The definition of “airport,” “aircraft,” “airplane,” and other common terms used herein is as defined in part 1, Code of Federal Regulations, title 14, Aeronautics and Space. “Municipal airport” refers to the Hondo Municipal Airport. FAR shall mean the Federal Aviation Regulations as codified in title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.001)
The airport manager may deny use of the municipal airport for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days for any person violating or refusing to comply with any of the rules or regulations prescribed herein pending a hearing and review by the city’s airport board with final decision of the city council. Upon such hearing, such person may be deprived of the further use of the municipal airport and its facilities for a period of time as may appear necessary for the protection of life and property. Any violation of this article shall be a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be punishable by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provided in section 1.01.009 of this code, and each day a violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense and referred to the city’s prosecutor for action under applicable laws. This section is cumulative of all other penalties for violation of federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and orders. Citation for violation or issuance of a violation ticket of any of the rules and regulations prescribed herein may be made by any authorized police officer. The airport manager or city manager may request authorized police officers to investigate any suspected violation of these rules.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.009; Ordinance adopting 2019 Code)
By publication and adoption of this article, all persons shall be deemed to have knowledge of its contents. However, the airport manager is directed to have copies of this article printed and posted where appropriate. Copies shall be available at all times in the airport manager’s office, and copies shall be furnished to all owners and operators of aircraft based at the municipal airport.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.007)
If and where there are conflicts in the rules and regulations prescribed herein and the FAA’s Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), the latter shall prevail. If and where there exists a conflict between any of the rules or regulations prescribed herein and any other city rules applicable to the same area, the more stringent limitation or requirement shall govern and prevail.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.008)
(a) 
No person, partnership, firm, association, corporation or entity, incorporated or otherwise, shall use the municipal airport for any airport based, commercial aviation activity unless approved, in advance, by a written permit from the city manager or his duly authorized agent (airport manager), or through a ground lease or hangar lease signed by the city manager and approved by the city council as required by any and all ordinances, statutes or other applicable law.
(b) 
Those entities requesting to establish a commercial aviation business at the municipal airport shall submit a business plan for review by the city manager or the airport manager. Such plan shall include a comprehensive description of the activity proposed, the principals (owners and operators) of the business, the length of time the business has been in operation, the number of aircraft to be based at the municipal airport as part of the business, estimated monthly aviation fuel consumption, the number of employees to be employed by the business, the projected yearly sales tax to be collected by the business, three (3) business references and one (1) financial reference, including contact names, addresses, and phone numbers of the references. A current financial statement must be included with the data required above. The city reserves the right to enter into a commercial aviation agreement or lease with only those entities that represent the best use of the municipal airport and its property.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.002)
The following rules and regulations shall be observed in the management, use, operation, and conduct of the municipal airport:
(1) 
Federal air traffic rules.
Rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aircraft operated within the United States, and presently or hereafter effective, are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof as though fully set forth and incorporated herein. See Aeronautics and Space, 14 C.F.R. parts 1 through 1399.
(2) 
Safeguarding of persons and property.
The airport manager shall at all times have authority to take necessary and legal actions to safeguard any person, aircraft, equipment, or property at the municipal airport.
(3) 
Hangars.
Hangars and other buildings or structures owned by the city may be leased to private individuals, companies, or corporations on a monthly or yearly basis, but not to exceed the term provided by law, for the storage of aircraft and ancillary equipment or to conduct a commercial fixed base operation (FBO).
(4) 
Lease of airport property.
The city may lease property within the building area or other portions of the municipal airport for the construction of hangars, buildings, lean-tos, aprons, taxiways, and auto parking lots in accordance with an approved airport master plan/airport layout plan. Aviation-related use must be given priority in the use of all leased or privately owned property, buildings, or structures. If the aviation needs of the municipal airport are sufficiently met, the city may consider authorizing non-aviation use of any portion of the airport of any building on the airport on a case-by-case basis. Application for such non-aviation use shall be made to the airport manager, who then must request and receive written approval from the TxDOT aviation division prior to granting authorization for non-aviation use.
(A) 
Lease period.
