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42 A P P E N D I X A Airport Interview Questionnaire QUESTIONNAIRE ACRP Project 11-03, Topic S10-17, âAgricultural Operations on Airport Grounds â This questionnaire is seeking information on how airports initiate and manage agricultural land lease operations on airport grounds in support of an Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) synthesis. ACRP is an industry-driven, applied research program that provides resources for owners and operators for airports. The program is administered by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The study will compile key drivers motivating airports to consider agricultural leases, information on crop types, considerations for managing agricultural leases, risk factors, practices, and tools for managing agricultural programs on airport grounds. The research team greatly appreciates you and your airportâs participation in this study. Airport ___________________________________________________________________ Name of person completing this questionnaire___________________________________ Title of person completing this questionnaire ____________________________________ Contact info: Phone _____________________ Email ______________________________ I. Agricultural Use of Airport Grounds What are the types of crops on airport leased agricultural land? How long has the agricultural land lease program existed on your airport? How many agricultural land leases does the airport administer and for how many acres? Describe the area meteorological characteristics and soil properties that may be relevant to agricultural use considerations at your airport. Are there any neighboring properties adjacent to the airport being used for agricultural crops and to what extent?
Airport Interview Questionnaire 43Â Â What are the primary benefits of agricultural leases on airport grounds at your airport? III. Agricultural Land Lease Administration Which department or individual at the airport is responsible for the administration of agricultural land leases? What is the typical agricultural land lease term specified in your agreements? Describe any crop restrictions provided in your agricultural land lease agreements. What is the approximate annual airport revenue or per acre revenue received? Does the airport utilize a bid process to award agricultural land leases? How often are parcels for agricultural land lease available for public bid? If not bid, how does the airport determine fair market value? Are there provisions in your agreements that allow the airport to take possession of all or part of leased farmland if needed for other purposes? Describe the basic responsibilities of the parties under the agreement? For example, access control, parking of equipment, weed control, maintenance, drainage improvements, or use of chemicals, etc. Does the airport coordinate or discuss concurrent land use with the FAA pertaining to agricultural land use on airport property? Describe other coordination required with any other state or federal agency such as the Federal Farm Service Agency (FSA) as the landowner? IV. Air Safety, Access, and Operational Procedures Are any areas of the airport Air Operations Area (AOA) or other secured areas used for agricultural purposes? How is this addressed? Does the airport coordinate with local TSA to coordinate access to these areas? Describe the process used for renters to access parcels of the airport. Is there any notification required to the airport prior to accessing rented farmland? Describe the limits used to determine distances acceptable for farm use near runway safety areas, object-free areas, navigational aids, or height restrictions and line of sight requirements. Are approved renters required to take any AOA driverâs training or other airport training prior to accessing airport grounds? Describe any procedures for adjacent inside/outside the fence farming operations. II. Key Drivers Motivating the Implementation of Agricultural Lease Program Describe the motivating factors for considering and implementing an agricultural land lease program at your airport. Describe any internal considerations for the development and management of lease programs on airport grounds for agricultural purposes. Describe any external considerations for the development and management of lease programs on airport grounds for agricultural purposes.
44 Agricultural Operations on Airport Grounds V. Managing Risk Factors Do agricultural operations on your airport create any issues as a wildlife attractant? How does the airport mitigate any wildlife attractant issues operationally or through the management of farmland agreements? Describe how the crop cycle impacts potential wildlife hazards and are these impacts addressed in lease agreements? Does the airport have a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan and if so, does it specifically address agricultural land use issues? Describe any environmental, water runoff, or drainage issues associated with this activity. Are there any other barriers to implementation of agricultural operations or safety hazards addressed by the airport or renter? How does the airport address any potential risk factor liability? Are there any additional insurance coverages carried or required of renters? VI. Non-Standard Uses and Special Conditions Describe any multi-uses or secondary uses of airport crop land? Is hunting permitted or used to deter wildlife? Are there any neighboring agreements for agricultural operations off but adjacent to the airport that impact airport operations? Are there any special conditions that may be covered in the lease pertaining to items such as permits, soils, pest control, or crop rotations? Are there any issues with the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for farming purposes such as mapping, aerial imagery of crops, or application? Does your airport accommodate any commercial aerial applicator uses either based or by request? Are there special procedures in place for this to address issues such as hazardous materials storage, spills, air safety? VII. Lessons Learned, Work Arounds and Advice for Other Airports Are there any unique success stories, challenges, partnerships, work arounds, lessons learned, checklists, pictures, forms, arrangements or agreements (with sensitive information redacted) that you would be willing to share with other airports? If yes, a research team member will follow up with you. Thank you for your participation. May we acknowledge your participation in the front section of the report? How would you like your name and airport to appear?
