A new set of rules are being compiled for Wiscasset Municipal Airport. The airport advisory committee hopes to have the document completed for Town Manager Marian Anderson's review in September. Then it will be passed along to the select board for its approval.

At the terminal building Wednesday night, Aug. 15, Ervin Deck reviewed recent changes with fellow committee members Ray Soule and Chairman Steve Williams and Airport Manager Rick Tetrev.

Deck has spent a great deal of time compiling the information that includes general aviation regulations, guidelines for aircraft accident reporting and rules for the safe, efficient use of facilities. The airport went into operation in 1962 and today occupies approximately 257 acres off Route 144 and Chewonki Neck Road.

The document’s introduction states the revised rules “are intended for the safe, orderly and efficient operation of the airport.” Deck explained, they adhere to Federal Aviation regulations, state statutes and the town’s individual land lease agreements.

New additions include an “Expectations of Privacy” statement because the airport now has surveillance cameras for security. “(People) entering the airport complex should have no expectations of privacy in these public areas,” it states.

Another provision restricts the use of drones, kites, rockets or other unmanned aerial systems from the airport without written permission from the town.

Williams thanked Deck for the many hours he put into compiling the document that includes maps of the airport, a glossary of aviation terms and an index. Williams hopes it can be finalized at the committee’s Sept. 19 meeting.

In his monthly report, Tetrev highlighted his appreciation to Wiscasset’s police and fire departments for their response to a Saturday, July 7 runway accident involving a small plane.

At around 1 p.m., a Cessna 172 RG “landed wheels up on the runway,” said Tetrev. The newly licensed pilot was not hurt and emergency responders arrived within minutes, he said. Tetrev said it was a rented plane from Airlink Flight School based in Waterville. The aircraft remains in the maintenance hangar until insurance issues are handled; Airlink Flight School is paying $250 per month until it can be moved, wrote Tetrev in his report.

An FAA accident investigator inspected the aircraft and airport July 9. “He found no discrepancies with our procedures or the airport,” stated Tetrev. No damage occurred to the runway as a result of the accident that was cleaned up in about an hour.

Williams cancelled a previously scheduled runway tour since committee member Pam Brackett was unable to attend the meeting. The tour will be held at the September meeting.