No leases will be written for a primary period in excess of twenty-five (25) years without the written approval of the city council, and then only for the length of a mortgage in excess of twenty-five (25) years obtained from a lending institution by the mortgagee/FBO to construct such building(s) or hangar(s) on the municipal airport for which the mortgage was obtained.
(B) 
Basis of lease amount.
All property lease amounts shall be calculated using a “cents per square foot per year” basis.
(C) 
Buffer; parking space.
All leased property shall have a minimum buffer between the hangar to be constructed or already present and the edge of the leased premises of not less than ten (10) feet on all sides. All leased property shall provide adequate space for vehicle parking within the leased area.
(D) 
Abandoned structures.
Any privately owned structure or hangar not in use for aviation purposes for a period in excess of ninety (90) days or not available for lease or sublease for aviation purposes, unless so authorized for non-aviation uses by the city manager, must be removed after due notice to the owner in writing, or the city council will consider such structures or hangars abandoned and will seek title to such structure or hangar.
(E) 
Land from which structure is removed.
Leased land from which any building, hangar, or structure is removed, after due notice or expiration of the lease, will be cleared, cleaned, and put back in its original or acceptable condition.
(F) 
Subleasing.
Leased property on the municipal airport may be subleased by the lessee only with written approval of the city manager as authorized by the city council. Any sublease amount collected in excess of the original lease amount shall be paid to the airport. The sub-lessee must have the same types and amounts of insurance as required of the lessee.
(G) 
Location of structures.
No hangar or structure may be erected between the building restriction line and the runway surfaces, or in conflict with the approved airport master plan/airport layout plan.
(H) 
Construction standards.
All construction must be authorized by the city manager or his duly authorized agent (airport manager), as approved by the city council, and must be of a compatible standard capable of withstanding winds of 90 mph, with doors open or closed. Furthermore, all structures must comply with any and all city building codes, and applicable airport compatible land use or zoning ordinances, and the approved airport master plan/airport layout plan.
(I) 
Through-the-fence operations prohibited.
No private individual, partnership, FBO, company, corporation, or body politic shall be permitted direct ground access to the municipal airport by their aircraft, customers’ aircraft, or private vehicle from property adjacent to or in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Furthermore, no private individual, partnership, company, corporation, body politic, or customers’ aircraft or vehicle shall be permitted direct ground access to property from the municipal airport - a practice commonly known as a “through-the-fence operation.” Under extenuating circumstances, the city council may request approval from TxDOT aviation division for certain through-the-fence operations on a case-by-case basis.
(5) 
Lien for charges.
To enforce the payment of any charge made for repairs, improvements, storage, or care of any personal property made or furnished by the city or its agents in connection with the operation of the municipal airport, the city may place a lien upon such personal property, which shall be enforceable as provided by law.
(6) 
Lien possessory right.
To enforce the payment of any such charge, the airport manager may retain possession of such personal property until all reasonable, customary, and usual compensation has been paid in full.
(7) 
Unauthorized signs and equipment.
No signs, non-aeronautical equipment, portable buildings, or trailers may be erected, moved in, or installed on municipal airport property, except as may be specifically authorized by the airport manager and subject to any and all city ordinances and applicable law.
(8) 
Surreptitious activities.
Any person observing suspicious, unauthorized or criminal activities should report such activities immediately to the airport manager, local police, officers of the state department of public safety, and/or the Transportation Security Administration General Aviation Information Hotline at 1-866-GA-SECUR(E) or 1-866-427-3287.
(9) 
Wrecked aircraft.
Every aircraft owner, his/her pilot, or agents shall be responsible for notifying the FAA and promptly removing disabled or wrecked aircraft from the operational areas of the municipal airport, under the direction of the airport manager. All costs associated with the removal of wrecked or disabled aircraft shall be the sole responsibility of the aircraft owner.
(10) 
Repairs to aircraft.
No aircraft shall be repaired on any part of the landing or takeoff area. All outside repairs shall be made only at places designated by the airport manager for such purpose. Major engine, airframe, or avionics repairs shall be conducted by a properly licensed, paid mechanic authorized by the FAA within a hangar or building rented, leased, or owned for such commercial purposes. Any preventative maintenance authorized by FAR part 43 may be made by the owner or operator of any aircraft, but only within a hangar leased or owned by that aircraft owner or operator or at places designated by the airport manager for such purpose. See Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration, 14 C.F.R. part 43.
