AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

San Antonio City Code ch. 3, art. II, div. 2

in effect

San Antonio City Code § 3-46 Interference/tampering with aircraft.

Sec. 3-46. - Interference/tampering with aircraft. (a) No person shall interfere or tamper with any aircraft, or put in motion the engine of such aircraft, or use any aircraft, aircraft part, instrument, or tool without permission of the owner. (b) No person may release, throw, shoot, or propel any object in such a manner as to interfere with or endanger the safe operation of any aircraft taking off, landing, or operating on the airport or any vehicle operating on the airport. (c) No person may use a laser or any other lighted device intentionally or unintentionally to interfere with the operation of an aircraft. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-47 Compliance with instructions issued by air traffic control and the director.

Sec. 3-47. - Compliance with instructions issued by air traffic control and the director. All aircraft in flight within the airport traffic area, surface area airspace, or in motion or parked on the runways, taxiways, aprons, hardstands, or ramps of the airport shall comply with written or oral instructions issued by airport traffic control tower personnel and the director. All aircraft shall follow appropriate taxiway and runway guidance markings, lighting, and signage when operating on any portion of the airport. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-48 Dangerous or negligent operations.

Sec. 3-48. - Dangerous or negligent operations. The director may prohibit aircraft landing and taking off any time and under any circumstances when such operation is deemed likely to endanger persons or property, except for emergency landings. In addition, no aircraft shall be operated on the surface of any public landing area, public cargo ramp and apron area, or public aircraft parking and storage area: (1) In a careless or negligent manner; (2) In disregard of the rights and safety of others; (3) Without due caution and circumspection; (4) At a speed or in a manner that endangers persons or property; (5) While the pilot, or other person aboard, controlling any part of the operation thereof, is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any narcotic, or dangerous drug or controlled substance; or (6) If such aircraft is so constructed, equipped, or loaded as to unreasonably endanger or be likely to unreasonably endanger persons or property. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-49 Aircraft and aircraft operator requirements.

Sec. 3-49. - Aircraft and aircraft operator requirements. (a) All aircraft operating at the airport shall display on board the aircraft a valid airworthiness certificate issued by the FAA or appropriate foreign government and display on the exterior of the aircraft a valid registration number issued by the FAA or appropriate foreign government. No aircraft, excluding skid-equipped helicopters, shall operate on the airport unless equipped with a tail wheel or nose wheel; and, in addition, the main gear wheels shall have operating brakes, unless, with the permission of the director, who, before permission is given, shall investigate the circumstances under which time and place such aircraft is to be operated and determine that no danger exists to persons or property by reason of such operation. When any pilot of an aircraft that is not equipped with adequate brakes receives permission from the director to taxi such aircraft, such pilot shall not taxi such aircraft near buildings or parked aircraft unless an attendant is at the wing of the aircraft to assist the pilot. An aircraft with wings and tail higher than five (5) feet from the ground that does not have adequate brakes shall not be taxied on the airport, but shall be towed if it is necessary to move such aircraft. (b) All aircraft operating at the airport are required to have all mandatory aircraft lighting systems, as required by the FAA, operational during times required by the FAA. (c) All persons operating aircraft on the airport shall possess an appropriate license, issued by the FAA or appropriate foreign government. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-50 Proper operation of engines.

Sec. 3-50. - Proper operation of engines. (a) Aircraft engines shall be runup only in places and times approved for such purposes by the director. (b) At no time shall aircraft with engines running or engines being tested be left unattended. (c) At no time shall engines be started, runup or operated when hangars, shops, offices, building, persons, equipment, passengers, or aircraft landing, parked, or taking off are in the propeller stream or jet engine exhaust. (d) No person shall start or run any aircraft engine unless a competent person fully qualified as required by federal or state regulations is in the aircraft attending the engine controls. Chocks shall always be placed in front of the main landing gear wheels before starting the engine or engines unless the aircraft is equipped with adequate brakes. (e) Any aircraft engines that are mounted to a free standing support stand instead of an aircraft and are operational must be properly secured prior to operation of the engine. If the support stand is on wheels, all the wheels of the support stand must be chocked in front of and behind each wheel. (f) No aircraft engines may be run at a terminal gate unless a sufficient number of attendants are present and properly positioned to prevent any person, vehicle, or other apparatus from being damaged or injured by operation of the engines. (g) Aircraft engine washing shall not be conducted unless approved through the director. (h) At no times shall engines be run above idle for the purpose of performing maintenance procedures except in areas designated by the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-51 Ultralight vehicles and motorless aircraft.

