Small Aircraft
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Staffing
During a go around at ZZZ Municipal Airport I noticed a truck and a motorcycle traveling from the parking area to the parallel taxi way. When we were mid-field downwind I observed the motorcycle traveling on the runway at high speed toward the NE direction. On base I observed the motorcycle depart the runway and travel down the parallel taxiway. On landing I noticed the motorcycle and pick-up truck parked on the runway side of one of the mid-field taxiways. I instructed the Student Pilot to make this landing a full stop instead of the touch and go we planned. We taxied up near where the truck and motorcycle were parked. I exited the aircraft to talk to the group of people standing by the truck. One person introduced himself as [Mr. X.] I asked the group if they were authorized to be on the runway; [Mr. X] replied with 'yes I got authorization from the city'. I informed the group that they are on an FAA runway and created a runway incursion. When I mentioned that they aren't pilots and I instructed them about the hold short line and even though it looks like they are on a taxiway that they indeed are on a portion of the runway. At this point is when [Mr. X] spoke and said 'I am the Airport Manager and I am a pilot' I was appalled to hear this as he should know better. There was a short discussion with [Mr. X and] I mention[ed] he should have a radio to communicate with traffic in the pattern if he is authorized to do such activities. [Mr. X] had mentioned he had a radio but it was in his office.An airport manager should know the protocol to operate such activities on an active runway. This manager should be trained in runway incursion and airport markings as well as coordinating non-aviation events at an airport.
While making a go-around at a small uncontrolled airport with a student a flight instructor pilot was surprised to see a pickup truck parked on the runway and a motorcycle speeding down the runway itself. He was further surprised when; after a subsequent landing; he confronted the individuals involved and ultimately learned that one of them was the Airport Manager.