(11) 
Agricultural spraying operations.
Agricultural (Ag) spraying operations will be conducted in accordance with procedures approved by the airport manager and made known to all persons conducting Ag spraying operations. Said operations shall be conducted only on the designated airport areas, and shall not include reckless flying or careless chemical handling. Chemicals used in Ag operations shall be dispersed, maintained, and stored and the dispensing area shall be cleaned with all empty chemical containers stored and promptly disposed of in accordance with label directions. Washing of Ag aircraft and flushing of Ag aircraft spray tanks or hoppers will be accomplished in accordance with the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency and the state commission on environmental quality in an area so designated by the airport manager. Each Ag operator shall carry liability insurance in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00), payable to the city, for the cleanup of any hazardous chemical spills on municipal airport property caused by the Ag operator, with the city also as a named insured. The city shall be entitled to indemnity from the Ag operator for any and all claims arising out of Ag spraying operations pursuant to the agreement entered into between the city and the Ag spraying operator. Ag aircraft operators shall not exceed the maximum gross hopper weight stamped on the Ag aircraft’s hopper by the manufacturer or listed in the aircraft’s specifications. Ag aircraft shall not take off or land on the dirt or grass between the runway lights and the property line fence(s), nor take off or land downwind. Takeoff and landing procedures in accordance with section 10.05.008 (takeoff and landing rules) contained herein will be observed at all times. Note: Because of the hazard of such Ag spraying operations, the city council may require each Ag spray operator to post a bond, the amount to be determined by the city council, considering the financial risk to which the city could be exposed by an Ag operator accident resulting in environmental damage, the number of Ag aircraft owned or leased and used by the Ag operator, and any other factor deemed appropriate by the city council in determining the amount of such bond.
(12) 
Damage to airport.
Any person, individual, or corporation or the owner of any aircraft causing damage of any kind to the municipal airport, whether through violation of any of these rules, through vandalism, or any act of negligence, shall be liable therefor in and to the city. By entering the airport property and by use of the airport the city shall be entitled to indemnity for any and all claims arising out of damage to the airport caused by any person, individual, or corporation or the owner of any aircraft during use of the airport.
(13) 
Injury to person or property.
Persons entering upon the municipal airport ground-side property by automobile, other vehicular conveyance, or pedestrian traffic (does not include persons in aircraft using approved air-side facilities) do so at their own risk and with no liability incurring to the city for any injury or damage to person or property. Further, any person desiring to use the airport shall observe and obey all valid laws, resolutions, orders, rules, and regulations promulgated and enforced by the city or by any other authority having jurisdiction over the conduct and operation of the airport. By entering the municipal airport property and by use of the airport the city shall be entitled to indemnity for any and all claims arising out of injury to a person while on the airport premises.
(14) 
Licensed pilots.
Only properly registered aircraft and persons holding current airman and medical certificates issued by the FAA, for those flight operations requiring medical certificates, shall be authorized to operate aircraft upon the municipal airport except as provided in this article. This limitation shall not apply to students in training under supervision of licensed instructors or to public aircraft of the federal government or of a state, territory, or political subdivision thereof, or to aircraft licensed by a foreign government with which the United States has a reciprocal agreement covering the operation of such licensed aircraft. Use of the municipal airport by an ultralight aircraft shall be subject to approval by the airport manager and shall be in accordance with FAA order 5190.6, appropriate FARs 61 and 103, and any other rules established by the city. See Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors, 14 C.F.R. part 61; Ultralight Vehicles, 14 C.F.R. part 103.
(15) 
Registration.
Each person owning an aircraft based at the municipal airport, employed, or receiving instruction at the airport shall register at the office of the airport manager their name, address, telephone number, aircraft model, aircraft registration “N” number, and the name, address, and telephone number of their next of kin or person to be notified in case of an accident or emergency.
(16) 
Intoxicants and narcotics prohibited.
