would it be illegal?

Holocene

Holocene

Well-Known Member
If a runway is situated in class G airspace, and is nontowered, with no services on the field at all, and has almost nonexistant traffic, would it be illegal to take a motorcycle out onto the runway?
 
Holocene said:
If a runway is situated in class G airspace, and is nontowered, with no services on the field at all, and has almost nonexistant traffic, would it be illegal to take a motorcycle out onto the runway?
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To officially answer your question, I don't know.

To provide anecdotal insight, in the small North Dakota town my fiancee grew up in, the local airstrip gets more use by joggers/bike riders than airplanes.

If you aren't sure, why don't you just ask the airport operator? If it's a small airport as you describe, they'll probably just tell you to get out of the way if something comes in.
 
Interesting question. I've seen it done several times at a couple different small airports and am curious about this as well.
 
It wouldn't be against the FARs, you would have to check state statutes and local municipal ordinances to be sure though. Coordinating with the airport manager would also be a good idea, as you could find the period of time where the airport has the least traffic and post a NOTAM describing the fact that vehicles may be on the runway.
 
SpiraMirabilis said:
It wouldn't be against the FARs, you would have to check state statutes and local municipal ordinances to be sure though. Coordinating with the airport manager would also be a good idea, as you could find the period of time where the airport has the least traffic and post a NOTAM describing the fact that vehicles may be on the runway.
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That is pretty much along the line of what I was going to write. It depends on the state and local laws. However, as a general rule of thumb, when people do something that other folks don't like, there is some rule somewhere that can be applied to the situation to bring it to a halt IF the authorities want to do that. Trespassing and disturbing the peace are a couple that come to mind right away.

I've seen runways used as drag strips by the local boys and I've heard some mighty angry talk about it from the airport manager when he had to repaint the runway markings. I've also seen a dirt strip torn up by some other local boys having a good time on their ATVs with a similar result from the people who owned the airport.
 
I'd say it's not illegal per FAR's. Local law enforcement might be a different story. I'm thinking trespassing? If you owned a tiedowned at the airport? Just some things to think about.
 
If you go out there and pop wheelies and drive at high rates of speed, you could be cited for reckless driving by state or local officials. The two traffic violations you can be charged with in SC on private property is reckless driving and DUI. Couldn't say for sure in other states. I'd be careful what you do out there.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I got a phone # for the airport manager off airnav.com, but nobody is picking up.

Also, I personally think it's BS they can site you for reckless driving while not on a public road. Not saying it can't happen, but again I think it's BS when planes can take off and land at 100mph.
 
If the airport doesn't support night operations just go hit it at night. Doing that during the day when the runway could technically be used is bad form.
 
TwoTwoLeft said:
If the airport doesn't support night operations just go hit it at night. Doing that during the day when the runway could technically be used is bad form.
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yeah I thought about that; there's no runway lighting and no chance of night traffic.
 
I would say not illegal, and yes I have done it. So long as it's unsecured, you're basically doing a FOD check. Now if this is a common occurrence, then I would talk to the airport manager. Most won't have a problem with it if you treat the airport with respect. Also, aircraft will always have the right of way. As such, always check the pattern, and radio if you have one, before taking the runway. Do NOT run over any fences or gates to get it. Plenty of small airport around with access. If you damage the airport, that is a crime and a fine.
 
I recommend that you check out the FAA advisory circular concerning vehicles on the airport

Airport Security and Other Vehicles.
(1) Vehicles other than those that routinely traverse any portion of the AOA under the control of ATC, which are not escorted by a vehicle in constant two-way radio communication with ATC and properly equipped and authorized to operate in the AOA, must be provided with a flag on a staff attached to the vehicle so that the flag will be readily visible.
(2) At airports without air traffic control facilities, flags must be provided on all vehicles.
(3) The flag must be at least a 3-foot by 3-foot (0.9 meter by 0.9 meter) square having a checkered pattern of international orange and white squares at least 1 foot (300 mm) on each side (see Appendix A for the fabric color specification).[\QUOTE]

http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/150_5210_5d.pdf
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I took a ride over there tonight and happened to notice an old man I've seen there quite regularly. I figured he could offer some insight.

Well he was clearly annoyed and started saying it was private property and that if I crash I would sue. I asked him what happens if someone crashes a plane on the field, and he got even more annoyed and said "this an airport, for airplanes".

Anyway I didn't want to cause too much trouble; he may have been the manager (didn't ask), but either way he kind of conducted himself like an ass.

oh well.
 
Holocene said:
Thanks for the replies.

I got a phone # for the airport manager off airnav.com, but nobody is picking up.

Also, I personally think it's BS they can site you for reckless driving while not on a public road. Not saying it can't happen, but again I think it's BS when planes can take off and land at 100mph.
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You think it's BS that planes can go 100mph but you can't? You're seriously comparing airplanes speeding on takeoff to you racing your motorcycle down the runway? Is this for real? Airplanes aren't going to get cited for speeding because, wait for it, THEY ARE AIRPLANES!

The runway was built for airplanes, not motorcycles/drag racing. Now I'm not trying to say that in some kind of crusty old man lecture, but the fact that you're asking why a plane won't get cited vs your bike, is just a tad ridiculous. I've taken my vehicle on the runway and it's a lot of fun, but at the same time our manager was fine with it, so long as we weren't idiots about it. Go ask the airport manager. If you come off as a 'Well this is BS because planes can speed and I can't' attitude, don't be surprised if he laughs you out the door though.
 
Holocene said:
Yes, I think it's BS, if we're talking about doing it on a runway and not on a public road.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough.
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If it's a Municipal airport, maintained by tax funds, then how is it any different than a public road?
 
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