I have been compiling data on residential airparks since the early 1970s. Over that period of time, one question I’ve heard more than probably any other has been something like this:

If a member of an airpark homeowner’s association fails (or refuses) to make his required assessment payments what can be done?

My answer has always been that first whatever the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R) that were established when the association was created is what determines the action that can be taken. Continue Reading

James O’Neill from Fairbanks, Alaska application for a special-use permit to build a private airpark consisting of four homes and two runways in McNeal, Arizona (at the end of Davis Road) was unanimously denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission at a June 10 meeting.

Thirty-eight neighbors voiced strong opposition that included: Continue Reading

A real estate appraiser asks for information on the sale of an airpark - runway, taxiways, hangars, etc., but not the individual residential properties related to the airport.

He writes that “I am hoping you might be able to provide some leads on where I can find sales of airparks. My normal sources for real estate sales do not do well with this special kind of property.  If you could help identify airparks that have sold I can do the research to uncover the details I need.”

The individual also asks for resources that discuss the business of running an airpark.

If you know of an airpark that has sold in the last few years, the information will be helpful in setting a fair market value for the property he is trying to appraise.

I’m preparing my program for AIrVenture 09 and hope some of you can help me with new photos from your airpark. I’m looking for some good aerials of your airpark as well as some ground shots showing amenities that are included at the facility.

Send your photos to: dave@generalaviationnews.com

Be sure to include the name of the airpark and the city and state as well as your name and a contact email or phone.

Thanks,

Dave Sclair

Editor - Living With Your Plane

The Bundaberg News-Mail (Australia) is reporting that Pressler Developments has sold out three phases of commercial lots (78 lots in all) of its Kensington Lakes airpark development, adjacent to the Bundaberg Airport. A fourth commercial phase is now open.

To encourage the residential side of the development, Pressler Developments is flying Pay and Lenny Ohlsson, from Florida’s Spruce Creek Fly-In to the July Wide Bay Australia International Airshow. Continue Reading

We received the following query about soil texture. Please post your comments below.

I’m an extension soils specialist working in Kansas and have received a request for help from a small airport that has many problems with their grass runways. Has anyone ever tried to change the soil texture before? In this case, they want to add sand in order to improve the soil texture and soil strength. Thanks for any help you can give me! I’m going to email Dr. Unruh at the University of Florida now. Thanks. DeAnn Presley.

We received the following from Andre Durocher / Pontiac Airpark:

I am building the Pontiac Airpark with a clubhouse, gym, sauna, pool, spa, tennis court, marina, golf holes. I would like to know if most of the airpark offer amenities like this. Thank you.

So… What type of amenities does your airpark include? Who paid for the creation of any amenities? Was it the developer, homeowners association or some other entity? How are these facilities maintained, both physically and financially? Does the airpark carry property and liability insurance on the amenities? Are there restrictions on the use, ie, can you bring non-resident family and friends on an unlimited basis?

Post your answers below. They can provide valuable background information for other airparks, as well as your own.

My Parents have lived for over 20 years in Florida at the Spruce Creek residential airpark. They tell me that the Hangar, as it is not a living space, is not considered in the valuation for a home mortgage. My guess is the tax man has no problem recognizing it as a revenueable event / thing. I would have guessed in a situation like that, with runway access, it would have a positive effect on the valuation of the property.

Is this a Florida thing or is this another obstacle to living next to your airplane?

Continue Reading