No person under the influence of any intoxicant, narcotic, or other illicit drug shall operate or fly in any aircraft to or from the municipal airport. Such prohibition shall not apply to a passenger under the care of a medical doctor and accompanied by a doctor, nurse, or caretaker.
(17) 
Foreign objects.
No foreign objects, including bottles, cans, scrap, nuts, bolts, nails, or any object that may cause damage to an aircraft, shall be left upon the floor of any building or upon any part of the surface area of the municipal airport. Individuals are encouraged to pick up such foreign objects when observed and place them in a trash receptacle.
(18) 
Advertisements.
No person shall post, distribute, or display signs, advertisements, circulars, or printed or written matter in the public portions of the municipal airport without the written permission of the airport manager. All outdoor signs must comply with city regulations, ordinances, and applicable laws and must be approved in writing by the airport manager.
(19) 
Animals.
No person shall enter the municipal airport with a dog or other animal unless restrained by a leash or properly confined as determined by the airport manager. No person in charge of a dog or other animal shall permit the animal to wander unrestrained on any portion of the aircraft operations area of the airport.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.003)
(a) 
Vehicular traffic.
(1) 
All vehicular traffic on the municipal airport shall be confined to streets, roads, and avenues of passage designated and provided for that purpose and shall not be operated at a speed in excess of the posted speed, but where no speed is posted, shall not be operated at a speed in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour. Official vehicles only will be driven on the landing areas. Such official vehicles will have a ground-to-air radio transceiver tuned to the local UNICOM frequency or common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) and either a flashing or rotating yellow beacon light mounted on the roof of the vehicle, flashing or strobe lights mounted on all four corners of the vehicle, or a checkered orange and white flag mounted on the front bumper or roof of the vehicle.
(2) 
Special use vehicles such as a police vehicle, ambulance, hearse, or delivery van may be driven on the apron with the permission of the airport manager. An aircraft owner who rents, leases, or owns his/her private hangar may park his/her automobile in the hangar while on a trip in his/her aircraft.
(3) 
All vehicles operating on the airport ramp and apron areas shall be properly registered with the state or the home state of its owner and shall have the minimum required motor vehicle insurance as required by the state. Aircraft towing vehicles or equipment are exempt from state registration and insurance requirements.
(4) 
Commercial and general aviation tenants may operate “golf cart” type vehicles on the aircraft ramps or aprons with prior written permission of the airport manager. These vehicles must have a flashing or rotating yellow beacon light mounted on the roof of the vehicle or flashing or strobe lights mounted on all four corners of the vehicle.
(b) 
Fueling of aircraft.
(1) 
Aircraft shall not be fueled while the engine is running or while in a hangar or other enclosed place, except that an Ag spray aircraft on a fast turnaround may be fueled and loaded with chemicals with the aircraft engine idling if the airport manager has provided written authority to the Ag operator, the pilot remains at the controls, the aircraft’s wheels are chocked, there are at least two 20B fire extinguishers within fifty (50) feet of the aircraft being serviced, and a qualified ground crew member is present during the fueling operation. Air ambulance helicopters may be fueled while the aircraft engine is running if the airport manager has provided written authority to the air ambulance helicopter operator, the pilot remains at the controls of the aircraft, there are at least two 20B fire extinguishers within fifty (50) feet of the aircraft being serviced, and a qualified crew member is present during the fueling operations.
(2) 
Prior to making any fueling connection to an aircraft, the fueling equipment (fuel pump, hydrant servicer, or fuel truck) shall be bonded to the aircraft by use of a cable suitable for that purpose and approved by the local airport manager and tested yearly for electrical operational continuity. The bond shall be made prior to fueling and maintained until fueling is completed and fuel connections have been removed. Additionally, the operator shall touch the filler cap with the nozzle spout before removing the cap so as to equalize the static electrical potential between the nozzle and the filler port. The nozzle spout shall be kept in contact with the filler neck until the fueling is completed. When a funnel is used in aircraft fueling, it shall be kept in contact with the filler neck as well as the fuel spout or fuel supply container to avoid the possibility of a spark at the fill opening. Only metal funnels shall be used for fueling. Bonding and fueling connections shall be disconnected in the reverse order of connection after fueling is completed.
