No person, firm, association, partnership, corporation or entity, incorporated or otherwise, shall use the airport for any commercial activity, unless approved by a written permit from the city council or its duly authorized agent.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 1, adopted 4/8/14)
The following rules and regulations shall be observed in the use, operation, and conduct of the airport:
Rule 1. 
Federal air traffic rules.
Federal air traffic rules of the Federal Aviation Administration for aircraft operated anywhere in 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.
Rule 2. 
Safeguard 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 airport.
(1) 
Businesses shall have a plan to contain vehicles and pedestrians in an area that does not interfere with the operation of aircraft or pose a hazard to their patrons.
(2) 
Businesses shall be responsible for educating their patrons concerning safety and the risks associated with activities on the airport property and explain the following rules for the safe enjoyment of the Eagle Lake Airport:
(A) 
All personal vehicles including UTV’s will be operated on the designated roadway. Hangar tenants may drive to and from their leased property.
(B) 
Aircraft on the runway or taxiways have the right-of-way over vehicles.
(C) 
Pets will not be allowed off leash on airport property.
(D) 
Children, in particular, will be cared for and instructed on the dangers of propellers, rotors and hot exhaust from aircraft operations.
(E) 
ATV, motorcycle, roller skate, skateboard and bicycle use is expressly prohibited on the runway and taxiways.
Rule 3. 
Hangars.
Hangars owned by the city may be rented to private individuals, companies or corporations on a monthly or yearly basis for the storage of aircraft and ancillary aircraft equipment only. The rental fees are to be determined by city council.
Rule 4. 
Lease of airport property.
The city may lease property within the building area or other portions of the airport for the construction of hangars, buildings or lean-tos, aprons, taxiways and auto parking lots in accordance with the approved airport master plan/airport layout plan. All leased property and all buildings or structures erected on the leased property will be utilized for aviation related activity only. Storage of non-aviation equipment in a leased hangar or conducting of non-aviation business in any structure is prohibited.
(1) 
For the lease of airport property upon which to conduct a commercial aeronautical activity, the city council will determine a rate per square foot to be charged per month for the term of the lease.
(2) 
For the lease of airport property to a private individual, company, or corporation on which hangars or T-hangar units will be erected for private non-commercial aeronautical use only, the city will determine a rate per square foot to be charged per month for the term of the lease.
(3) 
No leases will be written for a primary period in excess of twenty (20) years.
(4) 
Any private structure or hangar not in use for aviation purposes for a period in excess of three (3) months or not available for rent or subleased for aviation purposes, unless so authorized by the city must be removed after due notice in writing or the city will consider such structures or hangars abandoned and title will pass to the city.
(5) 
Leased land from which any building, hangar, or structure is removed after due notice will be cleaned and put back in its original condition.
(6) 
Leased property on the airport may be subleased by the lessee only with approval of the city.
(7) 
No structures may be erected beyond the building restriction line or in conflict with the approved airport layout plan.
(8) 
All construction must be authorized by the city council and must be a compatible standard capable of withstanding winds of 85 mph, with doors open or closed.
Furthermore, all structures must comply with the city building codes and airport zoning and land use ordinance.
Rule 5. 
Commercial operating fees.
All persons, firms, associations, corporations, or entities approved by the city council to conduct commercial activity on the airport shall pay a monthly/annual fee to be determined by city council.
Rule 6. 
Fuel flowage fees.
All fuel dispensing activities, whether commercial or private, must be authorized by the city council and will be assessed a flowage fee (percent) of the retail price, based on fuel delivered to the vendor.
Rule 7. 
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 airport, the city may place a lien upon such personal property, which shall be enforceable as provided by law.
Rule 8. 
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 shall have been paid in full.
Rule 9. 
Unauthorized signs.
No signs or non-aeronautical equipment or portable buildings and house trailers may be erected, moved in or installed on the airport property except as may be specifically authorized by the airport manager.
Rule 10. 
Surreptitious activities.
Any person observing suspicious, unauthorized or criminal activities should report such activities immediately to the airport manager, police, or officers of the department of public safety, or other peace officer.
Rule 11. 
Wrecked aircraft.
