Laserfiche WebLink
• <br />AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD <br />MINUTES <br />APRIL 11, 1990 <br />1. The meeting was called to order at 6:10 P.M. by Chairman Guy <br />Sutherland. <br />MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Guy Sutherland, Vice-Chairman <br />Larry Tucker, Secretary Steve Gillett, Members Cliff Hyde, <br />Deborah Rihn, and Mike Miller <br />MEMBERS ABSENT: Member John Ladd <br />OTHERS PRESENT: Don Callaway, Danny Whitten, Raymond <br />Johnson, Tom Helerlberg, John Cannatella, Bill Grey (FAA), <br />Don McEnany <br />2. The minutes of the December 6, 1989 regular meeting were <br />read. Motion was made by Member Mike Miller, seconded by <br />Member Deborah Rihn, to approve the minutes as presented. <br />Motion was unanimous. <br />3. The City of La Porte has received some concerns and com- <br />plaints from various individuals regarding operation of <br />gyroplanes. The Board discussed developing rules and <br />regulations for gyroplanes. Bill Grey stated that under FAA <br />regulations, they are not mentioned in area of operation <br />around airports; they talk about helicopters and airplanes, <br />but a gyroplane is not a helicopter nor is it an airplane. <br />Its characteristics are closest to helicopter, but it cannot <br />hover and can't take off vertically. It must have runway to <br />take off and land. Under Federal regulations, gyroplanes <br />are licensed as rotorcraft gyroplanes. FAA rules say <br />helicopters have to avoid flow of fixed wing aircraft, <br />they're not compatible; gyroplanes are not compatible with <br />fixed wing aircraft. <br />Don Callaway stated the problem is communication; they are <br />hard to see, airplanes lose sight of them and become <br />concerned. Gyroplanes have better visibility than <br />airplanes. A pilot of a gyroplane is to follow helicopter <br />rules and avoid the flow of fixed wing aircraft. At <br />Spaceland, they are asked not to use the taxiway; at Wharton <br />they are asked not to use the runway, to use the taxiway; at <br />Galveston they use the parking ramp for helicopters, and <br />don't use a runway at all. He suggested using a small <br />pattern inside a large pattern, and provided detailed <br />drawings and examples. <br />Vice-Chairman Larry Tucker voiced his support for the <br />proposed inside pattern, but suggested the need to add the <br />