NY Court Upholds Injunction Preserving Public Access to East Hampton Town Airport

The New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, has upheld a court injunction preserving public access to East Hampton Town Airport (JPX) in New York. The decision follows an attempt by the town of East Hampton to limit operations at the airport, which was found to be in non-compliance with the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA).

In May 2022, town officials sought to close the former East Hampton Airport (HTO) and open a new private-use airport with mandatory curfews and other restrictions. However, this move was blocked by a court injunction, which has now been affirmed by the appellate court.

Alex Gertsen, NBAA director of airports and ground infrastructure, noted that this ruling makes it more challenging for the town to restrict or close the airport. He emphasized the importance of unwavering airport advocacy and standing up for precedent-setting outcomes to protect access.

Despite the court ruling, confusion remains for pilots and operators due to the town's failure to update aeronautical charts and databases to reflect the airport's public status. The FAA has restored public IFR procedures, but the airport is still incorrectly labeled as private on FAA charts, which also removed it from the NOTAM system.

Gertsen also highlighted the importance of the "Pilot Pledge" initiative led by the East Hampton Community Alliance, which promotes voluntary noise abatement procedures and helicopter routes. He expressed hope for continued engagement and collaboration with the town and surrounding communities to further strengthen and improve the program.

FMI: NBAA.org