Pilot’s Cove Event
Pilots Cove Owner: FAA Changes Leave Future of Airport Events Uncertain
By Brian Boisvert
Concerts, special events, and other activities surrounding Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport are facing an uncertain future due to recent changes in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations regarding non-aviation uses of airport property. As reported previously, the City Council unanimously approved an amendment on April 15 to Pilots Cove Cafe’s lease to follow these new, stricter federal rules.
Airport Manager Allison Navia has emphasized the need to comply with the FAA’s 2023 rule changes, a sentiment echoed by City Manager Steve Buck. Buck highlighted that the impact extends beyond Pilots Cove, affecting diverse airport elements such as two shooting ranges, industrial encroachments, a fire station, and CDL programming. Regarding Pilots Cove, Buck stated, “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.”
Daniel Bowden, owner of Pilot’s Cove Cafe, confirmed the broad scope of these new restrictions and stressed that it went beyond just musical events. “It includes Paint Nights that a local artist teaches,” he lamented, adding it would also impact “the YMCA that holds free community yoga morning classes in the pavilion.” Bowden also noted that events like class reunions, fundraisers, and paid internships for Sanford Regional Technical Center students are also in jeopardy.
The immediate consequences are already being felt. A May 24 fundraiser for the Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce, featuring local disco band Motor Booty Affair, was relocated from Pilots Cove to the Sanford Memorial Gymnasium. Bowden indicated that “a lot” of purchased tickets had to be refunded due to the venue change and said that one frustrated patron expressed their disappointment, stating they had planned for an evening with dinner at the restaurant, “not a high school dance.”
Asked about relocating future events, Bowden stressed, “The food is the big draw to why everyone [would] rather go to Pilots Cove versus another location.”
During a May 20 City Council meeting, Navia reiterated the importance of aligning airport policies with federal guidelines to ensure continued safety, security, legality, and access to crucial grant funding. “FAA policies have become stricter regarding special events at airports, requiring more information and a formal application process,” Navia explained.
The new process is extensive, demanding a 120-day prior notice for organizers to schedule a meeting with the FAA and city representatives. Furthermore, a comprehensive written submission is now mandated 60 days before the event. This detailed document must outline the event’s precise impact on aeronautical activities, provide a strong justification for its necessity on airport property, and include a clear map and timing. Communication and safety plans are also now required, alongside a thorough financial plan demonstrating how the airport will recover fair market value for the non-aeronautical use of its facilities. Navia clarified that the FAA is now applying a much stricter definition of “aeronautical use,” classifying an activity as such only if it inherently requires an airport location. Events that could reasonably take place elsewhere are now firmly categorized as non-aeronautical. “If there’s no net benefit to civil aviation and it can be done elsewhere, it’s less likely to be approved,” she stated.
Navia announced that the airport is currently developing a comprehensive 13-page permit application. Until this new permitting process is fully established and operational, the airport will not be allowing any special events.
Looking ahead, Navia indicated that these regulatory changes could even prompt a re-evaluation of existing facilities. She cited the airport’s fire station as an example of an asset whose future location might need to be re-examined. “The fire station on airport property has a temporary non-aeronautical use permission that is expiring, and the FAA may require the land to revert back to airport use,” Navia cautioned.
Bowden expressed his frustration for the thousands of people who attend his events and subscribe to mailings announcing future activities: “Pilots Cove has financially spearheaded bringing entertainment to the community as many look forward to it every year.” Unfortunately, this new era of oversight for airport property use, prioritizing core aeronautical functions above all else, leaves many planned future entertainment opportunities for the community in limbo.
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