Every aircraft owner, his pilot and agents, shall be responsible for notifying the FAA and for the prompt removal from the operational areas of the airport, under the direction of the airport manager [of disabled or wrecked aircraft].
Rule 12. 
Repairs to aircraft.
All repairs and maintenance of aircraft shall be made inside a hanger or at the places designated by the airport manager for such purpose.
Rule 13. 
Agricultural spraying operations.
Agricultural spraying operations will be conducted in accordance with procedures approved by the airport manager and made known to all persons conducting agricultural spraying operations. Said operations shall be conducted in designated areas only, and shall not include reckless flying or careless chemical handling. Spillage and/or leakage of any type must not occur on the runway, aprons, taxiways or other airport property. Any accidental spillage must be removed and the area fully cleaned immediately by the operator responsible for such action. Chemicals used in agricultural flying operations shall be dispersed, maintained, stored, the dispensing area cleaned and empty chemical containers promptly disposed of or stored in accordance with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, state department of water resources, state department of agriculture, state health resources and the airport manager. Washing of agricultural aircraft and flushing of AG aircraft spray tanks will be accomplished in accordance with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, state department of water resources, state health resources and the airport manager.
Note: Because of the hazard of such operation, the city may require each agricultural spray operator to provide the city a copy of their liability policy naming the city as an additional insured. The minimum limits of liability coverage will be determined by city council.
Rule 14. 
Damage to airport.
Any person, corporate or individual, and the owner of any aircraft causing damage of any kind to the airport, whether through violation of any of these rules or through vandalism or any act of negligence, shall be liable therefor in and to the city.
Rule 15. 
Injury to person.
Persons entering the airport groundside property by automobile, other vehicular conveyance, or on foot (does not include persons in aircraft using approved airside 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 laws, resolutions, orders, rules, and regulations promulgated and enforced by the city or by any other authority having jurisdiction over the operation of the airport.
Rule 16. 
Licensed pilots.
Only aircraft with current and correct FAA certificates of registration and airworthiness and persons holding valid and current airman and medical certificates issued by the FAA, for those flight operations requiring medical certificates, shall be authorized to operate aircraft upon the airport except as provided in these rules and regulations. This limitation shall not apply to students-in-training under 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 airport by ultralight aircraft (FAR 103) and light sport aircraft in the weight shift control and powered parachute class shall be subject to approval by the city council and shall be in accordance with FAA Order 5190.6 (latest change) and appropriate FARs part 61 and 103 and any other rules established by the city.
Rule 17. 
Registration.
Each person owning an aircraft based at the airport, or any person based and receiving flight instruction toward an FAA rating 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.
Rule 18. 
Animals.
No person shall enter the airport with a dog, cat, or other animal unless the animal is, and remains, restrained by a leash or properly confined as determined by the airport manager.
Rule 19. 
Living quarters.
No person may make permanent living quarters on airport property.
Rule 20. 
Intoxicants and narcotics prohibited.
No person under the influence of an intoxicant or narcotic shall operate or fly in any aircraft upon or over the airport; provided however, such prohibition shall not apply to a passenger when accompanied by a nurse or caretaker in an aircraft apart from the pilot.
Rule 21. 
Foreign object.
No foreign objects, including bottles, cans, scrap or any object that may cause damage to an aircraft shall be left upon the floor of any city-owned building or upon any part of the surface area of the airport. Businesses and hangar tenants shall periodically check for and remove any foreign objects and rocks/gravel that their operation causes to be deposited on the runway, taxiways and aprons.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 2, adopted 4/8/14)
Rule 22 
Air, ground and vehicular traffic.
No person shall operate a vehicle on the airport except in accordance with the following rules, and all federal, state, and local law:
(1) 
All vehicles shall yield right-of-way to aircraft in motion and emergency vehicles.
(2) 
No vehicle except ground service and emergency vehicles shall approach so close to any aircraft with running engine(s) as to create a hazard.
(3) 
All vehicles entering or exiting an operating airport access gate shall wait for the gate to completely close behind them before proceeding to their destination so as to not allow the entry of any other vehicle.
(4) 
Any vehicle authorized to operate on the airport runways or taxiways shall display a rotating or steady beacon that complies with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5210 (latest change).
