FAA Reviewing Airspace Request

Gladstone Partners, LP, a Pennsylvania limited partnership has announced plans to open a cargo airport near Humbolt Industrial Park in Hazleton, PA.

The FAA is currently reviewing the airspace request, agency spokesman Jim Peters said Wednesday. Applicants must identify all schools, churches and obstructions that fall within large trapezoid-shaped sections at the end of each runway. The agency will review potential obstacles such as buildings and power lines.

"The size of the trapezoid varies and increases with the size of the aircraft using the runway," he told Hazelton's Times Leader.

Gladstone's application proposes a 13,000-foot-long asphalt runway that's 200 feet wide, Peters said. "That would make it one of the longest runways in the country," he added.

The FAA will also evaluate how potential new flight patterns will mesh with the current air traffic system and whether aircraft can take off and land safely from both ends of the runway.

Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak said Wednesday that he "loves the airport concept" but "owes it to the public to gather more information before creating an authority." During a public hearing earlier this month, concerns were raised about the rush to create an airport authority.

"On the surface, everything looks so good, but we had to slow ourselves down and make sure we proceed cautiously with optimism," Skrepenak said.

The proposed airfield was referred to as the Luzerne County Authority Airport on the FAA application.

Gladstone told the FAA that 25 single- and 25 multi-engine aircraft would be based at the facility, Peters said.

The FAA confirmed receipt of the application but won't estimate a time frame for a decision, Peters said.

"It's driven by workload and resources," he said.

Once airspace clearance is granted, no other FAA permissions are needed to construct the facility because the application indicates that no federal funding will be sought for the $1.6 billion project, Peters said.

However, a myriad of local and state level permissions will be required. For example, a usage license must be obtained from Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation's Bureau of Aviation to indicate the facility meets an extensive series of regulations and safety standards, said bureau representative Brian Gearhart.

Gladstone hopes to stimulate the Hazelton economy and predicts the airport will eventually provide 4,500 jobs through air cargo airlines, customs services, security companies and bonded warehouses according to a company press release.
The annual income potential from goods and services associated with the airport is estimated near the $17.1 billion mark.

"Simply put, we're talking about an industry that can lead to more than 150,000 jobs that pay family sustaining wages here in Luzerne County," said State Representative Todd A. Eachus. "This brand-new cargo-specific airport has been discussed since 1999 but now our mix of government officials from all levels and dedicated private investors... will get this project moving and put the greater Hazelton area to work."

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