Several Issues Remain Ahead Of Planned 2010 Opening

A proposed cargo airport near Humbolt Industrial Park in Hazelton, PA will have no effect on national airspace if built... providing developers comply with specific conditions, according to the FAA.

The FAA issued a letter of conditional airspace approval Monday in response to a feasibility study conducted by Gladstone Partners LLP for the proposed airport in southern Luzerne and northern Schuylkill counties, according to Pennsylvania's The Republican Herald.

The letter doesn't necessarily reflect approval or disapproval of the airport itself, FAA Eastern Region spokesman Jim Peters is quick to point out.

"All the analysis concluded it would not affect the national airspace system, biding the five conditions we laid down," he said.

"This determination does not constitute FAA approval or disapproval of the physical development involved in the proposal," the FAA letter said. "It is a determination with respect to the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace by aircraft and with respect to the safety of persons and properties on the ground."

The determination also reflects FAA's consideration of the effects the proposed cargo airport would have on existing airspace, safety of people and properties and how existing man-made or natural objects would impact the proposed airport, the letter reads.

Some of the conditions the agency has stipulated include addressing overlapping traffic patterns with Hazleton Municipal Airport, mark and light a smokestack about a mile away from the proposed site and work with the FAA to develop takeoff and departure procedures and routes.

Peters described comments the FAA submitted in response to the proposal as "guidance for the airport operator or the developer to ensure safe development." Those issues include the need for an obstacle survey, ensuring runways and taxiways are separated properly, and establishing a runway safety zone, among others.

Gladstone is expected to spend a minimum of three years working closely with the FAA on restructuring air traffic control procedures; the determination is valid through October 31, 2008 with the option to extend the determination as it works to submit ongoing updates on progress, construction and time lines, Peters said.

Supporters are targeting a 2010 opening for the airport.

FMI: www.luzernecounty.org/, www.faa.gov