Drag Racing on the Runway

According to the FAA, there was an aircraft attempting to land, but seeing the motor vehicles on the runway, was required to remain airborne and apparently land elsewhere. Nothing further was given, and the landing pilot is unknown.

An incident such as this is required to be reported to the FAA by the airport manager as soon as administratively possible. Such reports generally include a statement as to what actions were taken to prevent such a future occurrence. Seldom is there a need for a follow-up. However, this incident aroused interest from the FAA because a pilot having to alter an intended flight plan is not only a grave safety concern, but it violates one of the grant assurances, specifically #19.

In order to continue federal funding, the airport must agree to abide by certain “Grant Assurances” which are stipulations for receiving funding. These grant assurances are codified as Federal Law and compliance is mandatory for federally obligated airports, such as the Baxter County Airport. These stipulations require the operation of the airport to be in a safe and serviceable physical condition, financial stewardship through good business management, safe and well-regulated airport operations, and non-discrimination to name a few.

County Judge Litty therefore negotiated and executed a lease with the tenant without commission knowledge or approval.  It appears the Judge overstepped his authority by negotiating a lease that was substantially favorable to his campaign sponsors, and at substantial cost for the County. The lease matter will be addressed further later in this document.

County Judge Litty therefore negotiated and executed a lease with the tenant without commission knowledge or approval.  It appears the Judge overstepped his authority by negotiating a lease that was substantially favorable to his campaign sponsors, and at substantial cost for the County. The lease matter will be addressed further later in this document.

Upon the arriving pilots complaint making its way through the system, the FAA issued a warning statement, and a request to know what the Airport Sponsor (Baxter County) intended to do to address this issue. County Judge Pendergrass was leaving office at the end of his term, to be replaced by the newly elected Kevin Litty. Mr. Pendergrass left this letter for the new county judge to deal with.

The letter signed by Federal Aviation Administration Arkansas/Oklahoma District Office Manager Glenn Boles dated December 13, 2022 follows: