Sanford Regional Airport Manager Allison Navia presents her recommendations for FAA compliance changes to the City Council
Photo: WSSR TV
By Kendra Williams
City councilors on April 15 unanimously approved a proposed change in Pilots Cove Cafe’s lease at the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport to comply with stricter federal rules about non-aviation uses of airport property.
Airport Manager Allison Navia explained the need for an amendment prompted by 2023 rule changes to the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Pilots Cove Cafe was previously granted permission to have live music on the premises with the understanding that concerts were incidental to food service there. It has now gradually transitioned to some concerts attended by those who buy tickets and don’t necessarily eat at the restaurant. Under the new rules, FAA approval will be required four months before each event, she said.
Attorney Tyler Smith, representing Pilots Cove Cafe LLC, said he doesn’t agree that the FAA regulations are mandatory and said his client would not be signing part two of the proposed amendment. Mayor Becky Brink told him that under the amended lease agreement, the restaurant will need to agree in order to continue operation.
City Manager Steve Buck reminded the council that there are several elements on the airport property that have been impacted by the FAA changes and are now either not allowed or need to change. They include two shooting ranges, some encroachment by industrial development, a fire station, CDL programming and other recreational activities.
In relation to Pilots Cove, Buck noted that concerts were getting larger last year. The 60-day required notice to terminate the lease agreement could have been invoked then, but Pilots Cove was allowed to finish out the year. The parties met in March to discuss concerns and the proposed new lease amendments. Buck said, “Music events that have taken place and are proposed to take place this coming summer are going to be in violation of our agreements with the FAA around the operation of the airport.”
In other action, the council unanimously approved a recommendation to place a moratorium on other special events and airport use outside of normal operations and approved aeronautical activity until a clear and prescribed policy and procedure is in place to meet FAA requirements and updated ordinances. Navia explained that concerts aren’t the only non-aeronautical things going on at the airport, as had been mentioned earlier by Buck. There are many requests for airport use that necessitate a fair policy.
The full City Council meeting may be viewed here:
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