What constitutes an airport ? I did a search of airports in my vicinity and found two private airports that are no longer operational . One was a Helipad at a private residence and the house has sold 3 times since. The other was a private grass runway on a farm . That owner doesn't use it anymore. Both are still listed as airports. I am assuming that in order to keep an airport registered as such there are fee's and insurance's involved. I'm sure in both cases these requirements have long since been ignored. If the FAA is going to prohibit me from flying my 2# quad in my backyard because there are abandon airfields 3 miles away I would like to know. I can stay 5 miles away no problem but I think I should have current up to date information.
I really don't want to be the first guy to be made an example of when I'm trying to pursue my interest in a responsible manor. I spent a fair amount of time building my craft, tuning it, and learning how to fly it safely..
In addition I'd like to thank the many people on this board who have provided valuable information and resources.
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This is a non-trivial issue. I live in Connecticut so I made a map showing 5 statute mile rings around active airports. Public airports in red and private airports in yellow.
http://imgur.com/OHH74wq
I'd say 2/3 of the state is off limits without prior clearance.