As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:
For purposes of this article, only a publicly owned, public use airport shall be considered to be an airport; provided, however, that a heliport shall not be considered to be an airport for purposes of this article. For purposes of this article, a facility constructed to serve as a publicly owned, public use airport after May 20, 2009, shall be deemed to be an airport upon its approval by the FAA, its being licensed by the department as an airport, and beginning commercial service operations.
Ala. Code § 23-1-411 (1975)