Man, i feel like a dog chasing its tail here.

The AMA Safety Code says 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport. And to contact the airport.

FAA AC 91-57 says 400 feet period and to contact the airport when within 3 miles.

Historically the FAA has not gotten involved unless there is a conflict. When they do, they see the 400 foot limit as the gospel. Right or wrong, argue until you are blue in the face, that is what they have done.

The only times I have seen the FAA get involved is at EDSF and HSS in SOCAL (and Prado by way of Chino Tower). At all three places the fields are within 3 miles anyhow and all the FAA is saying to do is comply with the AMA Safety Code.

So it seems to me that despite the fact that the FAA can use AC 91-57 in its most limiting fashion (400 feet everywhere all the time) they tend to actually defer to the AMA Safety Code.

My conclusion is that if you are more than 3 miles from an airport, don't worry about it. If you are within 3 miles, then follow the safety code, which none of the three places mentioned were doing.

Why make it any more difficult than it needs to be. The FAA is only going to get involved if you have a problem, like regularly violating the safety code limit of 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport. This is exactly what their position has been at EDSF, HSS and Prado. You are within 3 miles of an airport, keep it under 400 feet. Otherwise they make it tough for you to deal with your lease holder.