(3) 
All aircraft shall be fueled clear of all hangars, other buildings, and aircraft by at least fifty (50) feet.
(4) 
Fueling trucks shall not be parked within any building or hangar or within fifty (50) feet of any building, hangar, or parked aircraft, except when parked within the fuel containment area at the aircraft refueling location. Multiple fuel trucks shall be parked with at least ten (10) feet separation between vehicles.
(5) 
Aircraft fuel storage tanks for below-ground or above-ground use will be constructed and installed, registered as required, monitored for leakage, operated, and maintained in accordance with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the state commission on environmental quality.
(6) 
Aviation or auto fuels shall not be stored within a hangar or building except in small quantities and in approved containers manufactured and marked for such purpose and only with the approval of the local fire marshal.
(7) 
Persons or businesses wishing to supply or dispense aviation fuel for use in their privately owned and operated aircraft shall not be denied; however, they must meet all requirements the city places on other fuel suppliers, public or private, and shall notify and receive written permission from the airport manager prior to the start of such activities. No privately owned and operated public fueling facilities are permitted upon the municipal airport.
(8) 
Public sale of automobile gas for use in aircraft will not be permitted at the municipal airport. Aircraft authorized by the FAA to use auto gas may be privately fueled by the owner in a location designated by the airport manager in accordance with all rules appertaining to aircraft fueling and fire safety contained herein.
(9) 
All aviation fuel storage tanks, aviation fuel pumps, hydrant fuel services, and aircraft fuel service vehicles, whether publicly or privately owned, shall have the type of aviation fuel dispensed printed in large block letters, including octane if aviation gasoline, plus the fuel I.D. number, and “no smoking” signs. This information shall be printed on all sides of the fueling tanks, pumps, etc., so the information is visible from any direction on the ground.
(10) 
All aircraft fueling, fuel equipment, and procedures will be in accordance with Manual 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing, 2001 edition (or as revised), published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy MA 02269-9101, 800-344-3555.
(c) 
Tie-down of aircraft.
(1) 
All aircraft not hangared shall be tied down and the wheels chocked at night and during inclement weather. The aircraft pilot is responsible for providing tie-down ropes or cables and wheel chocks.
(2) 
All aircraft owners or their agents are responsible for the tie-down or security of their aircraft at all times and particularly during inclement weather.
(3) 
Piston aircraft parked overnight on the aircraft apron shall pay a tie-down fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code for each night, except that such fee may be waived for a maximum of four (4) days by the airport manager upon the purchase of fuel or services. Piston aircraft parked for thirty (30) days or more shall pay a fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code. Turbine and jet powered aircraft parked overnight on the apron shall pay a tie-down fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code for each night, except that such fee may be waived for a maximum of four (4) days by the airport manager upon the purchase of fuel or services. Turbine or jet powered aircraft parked for thirty (30) days or more shall pay a fee of as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(4) 
Aircraft parked on the aircraft apron for more than thirty (30) days shall comply with airworthiness standards pursuant to Aircraft, 14 C.F.R. parts 21 through 49. Every aircraft owner shall remove any wreckage or inoperative, disabled or wrecked aircraft from the public-use areas of the municipal airport as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours of such wreck or disabling. If removal of such wreckage or aircraft has been restricted by the FAA or National Transportation Safety Board, the owner shall remove such aircraft or wreckage as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours of the lifting of such restrictions.
(d) 
Running aircraft engines.
(1) 
Aircraft not equipped with adequate brakes shall not be started until the wheels have been set with chocks attached to ropes or other suitable means of removing them.
(2) 
No aircraft shall be hand propped, started, or left running without a qualified person at the controls.
(3) 
No aircraft engine shall be started or run inside any building or hangar.
(4) 
No engine shall be started, run up, or warmed up until and unless the aircraft is in such position that the propeller stream or jet blast will clear all buildings, other aircraft, and groups of people.
(e) 
Damage to runway lights.
