Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Virginia Aviation Board intends to consider amending 24VAC5-20, Regulations Governing the Licensing and Operation of Airports and Aircraft and Obstructions to Airspace in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose of the proposed action is to consider changes to the regulations regarding airport licensure, with a focus on 24VAC5-20-140, Minimum requirements for licensing, and 24VAC5-20-275, Conditional licenses. The proposed change to 24VAC5-20-140 would more closely align state minimum requirements with Federal Aviation Administration standards. The proposed change to 24VAC5-20-275 would modify the process for addressing airports not in compliance with state minimum licensing standards. The modification would offer better defined solutions to address noncompliant situations that would lead to finite resolutions not currently realized, thereby improving the efficiency of the licensing process. The changes for minimum licensing requirements and conditional licenses will benefit the operation and safety of the statewide air transportation system. The proposal also includes changes to clarify procedural information, reduce redundancy, update citations, and provide consistency throughout the chapter.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 5.1-2.2 and 5.1-2.15 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: July 6, 2011.

Agency Contact: Susan H. Simmers, Senior Airport Planner, Department of Aviation, 5702 Gulfstream Road, Richmond, VA 23250, telephone (804) 236-3632 ext: 105, FAX (804) 236-3635, or email susan.simmers@doav.virginia.gov.