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A group of pilots and airport tenants has accused Skyhaven Airport's (RCM) sponsor, the University of Central Missouri (UCM), of attempting to limit commercial operations that are not sponsored by the university, which violates federal grant assurance laws.
AOPA, NATA and EAA sent a joint letter on Monday, claiming that while the university's lease agreements and commercial policies may appear compliant on paper, but are only in favor of UCM in practice and violate the FAA's prohibition on granting exclusive rights. Tenants have claimed that flight schools, maintenance providers, and other general aviation businesses have been or denied access if not affiliated with UCM.
According to the AOPA, one tenant, the Mighty Mules Flying Club, claims to have towed a Piper Cherokee to a nearby farm to perform maintenance after the university issued a new hangar lease that prevented Aandamp;P mechanics from working on aircraft in owners' hangars.
The FAA started the Part 13 investigation in April, placing Skyhaven Airport in a "No Pay" status. The status stops future federal airport improvement grants while the Part 13 investigation continues. The letter supports this "No Pay" status.
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The letter encourages the creation of an Airport Board that represents local pilots unaffiliated with UCM, other airport tenants, the local community and the university that will best meet the needs of all users and services at the airport.
"For decades, the University of Central Missouri has tried to restrict other operations at the airport in a number of ways," said Tom Chandler, AOPA Central Southwest Regional Manager. "We appreciate the FAA's efforts to make sure pilots will continue to have equitable access for all users of Skyhaven Airport."