Enforcement
Enforcement of Existing Rules and Regulations by the FAA
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 91.119 of the General Operating and Flight Rules states that:
Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an air-craft below the following altitudes: (a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. (b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. (c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the air-craft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
As has been demonstrated time and time again, General Aviation aircraft have a tendency to disregard this regulation. Is it because they are unaware, or is it because of lax enforcement? Either way, the problem created is the same. With the advent of flight-tracking software, it has never been easier to determine the precise altitude and location of aircraft that violate these regulations. The FAA could reduce many of the dangers from these low-flying aircraft by taking reports filed seriously and enforcing those rules that are currently on the books.
Enforcement of Existing Rules and Regulations by the Airports
Each airport operating in the region has its own sets of rules and regulations that users of the airport contractually agree to abide by when taking off or landing from that airport. Some of these rules and regulations pertain to flight altitudes, hours of operations, and flight patterns. Although these rules and regulations are not under the purview of the FAA, they are fully within the control of airport management, and up to management to address and enforce consequences should these rules and regulations not be followed by any users of the airport, but largely those who are based at the airport and have had ample time and knowledge to understand and apply with these conditions.
1.5 Enforcement
1.5.1 The Airport Director has the authority to take such action as may be necessary to enforce these Rules and Regulations.
1.5.2 In any contingencies not specifically covered by these Rules and Regulations, the Airport Director is authorized to make such rules and render such decisions as to him may seem proper.
1.2 Applicability and Conditional Use of Airport
1.2.1. Any permission granted directly or indirectly, expressly or by implication, to any Entity to enter upon or use the Airport (including Aircraft Operators: Vehicle Operators: Aircraft crew members and passengers; spectators and sightseers, occupants of private and commercial Vehicles, officers, employees, and customers of Operators and Lessees; entities doing business with the County and/or Airport Director, its contractors, subcontractors, and licensees; and all other Entities whatsoever) is conditioned upon:
1.2.1.2. Full and complete compliance with these Rules and Regulations, all Primary Guiding Documents, and applicable Regulatory Measures