Bill Reintroduced to Protect Ohio's Airports

COLUMBUS- The Airspace Protection Act has been reintroduced for the 136th General Assembly announced State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula), both of whom are avid aviators and pilots. First introduced in the 134th General Assembly as HB 490 by Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), Representatives Callender and Fowler Arthur introduced the bill in the 135th General Assembly as HB 185, and now the Airspace Protection Act enters its 3rd General Assembly as HB 333.

Included in House Bill 333 are provisions to align Ohio law with Federal law and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation, ensure the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) can effectively oversee Ohio’s airports, and synchronize permit approvals to prevent delays in approval of projects. This bill also ensures that both local airports and permit applicants are involved in the permitting process while utilizing existing FAA applications to prevent duplicating workloads. In addition, this bill includes language to modernize and clarify Ohio’s aviation laws to address issues regarding drones and electric aircraft. 

While federal law generally preempts local regulations and gives the United States Government exclusive sovereignty over the airspace of the United States, the FAA relies on state and local government to manage land use, zoning, and police regulations to support federal navigable airspace regulations. 

“The Ohio Aviation Association (OAA) appreciates Rep. Callender and Rep. Fowler Arthur’s reintroduction of the Airspace Protection Act, designated HB 333,” said Tony Fiore, OAA Executive Director. “This legislation is vital to protecting the safety of pilots and passengers flying in and out of Ohio airports from future tall structures.  It also lays the groundwork for future airspace plans regarding drone and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft activity.  The longer it takes to enact this legislation the further back it places Ohio aviation among states across the country.”

Home to 176 public airfields in 84 of its 88 counites, 8 commercial airports and hundreds of private airfields, Ohio continues its legacy as being first in flight with, according to the FAA, 21,398 Ohioans having their pilots license including 8,940 students. This places Ohio with the 2nd most pilots in the Great Lakes region behind Illinois and in the top 10 ten states for aviators. 

“From the first aviators to now, Ohioans have taken to the skies and beyond for recreation, commerce, and exploration,” said Callender. “By ensuring Ohioans are able to continue making safe use of Ohio’s airports, we will enable future generations to take to the skies and see all the world has to offer.”  

“Ohio’s airports are essential to business and recreation,” said Fowler Arthur. “The Airspace Protection Act will ensure Ohio remains the birthplace and future of aviation by modernizing state laws and processes to reflect current aviation needs and practices.”

HB 33 has been assigned to the House Transportation Committee and awaits its first hearing.