We, the undersigned, are writing to express our concern and disappointment regarding the continued decision to deny approval for parachutes to land at the Franklin County Airport. I urge the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to reconsider and reinstate the longstanding approval for parachutists to land at this essential aeronautical facility.

For the past 15 years, parachutists have been safely landing at the Franklin County Airport with an impeccable safety record. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines emphasize the importance of consistent and fair access to public-use airports for all aeronautical activities, provided they can be accommodated without a risk to safety or efficiency of the airport, of which the FAA has the final authority over those factors. The FAA has already made it clear that VTrans has not provided any substantiated reasons that parachutes should be denied access.

The restriction on parachutists without proper FAA justification is not only unjust but also constitutes a violation of Federal Grant Assurances. These assurances require that public-use airports receiving federal funding, like Franklin County Airport, provide reasonable and equal access to aeronautical activities without unjust discrimination.  The penalty for not adhering to these signed assurances is the loss of federal funding for all airports for which the sponsor (VTrans) manages.

Skydive Vermont, the primary parachute user at the Franklin County Airport, is a not-for-profit club that has been a significant contributor to the local community. Beyond its aviation community impact, Skydive Vermont serves as a unique tourist attraction, drawing visitors to the area and promoting recreational aviation.  The economic implications would negatively impact local communities, specifically in Swanton and St. Albans.

Considering the established safety record of parachute landings at the Franklin County Airport and the economic and recreational benefits provided by Skydive Vermont, we strongly urge VTrans to reconsider its decision and reinstate the approval for parachutes to land at the airport.  We believe that a fair and transparent review of this matter will clearly demonstrate the compatibility of continued parachute landings with the airport's operations and safety standards as they have for the past 15 years. I appreciate your attention to this important issue and trust that VTrans will uphold the principles of fair and equal access to public-use airports for all aeronautical activities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.