The following words and phrases when used in this part shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Aircraft." Any contrivance, except an unpowered hang-glider or parachute, used for manned ascent into or flight through the air.

"Airport." Any area of land or water which is used, or intended to be used, for the landing and takeoff of aircraft and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended to be used, for airport buildings or air navigation facilities or rights-of-way, together with all airport buildings and facilities thereon. Unless indicated otherwise, airport shall include heliports and public airports.

"Airport hazard." Any structure or object, natural or manmade, or use of land which obstructs the airspace required for flight of aircraft in landing or taking off at an airport or is otherwise hazardous to the landing or taking off of aircraft.

"Airport hazard area." Any area of land or water upon which an airport hazard might be established if not prevented as provided in this part.

"Aviation development." Any work involved in the construction, reconstruction, improvement or repair of a landing area, heliport, airport or any portion thereof. For purposes of this part, aviation development shall include, but shall not be limited to, the removal, lowering and relocation of airport equipment and facilities, including the marking and lighting of any airport; the construction and maintenance of maintenance hangars and T-storage hangars; the installation or improvement of navigation aids used in the landing and taking off of aircraft; the installation of equipment used for the suppression of noise, including the construction of physical barriers and landscaping for the purpose of diminishing the effect of aircraft noise in any area adjacent to an airport; the acquisition of land, or any interest therein, or any easement, for purposes which are compatible with the operation of the airport, including the removal of airport hazards; and any other aviation-related improvements so long as they are directly involved in the movement, servicing or housing of aircraft on an airport.

"Aviation-related area." Any area of an airport used, or intended to be used, in the direct operation of the airport. The term includes, but is not limited to, any portion of the airport used in the landing, taking off or surface maneuvering of an aircraft. The term does not include hangars, terminals and any portion of the airport used for the housing of aircraft or areas dedicated to hotels, motels, shops, restaurants, parking areas and garages and other for-profit establishments whose purpose is unrelated to the landing and taking off of aircraft.

"Board." A zoning hearing board or joint zoning hearing board established pursuant to Article IX of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, but not including a joint airport zoning board established pursuant to section 5912 (relating to power to adopt airport zoning regulations). In municipalities where the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code does not apply, the term shall mean the body having the powers listed in section 5917 (relating to administrative appeals).

"Commercial flight operations." The carrying of persons or goods for hire, including the conduct of flight instruction for compensation.

"Commercial operator." A person who deals in the sale or resale of aircraft or aircraft parts or aircraft maintenance.

"Department." The Department of Transportation.

"Helicopter." A rotorcraft, other than a model or radio-controlled rotorcraft, that, for its horizontal motion, depends principally on its engine-driven rotor.

"Heliport." Any area of land, water or structure which is used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of helicopters and any appurtenant areas which are used for heliport buildings or helicopter facilities or rights-of-way, together with all heliport buildings and facilities thereon.

"Landing area." Any area used, or intended to be used, for the landing, taking off or surface maneuvering of aircraft.

"Planning agency." A planning commission, planning department, planning committee of the governing body of a municipality or planning committee of a joint airport zoning board.

"Private airport." An airport which is privately owned and which is not open or intended to be open to the public.

"Public airport." An airport which is either publicly or privately owned and which is open to the public.

"Secretary." The Secretary of Transportation.

"Statewide regional apportionment formula." The method utilized by the department to determine whether or not an airport qualifies for State revenue to be utilized for capital construction projects and land acquisitions.

"Structure." Includes buildings, towers, smokestacks and overhead transmission lines.