Sec. 3-51. - Ultralight vehicles and motorless aircraft. The operation of pilotless, lighter-than-air motorless aircraft and/or ultralight vehicles, as defined by the FAA, shall not be permitted at the airport unless: (1) The operator has prior authorization from the director, and (2) The ultralight vehicle meets all other applicable requirements stated in these rules and regulations as well as all governing sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to this classification of vehicle. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-52 Authorized aircraft parking areas.

Sec. 3-52. - Authorized aircraft parking areas. (a) No person shall park an aircraft or leave an aircraft standing at any location on the airport other than those areas designated for the parking of aircraft. The parking of any aircraft outside of areas designated for aircraft parking is prohibited without permission from the director. (b) All parked aircraft must have at least one (1) wheel chocked in the front and back of the wheel by wheel blocks or other approved devices except in cases where authorized by the director, proven procedures that are equally safe are employed. Parking procedures followed by the scheduled airlines are proven examples. (c) Upon notification by the director, the operator of any aircraft parked or stored at any terminal shall move such aircraft from the place where it is parked or stored to a location designated by the director. If the operator refuses to comply with such direction, the director may remove or cause to be removed such aircraft to such designated place at the operator's expense, and without liability for damage that may result in the course of such moving. (d) All aircraft parked on nonleased aircraft parking areas must have cones or another type of barricade approved by the director at the outer edge of the wingtips, nose, and tail of the aircraft unless an exemption from this requirement has been granted by the director. (e) No person or entity shall reserve any non-leased aircraft parking position by any means without permission from the director. The parking, placement, or staging of any equipment, barricades, or objects of any type on a non-leased aircraft parking spot for more than five (5) minutes prior or after the aircraft's arrival or departure from the parking spot is prohibited without the permission of the director. (f) Parking of aircraft such that any part extends beyond the leasehold is forbidden, and any damage to property caused by any part extending beyond the lease area will be the responsibility of the lease holder in violation. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15; Ord. No. 2018-04-12-0266, § 1(Att. 1), 4-12-18)

San Antonio City Code § 3-53 Repairs in designated areas only.

Sec. 3-53. - Repairs in designated areas only. Repairs to an aircraft or any aeronautical equipment shall not be performed outside of a tenant's leasehold in any area of the airport other than in areas specifically designated for such purposes by the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-54 Experimental flights.

Sec. 3-54. - Experimental flights. No experimental flights or ground demonstrations shall be conducted on the airport without the express approval of the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-55 Simulated forced landings.

Sec. 3-55. - Simulated forced landings. Simulated forced landings are forbidden within the airport traffic area without approval of the airport traffic control tower. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-56 Altitude restrictions.

Sec. 3-56. - Altitude restrictions. Except for public displays of aviation flight specifically authorized by the city council to be conducted under responsible auspices and control, violation of any of the following provisions is prohibited: (1) No person shall operate an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of others by buzzing, diving, or low-altitude flying. (2) Helicopters or similar devices shall not operate in such proximity to parked aircraft so as to cause damage thereto. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-57 Radio communications requirements.

Sec. 3-57. - Radio communications requirements. (a) All aircraft based at or using airport facilities must be equipped with a properly functioning two-way radio that, under normal conditions, is capable of communicating with the airport traffic control tower. (b) Pilots of aircraft shall not land, taxi, or take off without clearance from the airport traffic control tower by radio or light signal during the hours of operation of the airport traffic control tower. (c) Aircraft without fully operational radio equipment are prohibited from operating in the movement area at the airport unless approved by air traffic control. If the aircraft operation will be conducted while the airport traffic control tower is not in operation, then permission from the air traffic control is not required. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-58 Taxiing.

Sec. 3-58. - Taxiing. (a) No person shall taxi an aircraft until ascertaining that there will be no danger of collision with any person or object in the immediate area by visual inspection of the area. (b) Aircraft shall be taxied in accordance with all directions given by the airport traffic control tower. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-59 Airport operational restrictions.

