My name is D. Scott Phillips, and I am running for mayor of Heber City. During the primary election, the Park Record published a candidate questionnaire, including a question about the airport that asked simply: “Are you for or against expansion at the Heber airport?”
I felt this was incomplete and misleading and stated that in the comment section of the questionnaire. Heber City does not have an “expansion” project — it has a federally required master plan to bring the airport into compliance with FAA safety standards. As a public airport supported by FAA funds, we must meet national regulations.
The FAA reclassified Heber City’s airport from a B-II to a noncompliant C-II airport. This designation has nothing to do with the size of the airplanes, but rather the airspeed of the aircraft using the airport. Once an airport exceeds 500 annual operations of higher-speed aircraft, it qualifies as a C-II. Heber City now has more than 1,500 such operations annually, requiring us to update the airport to meet compliance.
The FAA-approved master plan includes:
- Moving and widening the runway and taxiway to meet current safety standards.
- Relocating displaced hangars.
- Purchasing 28 acres in the safety zone to preserve it as open space.
- Acquiring 9 acres in Daniel to accommodate the taxiway adjustment.
Importantly, the FAA has advised us to continue using the current runway for its full useful life before making these changes — likely about 10 years out — or after the 2034 Olympics. This ensures safety while also making the most of existing infrastructure before major construction begins.
This is not about expanding the airport for new traffic but ensuring safety and compliance for the operations already taking place.
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify this important issue for your readers.
D. Scott Phillips
Heber City Council