Final answer:
The question refers to aviation regulations regarding landing on short runways, where prior approval by an aviation body such as the FAA is mandatory for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "Utilizing any runway less than ______ft requires prior approval by ___." appears to relate to operational regulations or procedures for aircraft landing at certain airports. When it comes to landing on short runways, the distance required for a safe landing can differ greatly depending on the type of aircraft and the operational requirements. In general, shorter runways require careful consideration of an aircraft's performance characteristics to ensure that it can safely takeoff and land.
Prior approval is typically required by the airport authority or controlling aviation body, which might be the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or a similar governmental agency in other countries. This prior approval is necessary to ensure safety standards are met and that both the pilot and aircraft are capable of handling the specific challenges associated with shorter runway operations.