Sec. 3-59. - Airport operational restrictions. The director may issue a notice to airmen (NOTAM) denying or restricting use of the airport, its runways, taxiway, taxilanes, aprons, and parking areas for aircraft operations. Additionally, NOTAMs may be issued to advise airmen of conditions that exist at the airport that may cause a hazard to taxiing aircraft but that do not deny use of the area. In the event that the director believes the conditions at the airport to be unsafe for aircraft operations, it shall be within the director's authority to issue a NOTAM closing the airport, or any portion of the airport, until the director determines conditions to be safe for aircraft operations. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-60 Power back from terminal gates prohibited.

Sec. 3-60. - Power back from terminal gates prohibited. The engines of turbojet aircraft may not be used to propel the aircraft backwards from a terminal gate unless permission has been obtained from airport operations and sufficient attendants are present to prevent injury or damage to any and all persons and equipment. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-61 Aircraft accidents or incidents.

Sec. 3-61. - Aircraft accidents or incidents. The pilot or operator of any aircraft involved in an accident or incident on the airport causing personal injury or property damage must, in addition to all other reports required by other agencies, notify the aviation department of the incident or accident immediately, and upon request make a prompt and complete written statement concerning said accident or incident to the director. Any written statement requested by the director must be submitted to the director no more than forty-eight (48) hours after the time of the initial request. When a written report of an accident or incident is required by Federal Aviation Regulations, a copy of such report must also be submitted to the aviation department if requested by the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-62 Discharge of aircraft contents prohibited.

Sec. 3-62. - Discharge of aircraft contents prohibited. The discharge or release of any object from an aircraft while in flight or while operating on the ground is prohibited except when an emergency situation requires such discharge of contents for the protection of life and property. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-63 Removal of disabled aircraft.

Sec. 3-63. - Removal of disabled aircraft. Aircraft owners, operators, and tenants shall be responsible for the prompt removal of disabled aircraft and parts thereof, unless required or directed to delay such action by the director or an authorized federal agency. When a disabled aircraft is blocking or delaying the use of any portion of the airport, the owner or operator of the aircraft shall make immediate arrangements to have such aircraft moved as soon as an authorized representative of the aviation department and appropriate governmental agencies have authorized such movement. In the event that the removal of the aircraft is not initiated as soon as possible, or is not progressing at a rate acceptable to the director, the director shall have right to initiate action to remove the aircraft at the expense and risk of the aircraft owner. The aircraft owner and operator shall hold the aviation department harmless and free of liability for any damage to the aircraft from the removal operation. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-64 Banner towing operations.

Sec. 3-64. - Banner towing operations. No aircraft may conduct banner towing operations at the airport without receiving permission from the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-65 Hand propping of aircraft.

Sec. 3-65. - Hand propping of aircraft. Aircraft hand propping is not allowed unless no other means of starting an aircraft exists and all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and guidance are followed. Pilots are solely responsible for liability resulting from hand propping of an aircraft. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-66 Prohibition on removal of liened aircraft.

Sec. 3-66. - Prohibition on removal of liened aircraft. No personnel shall move or remove any aircraft from the airport, or parts from such aircraft, when an official notice of lien has been posted upon such aircraft by the aviation department. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-67 General aviation aircraft parking at terminals.

Sec. 3-67. - General aviation aircraft parking at terminals. No general aviation aircraft shall park at a terminal gate at San Antonio International Airport without the permission of the director. Such general aviation aircraft shall immediately disembark from the gate when requested by the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15; Ord. No. 2018-04-12-0266, § 1(Att. 1), 4-12-18)

San Antonio City Code § 3-68 Entry onto closed runways, taxiway, ramps, and aprons prohibited.

Sec. 3-68. - Entry onto closed runways, taxiway, ramps, and aprons prohibited. No aircraft shall be permitted to gain access to or operate on a closed runway, taxiway, ramp, or apron without the approval of the director. No person shall move or remove any barricade or other object that has been placed to prevent access to a closed runway, taxiway, ramp, or apron without permission from the director. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-69 Trash disposal from aircraft.

Sec. 3-69. - Trash disposal from aircraft. (a) Airline and/or aircraft operators must promptly dispose of all aircraft trash in appropriate receptacles. In no event shall aircraft trash be deposited into foreign object debris (FOD) receptacles. (b) All trash or refuse material brought into the airport from countries or provinces outside of the United States of America must be disposed of in adherence with all federal regulations. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15; Ord. No. 2018-04-12-0266, § 1(Att. 1), 4-12-18)

San Antonio City Code § 3-70 Terminal aircraft pushback operations.

