The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association last week released a status update on a number of informal Part 13 complaints filed with the FAA against three U.S. airports, Chicago Waukegan (UGN), Florida’s Key West International (EYW) and Asheville Regional (AVL) in North Carolina.
AOPA Part 13 Airport Complaints Are Not Going Away
Key Takeaways:
- The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has filed informal Part 13 complaints against Key West and Asheville airports, alleging their single FBOs (Signature Flight Support) impose egregious pricing and force general aviation pilots to pay for unneeded services for transient parking.
- Signature Flight Support argues its exclusive leases grant control over entire transient GA parking ramps, which it claims are not protected public assets—a position AOPA fears sets a "scary precedent" undermining public access despite federal investment.
- While Asheville airport is addressing FBO fees and considering a second FBO, AOPA notes that pilots, especially transient ones, often report these access and pricing issues directly to the association rather than airport management.
- AOPA continues to seek resolution at Key West and Asheville and is engaging with other airports on "self-help" options to improve pricing and access, prepared to file additional Part 13 complaints if issues remain unresolved.
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