Airport & golf course fight over trees

GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Pilots flying out of Gillespie County airport in Fredericksburg are facing a problem-- the FAA's temporarily banned planes from landing there after dark.

The pilots that are affected are the ones that have to use an instrument flight approach  to land their plane.  IFA is a landing method that involves pilots relying on on-board technology, not their naked eye, to get them back on the ground.

Fifteen oak trees on the neighboring city-owned Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course are at the root of the problem.

FAA officials said they interfere with the flight line.

"It does detour people from coming and using the airport, fully to what it's capable of being used," said Roger Hansen, airport manager.

The only thing standing in the way of the ban being removed is that city and county leaders can't come to a resolution.

Golf course managers have trimmed trees in the past and said they're willing to do that again.

Its uprooting the trees that's the problem.

Golf pros believe uprooting these trees--which surveyors recently valued at $300,000--will force them to relocate two course holes to the tune of $1.2 million.

"Lady Bird is my home," said Shelly Ross, head golf course professional.  "I've been here a long time and I care about what the course look likes, how the course plays."

County officials countered at $300,000--which city officials refused.

That's when talks stalled and the FAA stepped in.

Now, pilots and putters alike are waiting to see how a meeting between the mayor and county judge slated for Friday plays out.

Both Hansen and Ross said they hope leaders can land on an equitable resolution.