RFI #2025-DOTPF-Aviation-RegReform

Regulations Reform Recommendations – Aviation (17 AAC 42 “Airport Administration”, and 17 AAC 45 “Airport Leasing and Operations”)

Introduction

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is requesting information from stakeholders, industry representatives, and interested parties on potential reforms to State regulations contained in 17 AAC 42 (Airport Administration), and 17 AAC 45 (Airport Leasing and Operations). The purpose of this RFI is to gather constructive input to inform potential amendments or repeals that improve efficiency, clarity, and public benefit.

Background Information

On August 4, 2025, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued Administrative Order 360, directing State agencies to identify outdated, unnecessarily burdensome, or unclear regulations and propose reforms to improve government efficiency and public service.

DOT&PF owns, operates, or maintains 237 airports and related facilities across Alaska, serving communities ranging from major urban hubs to remote villages. These regulations govern airport administration, safety, leasing, operations, and general aviation activities. DOT&PF seeks recommendations that:

• Modernize regulatory requirements in line with current industry practices.

• Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining safety and compliance with federal requirements.

• Improve clarity and usability of regulations for the public, regulated entities, and DOT&PF staff.

• Support economic development and long-term sustainability.

Response Information

Interested parties are invited to submit written recommendations addressing one or more of the following:

1. Specific regulation citations you recommend be amended or repealed, with explanation of the issue and suggested solution.

2. Opportunities for modernization to align with federal standards, technological advancements, or industry best practices.

3. Process improvements or administrative changes to improve regulatory outcomes.

4. Any other ideas to streamline compliance while supporting safety, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality.

Responses to this RFI are for informational purposes only. DOT&PF will not award a contract from this RFI, nor will it be financially responsible for any preparation costs incurred. Non-response does not preclude participation in future rulemaking or solicitations.

Submission Requirements

• Responses can be submitted via dot.regs@alaska.gov , ideally clear and concise to be actionable. Alternatively, mailing recommendations is also available at the address indicated.

• Include your name, organization (if applicable), contact information, and any supporting documentation.

• Reference “2025 Aviation Reg Reform RFI” in the subject line.

• Comments provided should relate to, and specifically cite, the portion of regulation under 17 AAC 42 and 17 AAC 45.

Deadline for Responses: September 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Alaska Time. Alaska DOT&PF will consider comments filed after this date to the extent practicable.

Coordination Contact:

Andy Mills, Special Assistant to the Commissioner
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities

Emailed or hard copy responses are acceptable. If sending hard copy:

U.S. Mail:
P.O. Box 112500
Juneau, AK 99811-2500

Delivery Service (FedEx, UPS):
3132 Channel Drive
Juneau, AK 99801

17 AAC 42 (article and section reference links)

Article 1. International Airports Generally (17 AAC 42.005 — 17 AAC 42.150)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.005. Applicability of chapter; general location information.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.010. Airport manager; enforcement of chapter.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.015. Approval of airport manager.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.020. General rules of conduct; violations.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.030. Aircraft rules.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.035. Transient aircraft parking.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.040. Agreements for air carrier operations at airports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.045. Environmental requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.050. Hazardous substance release.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.055. Fueling operations and fuel storage.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.060. Access to restricted areas.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.065. Firearms and prohibited weapons.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.070. Explosives on airports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.075. Animals on airports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.080. General vehicle rules.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.085. Vehicles in restricted areas.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.090. Vehicle parking.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.095. Commercial passenger vehicle permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.100. Vehicle rental business permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.105. Business activity permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.110. Abandoned or lost property.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.115. Unauthorized parking and impound.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.120. Accidents.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.125. Fee adoption, interest, late fees, and security for payment.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.130. Waiver of rents or fees.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.135. Airport planning and programs for FAA compliance.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.140. Airport noise compatibility program.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.145. Airport zoning.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.150. Opportunity to comment.

Article 2. Authorization for Use of International Airport Property (17 AAC 42.200 — 17 AAC 42.297)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.200. Lease, permit, concession, or other interest for use of airport property.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.205. Competitive offering of a lease, permit, concession, or other interest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.210. Application for or material amendment to a lease, permit, concession, or other interest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.215. Consideration of application for lease, permit, concession, material amendment, or other interest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.220. Lease, permit, concession, or other interest term limitations.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.225. Land lease term or term extension.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.230. Documentation of costs, purchase price, opinion of useful life or remaining useful life, or fair market value of permanent improvements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.235. Permit, concession, building lease, or government agency land lease term or term extension.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.240. Agreement to complete construction or remediation.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.245. Disposition of permanent improvements on a land lease.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.250. Disposition of removable improvements on a building lease or concession.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.255. Condemnation of leasehold or improvements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.260. Assignment.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.265. Assignment for security purposes.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.270. Sublease.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.275. Approval or denial of an assignment, assignment of security interest, or sublease.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.280. Airport building permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.285. Airport boundary crossing permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.290. Property survey.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.295. Rent adjustment.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.297. Rent adjustment protest.