Rule 23 
Speed limits.
All vehicles shall be operated within the posted speed limits at the airport. The maximum speed limit for all vehicles in the airside area, with the exception of authorized municipal vehicles in the performance of their official duties, is fifteen (15) miles per hour, unless posted otherwise.
Rule 24 
Airport security.
(1) 
Security.
The Transportation Security Administration publication “Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports,” Information Publication A-001 dated May 2004, is available for reference at their website - www.tsa.gov/.
This document is used by the airport as a guideline to security on the airport and is incorporated as a working document.
(2) 
Access codes/devices.
Persons who have been provided either a code or device for the purpose of obtaining access to the airport shall not divulge, duplicate, or otherwise distribute the same to any other person, unless otherwise approved in writing by the airport manager.
Rule 25 
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 agricultural spray aircraft on a fast-turn-around may be fueled and loaded with chemicals with the aircraft engine idling if the airport governing authority has provided written authority to the agricultural operator and if the wheels are chocked or locked and there are at least two 20B fire extinguishers within 50 feet and a qualified ground crew member is present during the fueling operation.
(2) 
All aircraft will be positively grounded when being serviced with fuel. Aircraft being serviced by a fuel truck will be grounded to the fuel truck and the fuel truck will be positively grounded.
(3) 
All aircraft shall be fueled clear of all hangars and other buildings.
(4) 
Aircraft fuel trucks will be equipped, operated and maintained in accordance with National Fire Protection Association, Incorporated, NFPA Manual 407 “Aircraft Fuel Servicing, 1985.”
(5) 
Persons or aviation businesses wishing to supply and dispense aviation fuel for their private use must first obtain permission from the airport governing authority. The fueling system must be installed and fuel dispensed in accordance with aircraft fueling rules and directives.
(6) 
Public sale of automobile gas for use in aircraft will not be permitted on the airport without approval of the airport authority. Aircraft authorized by the FAA to use auto gas may be privately fueled by their owner only after compliance with established rules adopted by the airport authority.
(7) 
Aviation or auto fuels will not be stored within a city-owned hangar.
Rule 26 
Tiedown of aircraft.
(1) 
All aircraft not hangared shall be tied down or secured at night and during inclement weather.
(2) 
All aircraft owners or their agents are responsible for the tiedown or security of their aircraft at all times and particularly during inclement weather.
(3) 
Aircraft parked overnight on the transient apron shall pay a tiedown fee for each night as set from time to time by the city council, except that such fee may be waived upon purchase of fuel or services.
Rule 27 
Running aircraft engines.
(1) 
On aircraft not equipped with adequate brakes, the engine shall not be started until and unless the wheels have been set with blocks attached to ropes or other suitable means for removing them.
(2) 
No airplane will be propped, started or left running without qualified personnel at the controls.
(3) 
No engine shall be started or run inside any building.
(4) 
No engine shall be started, run or warmed up until and unless the aircraft is in such position that the propeller stream or jet blast will clear all buildings and groups of people in the observation areas.
Rule 28 
Damage to runway lights.
Any person damaging any field light or fixture by operation of an 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 fixtures and may be charged with a misdemeanor as provided in section 1.11.069 of these rules and regulations.
Rule 29 
Taxiing aircraft.
(1) 
No person shall taxi an aircraft until he has 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 at all times under the control of the pilot.
(3) 
Aircraft not equipped with adequate brakes will not be taxied near buildings or parked aircraft unless an attendant 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 take-off position. Aircraft waiting on the taxiway for another aircraft to take off or land will remain behind the runway holding position markings.
(5) 
There shall be no taxiing of aircraft by engine power into or out of hangars.
Rule 30 
Parking aircraft.
(1) 
Unoccupied aircraft shall not be parked or tied down on or within two hundred fifty (250) feet of the centerline of a general utility non-precision runway; and all unhoused aircraft shall be parked in the areas designated by the airport manager for that purpose.
(2) 
Aircraft will not be parked within fifty (50) feet of an aircraft fuel pump.
(3) 
Aircraft will 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 or that the plane is properly chocked and/or tied down.
Rule 31 
Loading/unloading aircraft.
