ILM gives update on Cape Fear Coastal Aviation complaint

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:

1. CFCA has Wi-Fi access at the Modern Aviation facility
2. CFCA has access to the ramp common area needed to run its business
3. 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 claims ARQ had an issue with one of the responding comments from ILM. This specific comment was related to hangar doors. ILM says ARQ isn’t in agreement with ILM’s suggestions on the design for airport safety.

ILM adds that it takes all compliance obligations, including those related to airport safety, seriously.

ILM provided this statement regarding this issue:

“In other words, CFCA’s objection to ILM’s concerns is contrary to basic safety and efficiency recommendations from the FAA applicable to all commercial airports in the United States. ILM has provided ARQ with the basis of its objections and will continue to encourage ARQ to evaluate alternative designs that conform with recommended FAA design standards. To be clear: ILM will not approve a site plan by ARQ or any other tenant at the airport that does not comply with these standards.”