NBAA Joins Lawsuit Over East Hampton Restrictions

NBAA joined a lawsuit filed earlier this month against the Town of East Hampton, N.Y., over airport restrictions that the association says are unfair, unreasonable and unjustly discriminatory. On May 7 the town will consider fines and penalties that would enforce new restrictions for East Hampton Airport (HTO).

Among the restrictions are curfews on all aircraft and more far-reaching restrictions on those deemed “noisy," including a once-a-week limit on taking off and landing at the airport. The Friends of East Hampton Airport, comprising a group of users and other local backers, filed the lawsuit, saying the restrictions are unconstitutional and would do irreparable harm. NBAA agreed, saying the restrictions could create operational safety problems and will impose an economic burden.

"Despite repeated warnings to town officials from NBAA and other aviation interests that local airports do not have the authority to regulate the types of aircraft that can operate at that airport, East Hampton is setting the stage for years of costly litigation by attempting to implement severe operating restrictions at HTO," said NBAA COO Steve Brown. "East Hampton is bound by grant assurances and other regulations that require it to operate within compliance with federal aviation law and policy." The Helicopter Association International also is a party to the lawsuit.