Airport Authority Proposes New Standards, Small Operators Warn of Costs

At a December 10 meeting the Cherry Capital Airport Authority reviewed proposed updates to its minimum standards for organizations that operate at the airport. The package under discussion would raise insurance thresholds, spell out expectations for hours of operation, and introduce fees associated with special events held on airport property. Board chair Steve Plamondon framed the effort as a response to the need for clearer standards to ensure compliance with FAA grant conditions and continued eligibility for federal funding.

The proposed insurance changes would expand types of coverage and clarify when coverage must be triggered, including how pollution or other liability events are defined for operational purposes. Authority members and staff discussed scenarios that could create liability exposure, and sought language that would reduce ambiguity for both the airport and tenants who handle fuel, maintenance or event staging on airport grounds.

Local flight school operators raised concerns during the meeting about the potential economic impact of higher insurance requirements and tighter operational rules. In particular, small operators said increased premiums and compliance costs could be passed on to students and to other small aircraft owners who rely on affordable instruction and limited use arrangements. Those operators cautioned that rising costs could shrink the pool of pilots trained locally and complicate arrangements for seasonal or occasional users who support tourism and local business travel.

The discussion also covered fees tied to events, with airport officials considering how to balance revenue needs and the community benefits of air shows, fly ins and other gatherings that draw visitors to Grand Traverse County. Any new fee structure would affect organizers and local businesses that benefit from increased visitor traffic during such events.

The proposed minimum standards remain under consideration by the authority. For Grand Traverse County residents the debate matters because it touches on federal funding for the airport, the economic viability of small aviation businesses, access to pilot training and the local tourism economy that depends on regional air service. The board is expected to continue refining the language before any final vote and stakeholders are watching for how the changes will be implemented.