Federal Funding Freeze Hits Skyhaven Airport Amid FAA Compliance Dispute

Federal Funding Freeze Hits Skyhaven Airport Amid FAA Compliance Dispute

Warrensburg, MO — The University of Central Missouri (UCM), which owns and operates Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport (RCM), is facing a federal “No Pay” designation that has halted new federal airport funding following alleged violations of key FAA grant assurances. The freeze places millions of dollars in future projects — including a proposed runway extension backed by Congressman Mark Alford — at risk.

The FAA’s June 3, 2025 letter to UCM warns that unless the university corrects the violations, all future Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds will remain blocked. The move follows a preliminary determination issued April 15, 2025, in which the FAA identified potential violations of Grant Assurance 22 (Economic Nondiscrimination), Grant Assurance 23 (Exclusive Rights), and Grant Assurance 24 (Fee and Rental Structure).

The Policy Changes at the Heart of the Dispute

The FAA’s concerns center on a series of 2024 policy changes by UCM that:

• Banned on-airport commercial maintenance by independent providers, including the airport’s only public-access mechanic.
• Prohibited self-fueling in hangars, even for pilots with FAA-approved equipment.
• Restricted hangar use to “minor maintenance” only, despite FAA rules allowing more extensive owner maintenance.

An August 5, 2024 hangar license agreement obtained by pilots explicitly prohibits “commercial aviation activity or commercial aircraft maintenance” in tenant hangars and bans “self-fueling…on the premises.” FAA rules, however, require airports to allow owners to perform their own maintenance and fueling, and prohibit granting exclusive rights to a single service provider.

While UCM has since revised its airport rules, adding definitions for “self-fueling” and “public-use maintenance hangar,” the latest June 25, 2025 version still reserves the university’s “right to operate as the single source provider of services at Skyhaven.” FAA policy warns that such provisions can amount to prohibited monopolies if they suppress fair competition.

Why It Matters

Under Grant Assurance 22, public-use airports receiving federal funds must be open to all aeronautical users “on reasonable terms and without unjust discrimination.” Grant Assurance 23 prohibits the creation of exclusive rights — effectively monopolies — over aeronautical services. Violating these terms can result in an immediate halt to federal funding.

The “No Pay” status now in effect means that even if Congress allocates money for Skyhaven projects, the FAA will not release the funds until UCM resolves the compliance issues to the agency’s satisfaction.

Impact on the Runway Extension Project

One of the most visible casualties of the freeze could be a planned extension of Runway 1/19 to approximately 5,016 feet. Congressman Mark Alford has championed the project, citing its potential to boost economic development. Johnson County commissioners issued a letter of support earlier this year. While some local reports place the project’s value at $6 million, any AIP-linked funding would be funneled through MoDOT’s FAA block grant program — and therefore subject to the “No Pay” restriction.

Community Backlash and Legal Costs

Local pilots and aviation groups, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), have expressed concern that UCM’s policies have reduced public access and driven away businesses. Critics question why public funds are being spent on legal defenses rather than restoring compliance at what is, by definition, a public-use airport.

“The public helped pay for this airport, but the public is being locked out of basic rights guaranteed under federal law,” said one tenant who requested anonymity due to ongoing lease negotiations.

Next Steps

UCM submitted a corrective action plan (CAP) to the FAA in June, but the agency has not confirmed whether it has been accepted. FAA officials have indicated that they expect “concrete actions” — not just policy clarifications — to ensure compliance.

Until the FAA lifts the “No Pay” status, Skyhaven’s federal funding is frozen. That means the runway extension, infrastructure upgrades, and other projects remain in limbo.

Key Dates

• Aug. 5, 2024 – UCM adopts new hangar license banning commercial maintenance and self-fueling in hangars.
• Apr. 15, 2025 – FAA issues preliminary determination of noncompliance.
• Jun. 3, 2025 – FAA imposes “No Pay” condition.
• Jun. 17, 2025 – FAA reiterates June 24 deadline for CAP submission.
• Jun. 25, 2025 – UCM issues revised airport rules, retaining “single source provider” clause.