Pilots are prohibited from loading or unloading aircraft with the engine running.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 3, adopted 4/8/14)
Rule 32 
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.
Rule 33 
Clearing street.
No aircraft shall land or take off in such manner as to clear any public street or highway at an altitude of less than 15 feet or 17 feet over an interstate highway or 23 feet over a railroad track nor land or take off on the taxiway or over hangars or other structures, automobile parking areas or groups of spectators.
Rule 34 
Unicom.
All pilots are encouraged to call on the local unicom frequency to determine the active runway and to announce their position and intentions for take-off and landing. Pilots or radio equipped aircraft taking off or landing at airports that do not have a local unicom radio should report their traffic intentions on the appropriate unicom frequency.
Rule 35 
Take-off on apron, etc.
No take-offs or landings shall be made on the apron, parking ramp or taxiway except by special permission of the airport manager.
Rule 36 
Take-offs allowed.
Touch and go landings may be made at the discretion of the pilot. All aircraft shall clear for landing and take-off traffic before taxiing into take-off position.
Rule 37 
Take-off climb.
Pilots shall comply with the FAA Advisory Circular 90-66A Recommended Standards Traffic Patterns for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers. Pilots shall delay any turns that would result in flying directly over the city at an altitude of less than one thousand (1,000) feet above the ground.
Rule 38 
Traffic altitude.
Traffic pattern elevation is one thousand (1,000) (suggested altitude) feet above ground level (AGL).
Rule 39 
Common courtesy.
Aircraft entering the traffic pattern shall exercise caution and practice courtesy so as not to cause aircraft already in the pattern to deviate from their course.
Rule 40 
Aircraft turn.
Any aircraft within three (3) miles of the airport at an altitude of less than one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet above the ground shall conform to the flow of traffic. All aircraft shall establish their pattern altitude before entering the traffic pattern and shall not deviate from this altitude (except in an emergency) until descent for landing is necessary.
Rule 41 
Traffic flow.
All aircraft landing at the municipal airport shall comply with the FAA Advisory Circular 90-66A Recommended Standards Traffic Patterns for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers.
(1) 
The runway 35 traffic pattern is designated a non-standard right-hand pattern to accommodate the parachute drop zone, west of the runway.
Rule 42 
Altitude and noise of engines.
Except during the execution of a published instrument approach, or during takeoff and landing, no aircraft shall be operated over the city at an altitude of less than one thousand (1,000) feet above the ground. Aircraft engines shall not be accelerated nor decelerated while over the city in such manner as to distract, excite, or disturb persons on the ground, regardless of altitude.
Rule 43 
Straight-in approaches.
Straight-in approaches shall not be used unless authorized by the airport manager or unless radio contact with the airport advisory radio has been established from at least five (5) miles out.
Rule 44 
Student training and practice flying.
(1) 
Instructors in flying shall inform students and shall inform themselves of all rules and regulations in effect at the airport.
(2) 
By notices posted in his/her office, the airport manager may designate limited areas of the airport for practice flying and training of students.
(3) 
Aircraft shall not be permitted to remain on the landing or take-off areas for the purpose of instructing students.
Rule 45 
Special procedures.
The airport manager may, in the interest of safety, designate special traffic procedures for certain operations, such as air shows, agricultural operations, lighter than air operations, ultralights, etc.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 4, adopted 4/8/14)
Rule 46 
Drop zone (parachute landing area) designation.
The city drop zone is an area west of runway 17/35 and north of the canal adjacent to the T-hangars. The boundaries are herein defined as a line beginning with the intersection of a north-south line parallel to and four hundred fifty (450) feet west of the runway centerline and an east-west line parallel to and one hundred (100) feet north of the irrigation canal, then north along the line four hundred fifty (450) feet west of the runway centerline to a line defined by the south edge of Hackberry Street, then west along the south edge of Hackberry Street to the airport boundary fence, then south along the boundary fence to the line parallel to and one hundred feet north of the canal, then east along said line to the starting point. The approximate coordinates of the drop zone center are N29 36.0' W096 19.5'. Skydivers shall make every effort to land within the confines of this designated drop zone.
Rule 47 
Skydiving safety.
