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Since my wife and I frequent MANY events in and around Houston, it seems most of my questions are realted to what experiences others have had at certain events relating to carrying. This is no different:

Do FAA restrictions preside over the Wings over Houston Airshow? We are not on a plane and surely not in a concourse, but we WILL be on a runway? Not sure what kind of category this falls under and the "restrictions page" on their website does not specifically mention firearms being a NO-NO but it DOES state that full FAA regulations are in force along with Homeland Security regulations. From years past, there are no metal detectors, but plenty of security and bag checking going on and I've never noticed any 30.06 postings. Anyone ever carried into this event or know how being on a tarmac can differ from being inside a concourse or other secure area. Thanks in advance.

I may have just answered my own question:

"In a secure area......"

A tarmac would be considered secure from all that I have seen.
Anyways...any thoughts or experiences my help.

Are you sure? I know GA pilots who carry.

But keep in mind that Ellington Field is also a Military installation as well as having sevral NASA applications.

General Aviation areas are different and not "secure" areas, like other airport areas where airlines fly.

I'm just saying that being on the tarmac doesn't necessarily mean you're in a secure area.

razoraggie wrote:I may have just answered my own question:

"In a secure area......"

A tarmac would be considered secure from all that I have seen.
Anyways...any thoughts or experiences my help.

PC §46.035.39 states:
(2) "Secured area" means an area of an airport terminal building
to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property
under federal law.

I think it will depend on how you get to the tarmac. However, not sure about carry on a military base since it is a federal facility, or if it would be 30.06 posted.

razoraggie wrote:Since my wife and I frequent MANY events in and around Houston, it seems most of my questions are realted to what experiences others have had at certain events relating to carrying. This is no different:

Do FAA restrictions preside over the Wings over Houston Airshow? We are not on a plane and surely not in a concourse, but we WILL be on a runway? Not sure what kind of category this falls under and the "restrictions page" on their website does not specifically mention firearms being a NO-NO but it DOES state that full FAA regulations are in force along with Homeland Security regulations. From years past, there are no metal detectors, but plenty of security and bag checking going on and I've never noticed any 30.06 postings. Anyone ever carried into this event or know how being on a tarmac can differ from being inside a concourse or other secure area. Thanks in advance.

Ellington Field is a military installation, and they historically have specifically prohibited firearms at Wings Over Houston.

Mithras61 wrote:Ellington Field is a military installation, and they historically have specifically prohibited firearms at Wings Over Houston.

But "prohibited" and "posted" are 2 different things. Not trying to be agrumentative here, just to get infomred. I'm wondering if I should just leave it in the car to be on the safe side. This would be one of those few instances in life when it would NOT be better to ask forgiveness instead of permission.

razoraggie wrote:

Mithras61 wrote:Ellington Field is a military installation, and they historically have specifically prohibited firearms at Wings Over Houston.

But "prohibited" and "posted" are 2 different things. Not trying to be agrumentative here, just to get infomred. I'm wondering if I should just leave it in the car to be on the safe side. This would be one of those few instances in life when it would NOT be better to ask forgiveness instead of permission.

The federal government does not have to "post" an area to prohibit guns. They operate under federal law. The 30.06 posting requirement is a feature of TX state law.

On federal property, the federal law overrides the state law. So they can prohibit carrying guns without posting. If you violate the prohibition and are caught, you will be held to the penalties of federal law, whatever they may be.

The state of TX will not care one way or the other, except that you may (probably will) lose your CHL if convicted.

I say this as a Military Cop...DONT carry on a military base, i cant think of a single one that allows carry of any kind on the installation. The military doesnt have to post 30.06 or conform to any other state laws regarding concealed carry, you will be detained by MP's then arrested by civilian police if detected. (Atleast thats what would happen up here in the frozen north)

Just out of curiosity why are you calling Ellington field a Military base? It is owned and operated by the city of Houston. Some areas are lease to the National Guard and to NASA, but the rest is all City of Houston Airport authority.

I would call the Houston Airport Authority and ask them.

http://www.fly2houston.com/EllingtonHome

I was courious so I called them.

The nice lady said (after three transferres)

They are treating all of the public airshow areas as a TSA secure zone for the purpose of the event, plus they are inculding the Federal building access requirements to the screen (hence the no coolers, pocket knives etc).

So your CHL is no good there on that day, on other days it is dependent to the area you are accessing, you should contact the authority of the entry gate you are assigned.

mcub wrote:I was courious so I called them.

The nice lady said (after three transferres)

They are treating all of the public airshow areas as a TSA secure zone for the purpose of the event.

If that is true then Police Officers cannot carry either, unless they are working the show.

And of course, nobody is allowed in the secure area without a valid boarding pass....

Mithras61 wrote:
Ellington Field is a military installation, and they historically have specifically prohibited firearms at Wings Over Houston.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... ington.htm


Ellington Field (EFD) is a joint use civil/military airport. Acquired by the City of Houston in 1984, Ellington now supports the operations of the United States military, NASA, Continental Express, United Parcel Service and general aviation. The airport is home to the largest flying club in Texas and is the site of the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow. Ellington Field is located approximately 15 miles south of downtown Houston, near I-45/Gulf Freeway, the major highway heading from the City to NASA and Galveston Island. The airport is operated and maintained by the Houston Airport System.

Looks like city property.