Updates to the Airport Compliance Manual

Earlier this week, the FAA released Update C to FAA Order 5190.6, FAA Airport Compliance Manual, which guides how federally obligated airports must comply with their grant assurances and federal obligations. This update reflects community input and policy changes that have occurred since the publication of the earlier version of this document, 5190.6B.

The revised order includes updates to a range of policies affecting airport operations, land use, self-service, and revenue use, among other areas. EAA’s Government Advocacy team is currently reviewing the changes to better understand how they may affect EAA members and local airports.

Order 5190.6C plays a crucial role at airports that receive federal funding, often shielding airport users from improper action by airport sponsors and improper behavior by other airport users. For example, the FAA, through this order, requires airports to allow approved “aeronautical activities” in hangars, including aircraft building and maintenance in many cases. However, airport sponsors cannot approve non-aeronautical storage that can deprive the flying community of a useable hangar.

EAA and other aviation groups constantly work to ensure FAA policy itself is not overly restrictive in preventing the flying, building, and community activities enjoyed at airports by EAA members and chapters across the country.