Article 3. Competitive Award (17 AAC 42.300 — 17 AAC 42.399)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.300. Competitive award.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.303. Sealed bid.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.306. Bid deposit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.309. Bid withdrawal; sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.312. Cancellation or postponement of bid opening.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.315. Bid opening; notice of intent to award.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.318. Nonresponsive bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.321. Nonresponsible bidders; sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.324. Bid errors.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.327. Rejection of all bids; sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.330. Cancellation of award; sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.333. Public auction.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.336. Registration deposit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.339. Cancellation or postponement of auction.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.342. Notice of intent to award; auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.345. Rejection of all bids; auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.348. Cancellation of award; auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.351. Nonresponsible bidder; auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.354. Competitive proposal.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.357. Proposal deposit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.360. Proposal withdrawals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.363. Cancellation or postponement of request for proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.366. Evaluation of proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.369. Nonresponsive proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.372. Nonresponsible proposers.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.375. Notice of intent to award; proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.378. Rejection of all proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.381. Cancellation of award; proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.384. Innovative contracting.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.387. Record of innovative contracting.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.390. Standards of responsibility.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.393. Bid, auction, or proposal protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.399. Definitions.

Article 4. Public Notice; Lease, Permit, and Concession Terms and Cancellation (17 AAC 42.400 — 17 AAC 42.430)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.400. Public notice.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.410. General terms of a lease, permit, or concession.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.420. Terms for a lease, permit, or concession for operations that require certified activity reports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.430. Cancellation of a lease, permit, or concession.

Article 5. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Tiedown Permits (17 AAC 42.500 — 17 AAC 42.599)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.500. Scope, findings, and purpose.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.510. Application, approval, and categories.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.520. Terms and conditions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.525. Permit limitations.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.530. Application for subsequent permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.540. Switch-list procedures.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.550. Wait-list procedures.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.560. Permit, switch-list, and wait-list information.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.570. Cancellation of permit, reassignment of space, or suspension of permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.590. Protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.595. Transitional compliance requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.599. Definitions.

Article 6. Fairbanks International Airport Tiedown Permits (17 AAC 42.600 — 17 AAC 42.699)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.600. Scope, findings, and purpose.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.610. Application, approval, and categories.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.620. Terms and conditions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.625. Permit limitations.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.630. Application for subsequent permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.635. Limitation on number of permits within a tiedown category.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.640. Switch-list procedures.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.650. Wait-list procedures.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.655. Wait-list contingency.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.660. Permit, switch-list, and wait-list information.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.670. Cancellation of permit, reassignment of space, or suspension of permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.690. Protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.695. Transitional compliance requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.699. Definitions.

Article 7. Airport Closure and Construction (17 AAC 42.700 — 17 AAC 42.710)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.700. Airport closure.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.710. Approval for airport construction.

Article 8. First Amendment Activity at International Airports (17 AAC 42.800 — 17 AAC 42.840)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.800. Purpose.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.810. Application for a first amendment activity permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.820. Action on an application for a first amendment activity permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.830. General terms and conditions for a first amendment activity permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.840. Complaints and revocation of a first amendment activity permit.

Article 9. Miscellaneous Provisions (17 AAC 42.900 — 17 AAC 42.990)

• Sec. 17 AAC 42.900. Evaluation of best interest of the state.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.910. Protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.920. Appeal.
• Sec. 17 AAC 42.990. Definitions.

17 AAC 45 (article and section reference links)

Article 1. Rural Airports Generally (17 AAC 45.005 — 17 AAC 45.150)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.005. Applicability of chapter; general location information.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.010. Operation of airports; enforcement of chapter.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.015. Approval of department or airport manager.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.020. General rules of conduct; violations.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.030. Aircraft rules.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.035. After hours requests for airport services.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.045. Environmental requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.050. Hazardous substance release.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.055. Fueling operations and fuel storage.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.060. Restricted areas and access to restricted areas.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.065. Firearms.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.070. Explosives on airports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.075. Animals on airports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.080. General vehicle rules.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.085. Vehicles in restricted areas.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.090. Vehicle parking.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.095. Commercial passenger vehicle permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.105. Business activity permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.108. Business activity permit; commercial aviation business.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.110. Consideration of application for business activity permit; permit requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.111. Special event permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.112. Consideration of application for special event permit; permit requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.115. Unauthorized parking and impound.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.120. Accidents.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.125. Lease rates, interest, late notice fee, and security for payment.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.127. Rental and fee rates.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.128. Landing at Sand Point Airport fees.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.130. Waiver of rents or fees.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.135. Airport planning and programs for FAA compliance.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.140. Airport noise compatibility program.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.145. Airport zoning.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.150. Opportunity to comment.

