1. (1) The use of any portion of the aircraft operations area, or airport property within the boundaries of the imaginary surfaces of a licensed airport for any purpose other than the operation of aircraft shall be deemed a non-aeronautical activity and is prohibited. These activities include, but are not limited to, the following (in addition to those described in the Code of Ala. 1975, 23-1-385 thru 23-1-389):

   1. (a) Unless authorized by the FAA, Bureau, or the airport owner, use of the runway, taxiway, or apron as a running track for pedestrians. In the event authorization is received to use any portion of a runway, taxiway, or apron for a running track for pedestrians, the airport owner should NOTAM that portion of the airport closed for the duration of the activity.
   2. (b) Use of the runway, taxiway, apron, or any area of airport property for the flying of radio controlled model aircraft for recreational purposes.
   3. (c) The discharge of firearms on airport property except by authorized airport personnel as required varmint or bird control.
   4. (d) The use of the runway, taxiway, or apron by unauthorized vehicles or for racing of vehicles (including motorcycles).
   5. (e) Except during airshows, the use of airport property within the Aircraft Operations Area for the seating, or congregating of pedestrians, or the erection of booths for the distribution of goods, food, or beverages. In coordination with the FAA, the airport owner may approve the closure of a portion of the airport to aircraft operations for these activities.
   6. (f) The erection of signs within the Primary Surface of the runway except guidance signs which provide pilot information that meet the requirements of the most recent version of Federal Aviation Regulations Advisory Circular 150/5345-44 (“Specifications for Taxiway and Runway Signs”).
   7. (g) The destruction of any part of the aircraft operations area of an airport without the proper notification as described in this chapter.
   8. (h) The removal or destruction of any airport lighting fixtures, directional signs, or navigation equipment without approval of the airport owner.
   9. (i) The erection of any structure or planting of vegetation that meets the definition of an airport hazard.
   10. (j) The closure of, or limiting of access to, any part of the aircraft operations area for the use of certain groups or individuals. The only exceptions are operations requiring exceptional safety or security as deemed appropriate by the airport owner.
2. (2) Airports are encouraged to provide and maintain security measures to prevent prohibited activities.  Airports are also encouraged to take practical steps to reduce wildlife hazards within the aircraft operations area and the airport’s imaginary surfaces.
3. (3) Airports are encouraged to establish minimum standards to promote safety, orderly airport development, fair competition among airport business operations, and reliable service to the public.  Minimum standards also assist airports in meeting federal grant assurances

Author: William F. Patty, Chief Counsel

Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, 23-1-357(c), 23-1-359

Editor’s Note: Alabama Department of Aeronautics has been moved to the Alabama Department of Transportation pursuant to the Code of Ala. 1975, §23-1-359, Act No. 2000-220, S. 404.

History: New Rule: Filed January 28, 1998; effective March 4, 1998. Amended: Published April 30, 2026; effective June 14, 2026.