Repeaters in relation to airports

[WRUS664]

How close to an airport can you install a GMRS repeater?

 

Daniel Cooper/ WRUS664

[gortex2]

AS close as you want. Its the tower thats the issue. I lived on the other side of a fence from an airport and had to get an approval for a small tower. Had antenna on the house for years with no issues. 

[WRKC935]

Things that you will face being 'close' to an airport.

First is height restriction.  Now what that is will have to do with where you are with regard to the direction of the runway.  If you are off to the side, it's not going to be as restrictive as if you are at the ends of the runway.  Second thing is distance from the runway.  There are calculations that the FAA will do to set your maximum height allowed depending on these factors.

Second thing is obstruction lighting.  You will probably be REQUIRED to have obstruction lighting on the tower and if that's the case, you WILL be under constant scrutiny to make sure it's working.  And understand that the fine for an average tower is 4K a DAY for that light not being on.  And they will be watching.  You will be required to have the light monitored and as soon as it goes out a NOTAM be issued that the light has failed.  Failure to issue the NOTAM is another fine.  Again, lots of money.

Actual FAA approved obstruction lighting systems are expensive.  I just looked at one that was 15K for a single light. And that was without installation.  What's required is going to be dependent on what the FAA tells you is required.  And if that's the requirement, then that is what HAS to be used.  You can't do whatever red flashing light you can afford, you have to use what they tell you to use. 

You are probably going to need to install a generator so the light works during a power outage.  Since the monitoring of the system has to work 24/7 no matter what, you would be well advised that if you are required to install an FAA approved obstruction lighting system that it have a generator to run it.

Electrical requirements.  Our lighting system puts the electric bill at about 80 bucks with NO OTHER equipment running.  So it's a hit on the electric bill to burn the light.  Your mileage may vary, and the new LED systems are more efficient than the old strobe systems like I have but it's gonna make your electric bill go up.

Lastly. It WILL decrease your property value.  If there is a tower on your property that requires constant electricity, has the potential to create HUGE files from the government and is an eyesore to many, selling your house will be more difficult.  And once the tower is up if it requires a light it will require registration with the FAA / FCC.  Which means government inspections are possible, and if it's that close to an airport, you will get a yearly inspection.  And you can't just tear the thing down either.  You have to file paperwork with the FAA called an intent to deconstruct.  Once the tower is down you then need to finish that paperwork out and file more paperwork to indicate the tower is gone.  Failure to do all that if the tower has a registration number is also a fineable offense, so more possibility of getting fined big money. 

In short, you need to talk to the FAA, see what's required, and if there are requirements, forget it and move somewhere that there are less requirements. 

 

[KAF6045]

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/part-17#17.7

Quote

§ 17.7 Antenna structures requiring notification to the FAA.

A notification to the FAA is required, except as set forth in paragraph (e) of this section, for any of the following construction or alteration:

(a) Any construction or alteration of more than 60.96 meters (200 feet) in height above ground level at its site.

(b) Any construction or alteration that exceeds an imaginary surface extending outward and upward at any of the following slopes:

(1) 100 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 6.10 kilometers (20,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest runway of each airport described in paragraph (d) of this section with its longest runway more than 0.98 kilometers (3,200 feet) in actual length, excluding heliports.

(2) 50 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 3.05 kilometers (10,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest runway of each airport described in paragraph (d) of this section with its longest runway no more than 0.98 kilometers (3,200 feet) in actual length, excluding heliports.

(3) 25 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 1.52 kilometers (5,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest landing and takeoff area of each heliport described in paragraph (d) of this section.

There is more, of course. Under 20 feet appears to be exempt.

[WRUS664]

Apparently I'm far enough away it doesn't matter.