Resources

We are compiling resources on various aspects of private air travel, landing areas and drones. This is a first step in that process and we welcome additions. Please send them to our email address or add links in Join Us.

Vermont State Resources

• State Aeronautics Act. This is the original Vermont State legislation pertaining to airspace rights.

• Vermont Airport System Plan. From August 2021, this packet by the Vermont Agency of Transportation provides detailed information on the general state of aviation in Vermont, as well as the agency’s recommended next steps and regulations.

• Airport Zoning Act. This is the Vermont State legislation pertaining to the zoning of airports.

• Permitting Helipads and Airstrips. This letter was written by the VT Transportation Board in 2021 intending to warn municipalities that they may require more local legislation regarding private airstrips and helipads to avoid the unwanted construction of these facilities.

• Pending Vermont Drone Legislation. Vermont Bill H.284 is pending legislation that seeks to regulate the use of drones over private property.

Airspace Resources From Neighboring States

• New York State Private Owned Airport Requirements. This document explains the requirements to create or alter a private airport in New York State.

• Connecticut Airport/Heliport Permits. This document outlines the requirements to establish a private airport or heliport in the state of Connecticut.

• Steps to Register a New Landing Area in New Hampshire. This document outlines the requirements for creating a new land area (private airport or helipad) in the state of New Hampshire.

Vermont Municipal Resources

• Warren, VT Land Use Regulations. While this document makes almost no reference to the creation of private airports, this is a prime example of the common enforcement against private airstrips. The Town of Warren does not traditionally accept private airstrip applications despite no regulations explicitly banning them.

• Stowe, VT Zoning Regulations. This document features language in section 6.1, page 76, that explicitly prohibits the creation of permit-requiring helipads in the town limits.

• Town of Shaftsbury Zoning Bylaws and Land Use Regulations. This document includes Shaftsbury’s full ban on helipads and private landing strips within the town boundaries.

Federal Aviation Resources

• FAA Private Airport Guidelines. This is a breakdown of FAA requirements for constructing a private airstrip.

• FAA Part 150; Noise Compatibility. This is the FAA requirements for noise emissions from airports.

• FAA Part 150 Explained. This document breaks down FAA Part 150 and how it can impact aviation.

Other Organizations Working on Airspace

• Stop the Chop. A New York/New Jersey-based organization dedicated to limiting helicopter use in the region. Their website has good resources for understanding the issue.

• National Quiet Skies Coalition. This consortium of organizations seeks to limit aircraft noise. There are many valuable resources and details on other organizations fighting this issue.

• The International Coalition for Sustainable Aviation (ICSA) was established in 1998 by a group of national and international environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as official observers at the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). While many countries have introduced policies and regulations to address aircraft CO2 emissions and noise over the years, the overall environmental impact of aviation is significant, and its climate impact will continue to grow rapidly unless immediate action is taken. 

• Next Gen Noise. This organization is working to fight noise pollution, primarily associated with airports, throughout the United States. Their website has resources on the effects of noise pollution, locations particularly impacted by aircraft noise, and other information pertaining to noise pollution.