AOPA works to protect member access at Teterboro

AOPA works to protect member access at Teterboro

AOPA President Phil Boyer met with New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman (D-District 9) this week to discuss Teterboro Airport. In the meeting, Boyer stressed the point that light general aviation aircraft are not causing the noise concerns at the airport. He also helped reinforce the FAA's message to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that it should not increase user fees or limit flight into Teterboro Airport, a reliever for the New York area.

"Teterboro is a vital link in the National Airspace System, and AOPA is working to ensure that members will continue to have efficient and affordable access," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "We are pleased that the FAA also discourages the changes proposed by the Port Authority."

The Port Authority had proposed increasing restrictions on nighttime operations, lowering the maximum landing weight of aircraft to 80,000 pounds, and increasing airport fees in an effort to increase safety at the airport.

The FAA reminded the Port Authority that it has accepted federal grant money for the airport and must comply with the attached obligations, including providing access that is reasonable and not unjustly discriminatory. Changes also would be subject to the requirements of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.

The agency also underscored that any new airport fee could be subject to the FAA's review and challenged by airport users.

July 21, 2005