Any person damaging any runway or taxiway light or fixture, by operation of aircraft or otherwise, shall immediately report such damage to the airport manager. Persons causing damage to runway and taxiway lights as a result of negligent operation of an aircraft or willful acts will be liable for replacement cost of the light(s) and/or fixture(s) and may be charged with a misdemeanor as provided in section 10.05.002 of this article.
(f) 
Taxiing aircraft.
(1) 
No person shall taxi an aircraft until he/she has reasonably ascertained there will be no danger of collision with any person or object in the immediate area.
(2) 
Aircraft will be taxied at a safe and prudent speed and in such manner as to be under the control of the pilot at all times.
(3) 
Aircraft not equipped with adequate brakes will not be taxied near buildings or parked aircraft unless an attendant (wing-walker) is at a wing of the aircraft to assist the pilot.
(4) 
Aircraft shall not taxi onto the runway from the ramp and taxiway area if there is an aircraft approaching to land or on the ground in takeoff position. Aircraft waiting on the taxiway for another aircraft to take off or land will remain behind the runway holding position markings.
(5) 
Aircraft shall not be taxied by engine power into or out of a hangar or T-hangar.
(g) 
Parking aircraft.
(1) 
Unoccupied aircraft shall not be parked or tied down within any protected area (object free area, runway safety area, etc.) as described in FAA AC 150/5300-13, and all aircraft not hangared shall be parked in the areas designated by the airport manager for that purpose.
(2) 
Aircraft shall not be parked within fifty (50) feet of an aircraft fuel pump or fuel service truck parking area.
(3) 
Aircraft shall not be parked in such a manner as to hinder the normal movement of other aircraft and traffic unless specifically authorized by the airport manager as an emergency measure.
(4) 
It is the responsibility of the pilot when leaving a parked aircraft unattended to see that the brakes are set and/or it is properly chocked and/or tied down.
(h) 
Loading or unloading aircraft with engine running.
Pilots are prohibited from loading or unloading aircraft with the engine running, except as stated in subsection (b)(1) of this section.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.004)
(a) 
Authority to suspend operations.
The airport manager may suspend or restrict any or all operations whenever such action is deemed necessary in the interest of safety, provided operations under instrument meteorological conditions may be continued by properly instrument-rated pilots following appropriate flight rules.
(b) 
Active runway.
The pilot of an aircraft is responsible to determine the appropriate runway for take-offs or landings when wind speeds are in excess of four (4) knots, so as to provide for a safe departure or arrival. If the winds are calm, at, or slower than four (4) knots, pilots shall take off and land on RWY 17L-35R or RWY 17R-35L.
(c) 
Clearing public streets or highways.
No aircraft shall land or take off in such manner as to clear any public street or highway at an altitude of less than fifteen (15) feet, or seventeen (17) feet over an interstate highway, twenty-three (23) feet over a railroad, or twenty-seven (27) feet over a coastal waterway, or the clearance height of the tallest bridge over the waterway, nor land or take off on the taxiway or over hangars or other structures, automobile parking areas, or groups of spectators. (Ref: Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace, 14 C.F.R. part 77.)
(d) 
UNICOM.
All pilots with radio-equipped aircraft shall call on the local UNICOM frequency (122.725 MHZ) to determine the active runway, to announce their position and intentions for takeoff or landing, and to determine the locations of other aircraft operating in the traffic pattern or on the runways and taxiways of the municipal airport. Aircraft operating without a UNICOM radio shall overfly the airport at three thousand (3,000) feet MSL to determine the active runway and locate other aircraft operating within the aerodrome.
(e) 
Emergency locator transmitter (ELT).
(1) 
Immediately after takeoff and after landing prior to engine shutdown, pilots should tune their aircraft radios to the emergency frequency (121.5 or 243.0) and listen to determine if their aircraft’s ELT is transmitting. If the ELT turned on and transmitted after a takeoff or landing, as soon as possible after turning it off, advise the FAA Automated Flight Service Station for the area at telephone number 800-WX-BRIEF (800-992-7433) that your ELT accidentally turned on at the approximate time and coordinates, if known, and the time and coordinates it was turned off.
