International Status and License of Intent

 

The proliferation of local authorities, developers, consultants, etc. wanting international status for existing aerodromes or those proposed for development, necessitates more detail surrounding the subject.

 

For purposes of clarification, the following "plain English" extract out of the Civil Aviation Regulations, Part 139.02.18, applies.

The proposed license holder applies to the Commissioner for the issuing of such a license. This application is accompanied by:

 

  1. Full particulars of the area demarcated for the proposed development.  
  2. Written approval from the local government concerned.  
  3. An environmental impact study.  
  4. Written approval from all interested Government institutions.  
  5. Proof of adequate funding for the development of the aerodrome.
  6. Application fee.  

 

The Commissioner will issue the license if he is satisfied that the proposed development will not jeopardize aviation safety.

 

Although proof of adequate funding is required, the emphasis is on safety. The purpose of proof of funding is to act as a "first line of screening prospective aerodrome developers" and to ensure that a particular area is not "tied down" for a given period by developers with insufficient funding.

 

A license of intent will be awarded once the Commissioner is satisfied with regards to the safety of the intended aerodrome – this implies that a license may not be awarded if the air traffic at the proposed aerodrome will in any way interfere with existing established procedures regarding controlled airspace, where hazardous obstacles are present, etc..

 

The license of intent guarantees the holder of his right to develop an aerodrome without the danger of another aerodrome development starting in too close proximity.

 

The license of intent does not guarantee that the new aerodrome will be licensed or that international status will be awarded to such an aerodrome. It also does not guarantee that the developer will be able to acquire the necessary land. The Commissioner will only issue an aerodrome license after the aerodrome in question was inspected and found to be in compliance with all the relevant safety regulations.

 

THE LICENSE OF INTENT DOES NOT INFER, IMPLY OR BESTOW INTERNATIONAL STATUS TO ANY AERODROME.