitable events), the FAA will not approve the activity if it doesn’t promise to “generate intangible benefits, such as community goodwill, increasing local awareness of the airport, encouraging local and community support of the airport, or generating an interest in airport use."

Other requirements include a hold-harmless agreement signed by the event sponsor; a detailed safety plan from airport management; mitigation measures to ensure safety and preservation of airport assets; timely notice to tenants and itinerant operators via Notams; receipt of fair market value compensation for use of airport facilities; and restoration of all airport facilities to the condition prior to the event at the event sponsor's expense.

Comments on the proposed guidance are due by July 30.