Privately owned fields make up more than half of the airports in New Jersey’s aviation system, and they need governmental protection.
That was the message AOPA delivered during New Jersey Aviation Awareness Week, held May 19 through 23 at the state capitol.
AOPA Manager of State Legislative Affairs Joey Colleran used the event, which was co-sponsored by AOPA, to educate lawmakers about the important role general aviation and small airports play in the state’s economy and transportation system. And she met with lawmakers in support of S.B.1581, an AOPA-backed measure that would help protect private airports from closure by local governments.
“With so many of New Jersey’s airports in private hands, the state needs to provide some added protections,” Colleran said. “The language in this bill is a first step in ensuring that these vital airports don’t disappear under pressure from local governments.”
Colleran also attended Steve Riethof’s induction into the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey. Riethof, a 49-year AOPA member and an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer, has worked tirelessly to help preserve light general aviation access to Teterboro, which serves visitors to New York City.
