What can pilots do if a city plans to close an airport that was developed with federal grant funds?

The correct answer is that only the FAA can sue to enforce the grant. This principle stems from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its regulatory authority over airport operations, especially those that have received federal funding. When an airport is developed with federal grant funds, there are specific obligations that the airport and the municipality must adhere to, including the assurance of the airport's continued operation for a predetermined duration.

If a city decides to close an airport that received such funding, it is the FAA’s responsibility to address potential violations of those grant assurances. The FAA holds the authority to enforce compliance, which includes pursuing legal action if necessary to maintain the airport’s operational status as per the terms of the federal grant. This ensures consistency in aviation policy and protects federal investments in airport infrastructure.

While various stakeholders, including pilots, may express their concerns or advocate for the airport, the capacity to initiate legal enforcement rests with the FAA alone. Other options, like suing the city for breach of contract or petitioning for reconsideration, do not hold the same authoritative weight or procedural efficiency needed to address the closure imposed by the city under federal grant obligations.