Article 2. Authorization for Use of Rural Airport Property (17 AAC 45.200 — 17 AAC 45.299)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.200. Lease, permit, concession, or other interest for use of airport property.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.205. Application for or material amendment to a lease, permit, concession, or other interest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.210. Consideration of application for a lease, permit, concession, material amendment, or other interest subject to competition.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.215. Consideration of application for a land lease or a term extension of a land lease without competition.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.220. Lease, permit, concession, or other interest term limitations.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.225. Land lease term or term extension.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.230. Documentation of costs, purchase price, opinion of remaining useful life, or fair market value of permanent improvements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.235. Permit, concession, building lease, or government agency land lease term or term extension.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.240. Agreement to complete construction or remediation.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.242. Damage to lessee-owned permanent improvements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.245. Disposition of permanent improvements and site development materials on a land lease.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.250. Disposition of removable improvements on a building lease or concession.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.252. Holdover.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.255. Condemnation of leasehold or improvements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.260. Assignment.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.265. Assignment for security purposes.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.270. Sublease.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.275. Approval or denial of an assignment, assignment for security purposes, or sublease.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.280. Airport building permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.285. Airport boundary crossing permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.290. Property survey.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.295. Rental or fee rate adjustment.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.297. Rental rate adjustment protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.299. Lease of complete airport.

Article 3. Competitive Award (17 AAC 45.300 — 17 AAC 45.399)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.300. Competitive award.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.303. Sealed bid.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.306. Bid deposit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.309. Bid withdrawal: sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.312. Cancellation or postponement of bid opening.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.315. Bid opening; notice of intent to award.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.318. Nonresponsive bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.321. Nonresponsible bidders: sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.324. Bid errors.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.327. Rejection of all bids: sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.330. Cancellation of award: sealed bids.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.333. Public auction.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.336. Registration deposit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.339. Cancellation or postponement of auction.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.342. Notice of intent to award: auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.345. Rejection of all bids: auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.348. Cancellation of award: auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.351. Nonresponsible bidder: auctions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.354. Competitive proposal.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.357. Proposal deposit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.360. Proposal withdrawals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.363. Cancellation or postponement of request for proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.366. Evaluation of proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.369. Nonresponsive proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.372. Nonresponsible proposers.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.375. Notice of intent to award: proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.378. Rejection of all proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.381. Cancellation of award: proposals.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.390. Standards of responsibility.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.393. Bid, auction, or proposal protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.399. Definitions.

Article 4. Public Notice; Lease, Permit, and Concession Terms; Insurance; and Cancellation (17 AAC 45.400 — 17 AAC 45.430)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.400. Public notice.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.410. General terms of a lease, permit, or concession.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.420. Terms for a lease, permit, or concession for operations that require certified activity reports.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.425. Insurance for leases, permits, and concessions.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.430. Cancellation of a lease, permit, or concession.

Article 5. Assigned-Space Aircraft Parking (17 AAC 45.500 — 17 AAC 45.590)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.500. Assigned-space aircraft parking designation.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.510. Assigned-space use and fees.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.520. Assigned-space permit application.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.530. Assigned-space permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.540. Cancellation of an assigned-space permit.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.550. Assigned-space permit lottery.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.560. Assigned-space switch list.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.570. Assigned-space wait list.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.580. Birchwood airport transitional compliance requirements.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.590. Definitions.

Article 6. Transient and Open Aircraft Parking (17 AAC 45.600 — 17 AAC 45.610)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.600. Transient aircraft fee parking.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.610. Open aircraft parking.

Article 7. Airport Closure; Disposal of State-Owned Airport Property (17 AAC 45.700 — 17 AAC 45.710)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.700. Airport abandonment or closure.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.710. Disposal of state-owned buildings or abandoned personal property on an airport.

Article 8. First Amendment Activity at Rural Airports (17 AAC 45.800 — 17 AAC 45.810)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.800. Purpose.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.810. Conduct of first amendment activity on an airport.

Article 9. Miscellaneous Provisions (17 AAC 45.900 — 17 AAC 45.990)

• Sec. 17 AAC 45.900. Evaluation of best interest of the state.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.910. Protest.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.920. Appeal.
• Sec. 17 AAC 45.990. Definitions.