East Hampton Prohibits Public, Commercial Use at Local Airport

East Hampton, in Long Island, New York, is making an unusual change to its small regional airport.

The anti-private aviation East Hampton Town Board approved a resolution to deactivate East Hampton Airport (HTO) through a temporary closure on March 1, and reopen it three days later as a “new airport,” a private-use facility subject to prior permission. 

The board says the change will greatly reduce the noise and traffic in the area, something long requested by locals. The removal of commercial services and outsiders is not popular outside of the limited circle of residents and renters, however. The airport is one of the few available to residents looking for access to the East side of the Little Peconic Bay. Under the new rules, a series of flight operations and restrictions will go into place, including curfews and prohibitions on specific types of jets, seaplanes, and helicopters. The change is possible after the expiration of FAA grant assurances last year, allowing the town to selectively restrict the airport's use. The NBAA has a mixed outlook on the change. Moving to a private airport doesn't bode all too well for the majority of aviators,  as the change effectively removes it from the aeronautical ecosystem. The upside, however, is that it at least stays in operation, suitable for emergency landings or authorized use. For well-heeled locals with their multi-million dollar homes, ridding the area of a 'noisy' airport wouldn't be a strange turn of events. 

“We do not see the path to a private-use airport in order to institute restrictions to be viable as proposed by the town, and its ability to receive FAA approval for this course of action remains to be seen,” NBAA said. “Nevertheless, choosing this option indicates the town recognizes the value of its airport, and NBAA appreciates the town board making a commitment to keeping HTO open so that it can continue to play an important role and to serve the communities on the east end of the island.”

“Pilots and operators of all types of aircraft have demonstrated commitment for over a decade to fly neighborly and to develop procedures and routes to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities, affirming to the town that the industry is committed to find solutions to be a good neighbor with surrounding residents,” NBAA's Gertsen said.

“We are closely monitoring the developments and working with the town, the FAA and other local and national organizations to help shape the future of the airport,” he said.

FMI: www.nbaa.org