Landing Area Certification

The application process for an original certificate of approval is outlined in detail in Section 14.115 of the Aviation Safety Administrative Rule, 92 Illinois Adm. code 14.

The applicant must personally contact the division either by phone at (217) 785-8516, in writing at

1 Langhorne Bond Drive
Capital Airport
Springfield, IL 62707

or by email at dot.aero@illinois.gov to request an initial inspection of the site proposed to be used for the airport, heliport, or Restricted Landing Area (RLA). Division personnel will visit the proposed site, as early as division priorities will allow, to determine if the minimum standards for the operation of an airport, heliport or RLA can be achieved. These standards are described in Section 14.510(a), 610(a), 710(a), or 810(a) of the Aviation Safety Administrative Rule.

Landing areas fall into categories: Public Use Airports, Private Use Airports and Restricted Landing Areas. A “Public Use” airport is open to the general public. A “Private Use” airport is not open to the general public. A RLA means any area of land, water, or both that is used or made available for the landing and takeoff of aircraft that is intended for private use. A RLA is generally used only by the Certificate Holder.

After an initial inspection has been performed and the site is determined to be acceptable under Part 14 Aviation Safety, an Application for Certificate of Approval form (Form AER 2059 for an airport or RLA or Form AER 2060 for a heliport) must be completed and signed, and the original form must be sent to the division. The Application for Certificate Approval form asks if zoning has been approved. Local zoning approval is required before Notice of Proposed Landing Area (form 7480) will be filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If zoning approval is not required, verification from the zoning authority (in the form of a letter or email) is required. Once all of the information is gathered for the proposed landing area, and local zoning has approved the facility, personnel from the division of Aeronautics will begin working on Notice of Proposed Landing Area (form 7480), which is found on the FAA website.

After a favorable FAA airspace determination is received, the division will publish a Notice in a newspaper in the county in which the airstrip or helipad is to be established. This allows interested parties to file an objection or to comment on the proposed landing area. Objections or comments must be submitted to the division of Aeronautics within 15 days after publication of the Notice. The division will consider any comments or opposition received within 15 days after the date of publication.

The proponent will have 18 months to complete construction of the landing area. If construction cannot be completed within this timeframe, a Request for Extension of Time for Proposed Airport/RLA/Heliport (AER 2061) form must be submitted to the division.

After construction is complete a final inspection will be conducted. If any problems are found during the final inspection, the proponent will be notified. Once all items are addressed and the landing facility is found to be in compliance the Certificate of Approval will be issued.

All landing facilities are expected to be kept in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Illinois Aviation Safety Rules (Aviation Safety Administrative Rule, 92 Illinois Adm. code 14). Periodic inspections will be conducted. If the facility is found to be out of compliance, a letter will be sent so corrections can be made.