Circuit Court strikes down East Hampton Airport restrictions

The regulations, which included curfews and limits on “noisy” aircraft, were ruled by the court to be in conflict with the Airport Noise and Capacity Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by the president in 1990.

While East Hampton argued that the airport was not subject to the law because it does not accept federal funds, the court ruled that Congress intended airport noise issues to be regulated at the federal level.

Bill Dunn of AOPA's government affairs said, “AOPA will continue to work with our members at East Hampton Airport to ensure fair and reasonable access without unjust discrimination or restrictions.”

Local activists who say they have been “tormented by airport noise” are working to close East Hampton Airport.

According to recent news reports, violations of the mandatory curfew restrictions fell for the second year.