Sec. 3-70. - Terminal aircraft pushback operations. All airline aircraft pushing back from a terminal gate must have a sufficient number of wingwalkers present and properly positioned to assist with the pushback operation in order to prevent injury or damage to any and all persons and equipment. Wingwalkers shall be in position for the duration of the pushback operation. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-71 Helicopter operations on airport property.

Sec. 3-71. - Helicopter operations on airport property. The director may require, at his discretion, helicopter operators who conduct regular operations on airport property to submit a written plan detailing how they will safely operate into and out of their proposed landing site on airport property. The director may choose to conduct a safety risk assessment (SRA), jointly lead by the aviation department and the helicopter operator, of the proposed landing site to determine if any safety issues exist. The findings of the SRA will then be submitted to the helicopter operator for consideration and, if required by the director, corrective action. The director may require that the hazards identified in the SRA be mitigated prior to allowing the helicopter operation to begin. The director may require the helicopter operator to establish a heliport in compliance with FAA Advisory Circular 150 150/5390-2 (current edition) Heliport Design if he deems necessary. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-72 Prohibition against positioning aircraft on or over the vehicle service road.

Sec. 3-72. - Prohibition against positioning aircraft on or over the vehicle service road. Aircraft shall not be positioned on or over any designated vehicle service road. (Ord. No. 2015-04-09-0289, 1(Att. I), 4-9-15)

San Antonio City Code § 3-73 Aircraft operations at the General Aviation Federal Inspection Station.

Sec. 3-73. - Aircraft operations at the General Aviation Federal Inspection Station. (a) Aircraft, equipment and personnel located at the General Aviation Customs ramp, serving the General Aviation Federal Inspection Station (GA FIS) located at 1775 Skyplace Blvd, must follow all procedures and guidelines established by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Services may only be rendered to aircraft that have requested said services prior to arrival or departure from the GA FIS ramp. (b) Entities wishing to conduct services on the GA FIS ramp must first receive a marshalling services permit issued by the San Antonio Airport System. (c) Service provider (permittee) shall adhere to the permit's requirements. (d) The director may terminate the marshalling agreement as stipulated in the permit. (e) The following chart shows the fee for all non-commercial aircraft arriving at San Antonio International Airport from foreign origination for use of General Aviation Federal Inspection Station at the time of arrival: Certificated Maximum Gross Landing Weight of Aircraft (pounds): | Fee 6,000—8,999 lbs. | $92.00 9,000—12,499 lbs. | $230.00 12,500—39,999 lbs. | $370.00 40,000—99,999 lbs. | $460.00 Above 100,000 lbs. | $700.00 (Ord. No. 2018-04-12-0266, § 1(Att. 1), 4-12-18; Ord. No. 2024-09-19-0705, § 2(Att. F), 9-19-24)

San Antonio City Code § 3-74 Unmanned aircraft systems or drones.

Sec. 3-74. - Unmanned aircraft systems or drones. Operators of all Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) systems may not operate a UAS within the Class C or Class D Airspace, the airspace included at both airports in the San Antonio Airport System, unless the operator has prior authorization from the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (210-805-5507). Operators of all UAS systems are required to contact the Airport Duty Manager (210-207-3433) and the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower prior to flight within three (3) miles of either airport in the San Antonio Airport System Unauthorized UAS system operations will be investigated by the FAA with the assistance of local law enforcement as required. (Ord. No. 2018-04-12-0266, § 1(Att. 1), 4-12-18)

San Antonio City Code § 3-75 General aviation aircraft landing fee.

Sec. 3-75. - General aviation aircraft landing fee. The following charges shall be levied for landing fees for general aviation aircraft not based at San Antonio International Airport with a certificated weight of over six thousand (6,000) pounds of maximum landing weight: Certificated Maximum Gross Landing Weight of Aircraft (pounds): | Landing Fee per 1,000 pounds certified maximum gross landing weight 6,000—19,999 | $3.50/1,000 pounds 20,000—49,999 | $4.50/1,000 pounds Above 50,000 | $5.50/1,000 pounds General Aviation Aircraft under six thousand (6,000) pounds of maximum landed weight shall be levied a minimum landing fee charge in the amount of twenty dollars ($20.00). (Ord. No. 2024-09-19-0705, § 3(Att. F), 9-19-24)

San Antonio City Code § 3-76 Reserved.

Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH3AI_ARTIISAANINAISTMUAIRURE_DIV2AIOPFetched: 10/27/2026