CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An obstruction removal project is in the works for the Yeager Airport in Charleston after the Federal Aviation Administration considered a hilltop from the end of the airport’s main runway to be a pilot-navigation problem.
One million cubic yards of earth is being removed from the top of the hill. The hill is being lowered to ease FAA restrictions on flights departing from Yeager Airport.
Rick Atkinson, the Yeager Airport director, said the project would be great for the operation of the airport.
Yeagar is looking to do an updated runway protection zone plan for an area that extends 2,000 feet from the end of the main runway in a trapezoid.
Atkinson said this study will explain the alternatives for properties the FAA may need to clear.
“If you’re out in Kansas, there isn’t anything under the approach for 10,000 feet, but when you have different terrain a plane can’t land down in that valley and be safe,” said Atkinson.
The FAA will determine if the properties can be presumably used or if they need to clear them. If residents in the area are asked to move, Atkinson said those people will not be financially affected.
“If you do own property you may want to get it bought because the government pays relocation expenses,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson said the project is a long process that will take up to nearly five more years.