The Tillsonburg (Ontario, Canada) News is reporting that Tillsonburg Municipal Airport is expanding its runway to 5,500 feet. From the story:

“The extension is part of a multi-pronged investment in the airport. Other initiatives will see the construction of a new 1,800 square-foot terminal building, resurfacing of the existing runway and a feasibility study on establishing an airport industrial park and airpark. The majority of the money – 90% or $2.1 million – came from the federal Community Adjustment Fund.”

Does anyone know if the Community Adjustment Fund and/or Transport Canada has any restrictions against thru-the-fence operations on a federally funded airport? If you know, comment below. Either way, click through to read the story. Hopefully some exciting things happening in Tillsonburg.

The Walton Press is reporting that Bill and Jim Patterson are adding a 50-lot airpark to their private strip outside of Monroe, Georgia. From the story:

“The proposed subdivision, dubbed Appalachee Bluff, is eventually going to include more than 50 lots — each with a 2,400-square-foot home, including 30 overlooking the runway itself — as well as hangars, a riverside view for 12 lots and, of course, an airstrip running down the center of the entire design.”

The Cameron (Texas) Herald is reporting the approval of a preliminary plat for the Diamond K Airpark “to be located off F.M. 908 near Thorndale.”

“The nearly 20-acre subdivision, which plans show will include 11 lots for homes, a 1,462-foot grass runway and hangars, is being developed by Dean Krahn of Thorndale, and his brother Dave Krahn of Puyallup, Wash.”

We received the following from Bob Aronson:

“We own a 7000 foot runway as part of a closed military base. Do you have any links to qualified firms that can advise on the feasibility of an airpark? Thanks!”

Dave responded with:

I would contact BCRA Design, a large, multi-faceted engineering, design, planning firm. Email: jbrown@bcradesign.com or call 253-627-4367. Good luck and keep us posted on how your project develops. You can also search our resources listings.

Whitsunday Aviation Village Estate (WAVE) on Whitsunday Airport (Australia) will welcome its first resident, according to the Whitsunday Times.

“WAVE, which was opened with an air show in May, is the only residential air park of its kind in Australia and has succeeded in attracting residents from across Australia.”

Evans Head council in New South Wales, Australia, selected, “Evans Head Airpark Proprietary Limited … for its plan to build 60 luxury homes on the heritage-listed aerodrome site.” Read the complete story at ABC North Coast NSW.

The Northern Star is also reporting on the development at Evans Head Aerodrome. Grant Kenny, a former Olympian and co-owner of Australia’s largest privately-owned aviation fleet is behind the development.

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. Read the full story

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.

Is the any help out there for someone who wants to build a small airpark? I’d like to create one in Texas with with about four lots and a 2600 foot strip. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Doug McGhee

Read the full story

Does anyone have a set of airpark property owner’s association rules/bylaws they can share. I am in the process of buying a lot on a airpark that is under development and the property owner’s association will need to be formed and rules/bylaws written. The property owner’s association will own the common roads, common areas, and runway.

Jeffrey Letempt

Many states have laws governing property owners associations, Home owners associations, etc. These laws, depending on the state, may set requirements for establishing budgets, having audits of the books conducted, and specifying items that CANNOT be included in covenants. Make sure that if such a law exists in your state, that you have a copy of it and make sure your covenants are in compliance with the law.

Covenants and Corporate bylaws for the HOA (as a non-profit corporation) are two distinct documents. Covenants are the “rules to live by” and also tie the HOA as a non-profit corp to the community. The Corporation by-laws are usually approved by the state Secretary of State and govern the operation of the corporation.

Charles Hanna

Probably the largest collection of CC&Rs for residential airpark communities can be found on the Living With Your Plane website. In addition, many airparks have their CC&Rs listed on their website and we have added links to well over 100 airparks from our site. Just click on links to reach them

I suggest you go through some of the CC&Rs that we’ve got listed, find the parts that seem proper to you and get them to the developer. A good attorney should be able to help write good rules that fit the lifestyle you are looking for.

Dave Sclair
Publisher – Living With Your Plane