All persons participating in skydiving activities shall comply with all rules and recommendations contained within 14 CFR Part 105-2D - Sport Parachuting, Advisory Circular 90-66A - Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers, and the Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM) section 2 Basic Safety Requirements (BSR).
Rule 48 
Aircraft traffic pattern de-confliction.
When wind conditions require skydivers to cross over the aircraft pattern or runway, they shall make every effort to cross the runway centerline at a minimum altitude of one thousand (1,000) feet above ground level.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 5, adopted 4/8/14)
Rule 49 
Fire regulations.
(1) 
Every person going upon or using the 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 aircraft or fuel truck is prohibited.
(3) 
Compressed flammable gas shall not be kept or stored upon the airport, except at such place as may be designated by the airport manager.
(4) 
No flammable substance shall be used in cleaning motors or other parts of an aircraft inside a city-owned or city-leased hangar or other building.
(5) 
No one shall smoke, ignite a match or lighter in any city-owned building, except in offices, waiting rooms or buildings where specially permitted by the airport manager. Burning of any type will not be allowed on any airport property.
(6) 
Hangar entrances shall be kept clear at all times.
(7) 
The floors in all city-owned buildings shall be kept clean and free from oil. Volatile, flammable substances shall not be used for cleaning the floors.
(8) 
No boxes, crates, cans, bottles, paper, tall grass/weeds or other litter shall be permitted to accumulate in or about a hangar.
(9) 
Prior to being fueled, all aircraft will be positively grounded by a grounding cable which is connected to a copper, copper clad, galvanized or other approved ground rod 5/8" or greater in diameter buried to a sufficient depth to reach permanent subsoil moisture. The resistance of the ground rod should not exceed 10,000 ohms. The bonding/ground cable shall be of flexible, durable material. The grounding clip on the end of the grounding cable should be connected to bare, unpainted metal on the aircraft; however, the grounding clip should not be attached to the aircraft’s propeller, landing gear or radio antennas.
(10) 
Where aircraft fueling is performed by a fuel truck, an adequate number of suitable grounding connections shall be provided on the aircraft apron or servicing ramp.
(11) 
At least two 20B portable fire extinguishers will be available within 50 feet of the fuel pumps where the open hose discharge capacity of the fuel pump is not more than 200 gallons per minute; at least one wheeled 80B fire extinguisher where the open hose discharge capacity is more than 200 gallons per minute, but not more than 350 gallons per minute; at least two wheeled 80B fire extinguishers where the open hose discharge capacity is greater than 350 gallons per minute.
(12) 
All aviation fuel nozzles will have “dead man” controls which will shut off the fuel flow when the nozzle hand control is released. Automatic fuel cut-off nozzles will not be permitted for fueling aircraft.
(13) 
The pilot and passengers will exit the aircraft and the aircraft will be unoccupied during fueling operations.
(14) 
In all matters related to aircraft fueling safety the provisions of NFPA Manual 407 “Aircraft Fuel Servicing, 1985” published and available from the National Fire Protection Association, Incorporated, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, shall prevail.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 6, adopted 4/8/14)
By publication of the ordinance from which this division derives as required by law, all persons will be deemed to have knowledge of its contents. However, the airport manager is directed to have copies of the ordinance from which this division derives printed and posted where appropriate. Copies will be available at all times in the manager’s office, and copies will be furnished to owners and operators of aircraft based on the airport.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 7, adopted 4/8/14)
If and where there is conflict in these and the 14 CFR Federal Aviation Rules (FARs) the latter shall prevail.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 8, adopted 4/8/14)
(a) 
Any person operating or handling an aircraft in violation of any of these rules or refusing to comply therewith, may, at once, be ejected from the airport, or may for any period of time, not exceeding fifteen (15) days, be denied use of the airport by the airport manager, and, upon hearing by the city council, may be deprived of the further use of the airport and its facilities for such period of time as may appear necessary for the protection of life and property.
(b) 
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this division shall be found guilty of a class C misdemeanor and anyone convicted of said violation shall be fined in any sum as provided in section 1.01.009 of this code.
(Ordinance 2014-02, sec. 9, adopted 4/8/14)