WASHINGTON, DC – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) was joined by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the National Business Aviation Association in opposing the East Hampton, N.J. town board to restrict aircraft operations at its airport (KHTO), and its related airport infrastructure plan. The town is proposing four restrictions effective May 1st to October 31st with the proposal’s impact being reassessed after October 31, 2015.
Proposed is a mandatory nighttime curfew, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.; an extended curfew on noisy aircraft, from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.; a ban on all helicopters on weekends during the summer; and a limit on operations by noisy aircraft of one trip (one arrival and one departure) per week during the summer. The imposition of the proposed restrictions and investment plan on HTO-based aviation businesses, including full-service fuel providers, flight school services and charter services, will have a negative impact.
East Hampton Airport is part of a national system of airports, and operational restrictions like those under consideration present a threat to the national air transportation system that transcends local communities. This is the primary reason why the FAA requires airports that have received federal funds to adhere to grant assurances requiring, among other things, access to all airports on reasonable conditions and without unjust discrimination. This is a critical element in the survival of our nation’s system of airports and one the Town of East Hampton can expect will be vigorously defended.
