The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is facing backlash for what many consider unlawful actions at Skyhaven Airport Warrensburg Missouri (KRCM), the local public-use airport. A small flying club, established by a UCM alumni, military member, and local Warrensburg community resident, has been ordered to halt operations. UCM and the UCM employed airport management has implemented several regulations that seem to be contrary to federal requirements. These measures have prevented local organizations and small aircraft operators from utilizing their own planes. Additionally, the airport is taking steps to enforce these local regulations, compelling residents to comply or vacate their hangars. The only operators that can fly and maintain their aircraft at this time is the university’s own FLIGHT SCHOOL and MAINTENANCE department which isn’t available to the general public. In response, some airport users and organizations have united to file a formal complaint with the FAA, which is now under federal investigation.
Truly bummed to see this. In my brief time involved in aviation, I’ve already seen that GA is the lifeblood of the flying community. It is egregious that the university takes public tax dollars to operate the airfield (including squandered government grant funds for a public self-service fuel pump totaling nearly $1 million that was never installed), yet takes these actions to eliminate the aviators that they are supposed to share the airfield with.
The people of Johnson County, MO deserve better. Their public-use airport is exceedingly being operated as a private airport, and any economic impact from tourism dollars is at risk.
This story is missing critical facts. You just can’t close a public use airport. Why hasn’t the club filed for an injunction?
What facts would you like? The airport isn’t closed. Just hangar tenants ability to use it as the FAA intended. And if you fly in to KRCM and your airplane breaks. Currently per the airport and college, your airplane is stranded as it is against their rules to be able to get your airplane fixed or have someone work on it. There is a process to this and this step is now make a complaint to the FAA which you can read as it is linked on this website. If you have more questions feel free to reach out. mightymuleflyingclub@yahoo.com
Did UCM cite the authority on which they can prohibit these actions?
Not that anyone we’ve spoken to is aware of.
Are you able to post the notice you received from the university? I’d like to see that
The new agreement they wanted us to sign is in the complaint to the FAA, and the link to that is posted above. Hopefully that answers your question.
Get AOPA involved. Their lawyers should have a field day with this.
Clinton, KGLY has an open maintenance hangar and seeking A&P to service aircraft from the airport.
Thanks for the heads up!