The battle over East Hampton Airport’s conversion to a private-use facility has come to an end as the FAA green lights the closure for next month.
The town will close the general aviation airport in Long Island, retiring its current three-letter identifier – KHTO – on May 17. Two days later, a new private airport – East Hampton Town Airport (KJPX) – will reopen in its place under the same management.
The town will assume control of the airport once it has been privatized, meaning it can create new rules to reduce the noise coming from the airport, a sore point for many locals.
According to the East Hampton Star, the transition will only impact 40% of aircraft operations while addressing nearly 70% of the noise complaints.
The Town Board announced plans to close the airport in February, but the move was met with much resistance from the FAA, general aviation groups, and businesses on the airfield. But after an airport airspace analysis, the FAA told town officials that it has “no objection” to the privatization plan.
After reopening, the airport will operate under “prior permission required”, meaning pilots wishing to use the airport will need to submit an application.
The East Hampton Town Airport will also be under a variety of additional restrictions, including increased landing fees, a curfew, and trip limitations.
Control tower operations will begin for the season on May 28, just in time for the busy Memorial Day weekend. Navigational and weather aids are expected to be available.
Aircraft with a noise signature 91 or above the effective perceived noise in decibel (EPNdB) will only be allowed one round trip at the airport per day.
Aircraft noise levels will be determined by the FAA Advisory Circular AC-36-1H. Aircraft not listed in the Circular will be perceived as noise, but all piston aircraft will be classified as ‘non-noisy’.
The airport will also use the privatization to phase out lead-based fuel. Additionally, the increased landing fees at the new airport are being considered by the town for carbon offsets and credits.
With a study taking place over the summer to ensure the new restrictions are reducing noise complaints, its findings could change how the airport operates in the future.
Recent Comments