(2) 
If a pilot lands an aircraft at the municipal airport, parks and locks or hangars the aircraft with the ELT transmitting and the airport manager determines such has occurred, the airport manager shall take immediate action to telephone and/or locate the pilot of the aircraft, advise him/her of the situation, and request that the pilot return to the airport immediately and turn off the ELT. Should the airport manager be unable to locate the pilot or if the pilot is unable to return to the airport within a reasonable time to turn off the ELT, the airport manager, accompanied by a local peace officer, a civil air patrol officer, or an FAA representative, shall take the necessary action to turn off the ELT, provided the action does not result in damage to the aircraft. The aircraft owner shall be responsible for all charges associated with turning off the ELT.
(f) 
Takeoffs on apron or taxiways.
Takeoffs or landings shall not be made on the apron, parking ramp, or taxiway by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or ultralight aircraft except by special permission of the airport manager.
(g) 
Takeoffs allowed.
Touch-and-go landings may be made at the discretion of the pilot. Pilots remaining in the pattern making touch-and-go landings should broadcast on the UNICOM or common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) their pattern turns and their touch-and-go intentions after turning final. All aircraft shall clear for landing and takeoff traffic before taxiing into takeoff position. See General Operating and Flight Rules, Right-of-Way Rules: Except Water Operations, 14 C.F.R. section 91.113(g).
(h) 
Traffic patterns and traffic pattern altitude.
(1) 
Aircraft approaching the municipal airport and flying within the aerodrome shall fly in accordance with the entry points and traffic patterns as depicted in exhibit A, Approved Traffic Patterns for the Hondo Municipal Airport, attached to Ordinance 935-06-10.
(2) 
Traffic pattern elevation at the municipal airport is one thousand (1,000) feet above ground level (AGL) for small, piston-powered aircraft, which is one thousand nine hundred twenty (1,920) feet above mean sea level (MSL) elevation. Traffic pattern elevation at the airport is one thousand six hundred (1,600) feet AGL for large, turbine and jet-powered aircraft, which is two thousand five hundred twenty (2,520) feet above MSL elevation.
(i) 
Straight-in approaches.
Straight-in approaches shall not be used unless a UNICOM radio advisory call has been made from a minimum of five (5) miles out from the runway surface and a determination can be made that such approach will not interfere with or unduly disrupt the aircraft traffic already established to land or navigate the established traffic pattern.
(j) 
Student training and practice flying.
(1) 
Flight instructors shall inform students and themselves of all rules and regulations in effect at the municipal airport.
(2) 
By notices posted in his/her office, the airport manager may designate limited areas of the municipal airport and local areas approved by the FAA for practice flying and training of students.
(3) 
Aircraft shall not be permitted to remain on the landing or takeoff areas of the runways for the purpose of instruction.
(k) 
Special procedures.
(1) 
The airport manager may, in the interest of safety, designate special traffic procedures for certain operations, such as helicopters, air shows, agricultural operations, gliders, ultralights, etc. Any such change from standard procedures shall be published in the FAA’s airport/facility directory if of a permanent nature or the airport manager shall issue a NOTAM if such change is if a temporary nature.
(2) 
Parachute jumping onto the municipal airport property shall not be permitted without the recommendations of the city airport advisory board, airport manager, and city manager, and the written approval of the city council.
(l) 
Flying of model airplanes.
Engine-powered model airplanes, cable or radio controlled, or model gliders shall not be permitted to operate, take off or be launched from, flown over, flown in the terminal area of, or land within five thousand (5,000) feet of any runway at the municipal airport.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.005)
Applicable rules:
(1) 
Every person going upon or using the municipal airport or its facilities in any manner shall exercise the greatest care and caution to avoid and prevent fire.
(2) 
Smoking or open flame within fifty (50) feet of any fuel tank, fuel pump, or fuel truck is prohibited.
(3) 
Compressed flammable gas shall not be kept or stored upon the municipal airport, except at such place as may be designated by the airport manager.
(4) 
No flammable substance shall be used for the cleaning of any aircraft part or other thing inside a hangar, T-hangar, or other building upon the municipal airport.
(5) 
No one shall smoke or ignite a match or lighter in any building, hangar, or aircraft, except in posted “designated smoking areas” identified by the airport manager.
