East Hampton Delays Plan to Switch Airport to Private Use

The new schedule gives the town and the FAA more time to address issues the agency raised regarding approvals and analyses that may be required under the planned changes.

This is the latest installment in what is becoming a saga set in the toney town where the arrivals and departures of summer and weekend residents in various private jets and helicopters create friction with those living in the area year-round.

Residents have complained for years about aircraft noise around the airport, but the expiration last September of FAA grant assurances gave the town new options that included restricting airport operations, switching to private use, or even permanently closing the airport. The grant assurances give airports access to federal funds while requiring them to continue operating.

In a letter sent to East Hampton earlier this month, the FAA made clear that switching an airport from public to private use is a complicated process that could take longer than town officials expected. The agency said that by closing the airport, the town would give up “all FAA-operated navigational, weather, and communications aids” in addition to the airport losing its Class D airspace and published instrument procedures.

The agency also said that while it “will endeavor to expedite its processes, you should be aware that it may take approximately two years to restore the current capability of the airport if it is deactivated.”