FAR on pedestrians crossing runways?

[southernweyr]

I was wondering if there is any FAR about pedestrians, bicyclist, or drivers crossing runways at a non controlled airport. I know that if you are at an airport with a control tower you have to have clearance to cross the active runway, but what about non controlled airports? I work at an airport where there are people walking their dogs, test driving cars, bicycling, and running up and down the taxi ways.

[Gomer Pylot]

The FAA has no jurisdiction over pedestrians. What are they going to do, suspend their walking license? Civil certificate action is all the FAA is allowed to do, no criminal actions.

[southernweyr]

So, is there any law or jurisdiction you might be under at a non-controlled airport. There are signs that say no crossing the runway. If according to the airport "rules" they don't want pedestrians crossing the runway, is there any enforcable laws other than perhaps the airport managers kicking you off the airport?

[PA Pilot]

I was wondering if there is any FAR about pedestrians, bicyclist, or drivers crossing runways at a non controlled airport. I know that if you are at an airport with a control tower you have to have clearance to cross the active runway, but what about non controlled airports? I work at an airport where there are people walking their dogs, test driving cars, bicycling, and running up and down the taxi ways.

Consider Aeroflex-Andover airport (12N) in NW New Jersey. It's in the middle of a park, and there's a road crossing the approach end of 21. The road is open to both pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. The only control, if you want to call it that, is a stop sign and a warning the aircraft have the right-of-way.

[Jeff]

I was wondering if there is any FAR about pedestrians, bicyclist, or drivers crossing runways at a non controlled airport. I know that if you are at an airport with a control tower you have to have clearance to cross the active runway, but what about non controlled airports? I work at an airport where there are people walking their dogs, test driving cars, bicycling, and running up and down the taxi ways.

 

If there's a problem, other than the fact that you don't like it, talk to the airport manager. Otherwise, let the people enjoy their airport. There's an airport near me (15G) where that happens and it has never been a problem.

[Gomer Pylot]

If the airport is privately owned, then the owner can use trespassing laws to keep people off. If it's a publicly owned airport, I don't think there is much that can be done, unless the city or other entity that owns the airport passes specific ordinances. It would be a local ordinance, not federal aviation regulations, which would apply. Absent a city ordinance prohibiting pedestrians, cars, etc on the runway, it's free for all, and incumbent on the pilot to make sure the runway is clear before landing or taking off. It always is anyway, of course.

[southernweyr]

I am not against people enjoying the airport. I got yelled at by a crotchety old man for riding my bicycle across the middle of the runway (after clearing for traffic of course). Never mind that I fly all day long at that airport and cross multiple times at the same intersection. What does it matter whether or not I am in an aircraft or not. I still have to clear for traffic the same way. I am probably even safer on a bicycle because I can hear if there is any incoming traffic.

 

Well, enough venting . . .

 

Thanks for the information guys.

[Goldy]

I am not against people enjoying the airport. I got yelled at by a crotchety old man for riding my bicycle across the middle of the runway (after clearing for traffic of course). Never mind that I fly all day long at that airport and cross multiple times at the same intersection. What does it matter whether or not I am in an aircraft or not. I still have to clear for traffic the same way. I am probably even safer on a bicycle because I can hear if there is any incoming traffic.

 

Well, enough venting . . .

 

Thanks for the information guys.

 

You cant cross a runway as a pedestrian in class G unless you first listen to ATIS or AWOS..then its ok. Goldy's FAR's...