(6) 
Hangar entrances shall be kept clear at all times.
(7) 
The floors in all buildings shall be kept clean and free of oil. Volatile, flammable substances shall not be used for cleaning the floors.
(8) 
No boxes, crates, cans, bottles, paper, tall grass, weeds, unusable airplane parts or wreckage, scrap wood or metal, discarded airplane or automobile tires, trash, or other litter shall be permitted to accumulate in or about a hangar, building, or other leased space. If such trash and litter is permitted to accumulate around a private-owned, rented, or leased hangar/building, the airport manager shall notify the hangar/building owner, renter or lessee by registered letter to remove the offending litter. If within ten (10) work days after receipt of the letter the hangar/building owner, renter, or lessee has not removed the trash and litter as directed, the airport manager may have the area cleaned and the cost for such cleaning shall be charged to the hangar/building owner, renter, or lessee.
(9) 
Prior to the fueling of any aircraft, the aircraft shall be bonded to the fuel pump or hydrant service/fuel truck to equalize the static electrical potential between the fueler and the aircraft. Bonding shall be accomplished in the interest of fire safety as described in section 10.05.007(b)(2).
(10) 
A sufficient number, rating, and size of fire extinguishers shall be available whenever aircraft are being refueled.
(11) 
Aircraft fuel service trucks shall have a minimum of two 20BC fire extinguishers located at the rear of and/or on each side of such truck.
(12) 
Aircraft fuel service trucks shall have an “emergency cut-off” valve which shall be clearly identified and painted red.
(13) 
All aviation fuel nozzles shall have “dead man” controls which will shut off the fuel flow when the nozzle hand control is released. Nozzles with mechanical hold-open devices will not be permitted for fueling aircraft.
(14) 
The pilot and passengers will exit the aircraft and the aircraft will be unoccupied during fueling operations, except as provided in section 10.05.007(b)(1).
(15) 
In all matters related to aircraft fueling safety, the provisions of Manual 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing, 2001 edition (or as revised), published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy MA 02269-9101, 800-344-3555, shall prevail.
(Ordinance 935-06-10 adopted 6/28/10; 2009 Code, sec. 1.14.006)
(a) 
Council may adopt one or more standard a forms for the application of credit and credit agreement governing the sale of aviation fuel on open account at the airport (“form agreement”). Upon approval of the form agreement, airport tenants and aviation fuel customers shall be required to enter into a form agreement for all future aviation fuel sales. Provided however, airport tenants and aviation fuel customers that have entered into aviation fuel sales agreement with city at the time the form agreement is adopted will not be required to enter into a form agreement until the expiration or lawful termination of its existing agreement for the sale of aviation fuel.
(b) 
City will collect a credit application fee for establishment of a new aviation fuel account. City manager may reject credit applications for applicants who fail to demonstrate creditworthiness for establishing a new account. City will also collect the fees and charges as provided under the terms of the form agreement and as reflected in city code appendix A, “fee schedule”, article A10.000. For initial transition purposes, city manager will have the discretion to waive the credit application fee for the airport’s existing fuel customers and tenants with a proven history of good and timely payment at the time the form agreement was approved. The sale price for aviation fuel under the form agreement will be established by the director of aviation.
(c) 
City manager is authorized to negotiate and enter into credit agreements for the sale of aviation fuel at the airport that conform to the council-approved form agreement and standard fee and fuel pricing. City manager may authorize credit agreement with a maximum credit limit of $1,000.00 per month for individual/personal accounts and $5,000.00 for commercial accounts. Council at its discretion may authorize the city manager to enter into credit agreements for the sale of aviation fuel substantially deviating from the terms of the form agreement; offer special or discounted fees and fuel rates; and credit limits in excess of those provided herein.
(Ordinance 1194-03-19 adopted 3/25/19)
Council hereby adopts the forms included in appendix 1 “credit application and credit agreement - individual” and appendix 2 “credit application and credit agreement - commercial,” attached to Ordinance 1194-03-19 adopted March 25, 2019, as form agreements for the sale of aviation fuel at the airport.
(Ordinance 1194-03-19 adopted 3/25/19)