Department of Transportation proposes to
readopt rules on licensing of aeronautical facilities

Chapter 54 articulates those types of aeronautical facilities that must be licensed by the State and outlines the procedures for obtaining licenses. The rule outlines acceptable design and operational standards for facilities and the process to obtain temporary licenses. The rule also specifies the penalty for failure to observe the requirements, outlines suspensions and license revocations, and describes the procedure for requesting exemption from the rules.

Substantive amendments to N.J.A.C. 16:54 are being proposed to include provisions for locking systems for aircraft and hangar doors as part of operational standards. The Department is also proposing to add three new subchapters concerning ultralight recreational facilities, airparks and aeronautical facility security. Amendments at N.J.A.C. 16:54-2.1(a) will incorporate the existing facility application and license renewal fees as part of the rule. There will be no increase in any fees.

Some relevant terms will be added, redefined or deleted from the rule's list of defined terms. Technical amendments to improve clarity and to reflect current NJDOT organizational structure are also being proposed.

In order to inform the aviation community and the interested public about the proposal and stimulate informed public opinion, the Department plans to hold an informational workshop on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Department of Transportation Training Center, 25 Scotch Road, Ewing, New Jersey. The Department has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed readoption on Monday, July 7, 2003 at the same time and location listed above. Persons planning to attend either session are asked to call 609-530-2900 at least four days in advance of the session, so that adequate seating and handout materials can be provided.

The proposal appears in the May 19, 2003 issue of the New Jersey Register. The public has until July 28, 2003 to comment on the proposal. Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must provide their comments in writing to Debra A. Firman, Acting Deputy Administrative Practice Officer, NJ Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, P O Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600, Fax: (609) 530-3841. Comments must be postmarked or sent by telefacsimile on or before July 28, 2003, which is the close of the 70-day public comment period