WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Wilmington International Airport (ILM) released an update on the complaint filed by Cape Fear Coastal Aviation (CFCA).
CFCA recently filed a complaint with the FAA, claiming ILM has violated federal law.
ILM’s update on Thursday explains why the airport disagrees with CFCA’s claims and aims to provide transparency regarding the claims.
Since the initial press release, ILM has reconfirmed the following:
- CFCA has Wi-Fi access at the Modern Aviation facility
- CFCA has access to the ramp common area needed to run its business
- Modern continues to provide access to overnight ramp parking, hangar space, fueling, GPU, lavatory services, towing, and other FBO services provided by Modern on the same basis as other transient users
ILM added this statement:
“Over the past several months, ILM has also offered CFCA alternative arrangements for storing its aircraft, including the possibility of constructing temporary structures to protect aircraft from weather.”
ILM update regarding the Pilot Program
ILM also provided an update on the Pilot Program regarding Epic Flight Academy (Epic) establishing a flight school at the airport.
ILM says it treated the flight school request as it treats all requests. The airport says they responded with ILM’s Minimum Standards for General Aviation, along with contact information for Modern and Aero Center Wilmington, so Epic could discuss leasing space for the services.
A copy was given to a board member of the Board of Trustees of Cape Fear Community College to discuss options.
ARQ Development
In January, CFCA’s partner, ARQ, presented plans for its planned facility at ILM Airport. After reviewing the site plans and consulting with ILM’s engineering consultant, ILM responded on Feb. 14.
ILM asserts that ARQ encountered a problem with one of the replies from ILM concerning hangar doors. According to ILM, ARQ does not concur with their recommendations regarding the design for ensuring airport security.
ILM adds that it takes all compliance obligations, including those related to airport safety, seriously.
ILM issued the following statement about this matter:
In simpler terms, CFCA’s disagreement with ILM’s worries goes against fundamental safety and efficiency guidelines set forth by the FAA for all U.S. commercial airports. ILM has shared the foundation of their objections with ARQ and intends to keep urging ARQ to consider alternate designs that align with suggested FAA design criteria. To make this absolutely clear: ILM won’t sanction a site plan proposed by ARQ or another tenant at the airport unless it adheres to these established standards.
ILM
